How to Pack Your Kitchen for a Move

The kitchen is one of the most important parts of your home and also one of the hardest to pack for a move. The wide range of sizes, shapes and delicacy of items in your kitchen makes packing tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, there are some strategies you can use to make the process more efficient and also help you unpack when the time comes. Here is a guide for the best way to pack your kitchen for a move.

Gather Your Materials & Tools

Before you get started on the actual packing, make sure you have all the supplies you need. For packing a kitchen, you’ll want to have box dividers, packing paper, tape and a marker. You may also opt for using thin bubble wrap for some of the more delicate items.

Set Aside Essentials

Create a basic table setting for however many people are in your household and pack it separately. Each set of basics should include a plate, a bowl, a set of silverware, a cup, a mug and anything else you might need. The idea is to set aside a small amount of essentials so you can eat without unpacking your entire kitchen once you move in.

Sort By Kitchen Area

The simplest way to pack your kitchen is to first sort items by area. Basically, the goal is to keep everything together that belongs together, so unpacking is quicker and easier later. For example, include all of your spices and seasonings in the same box. Auxiliary cookware and tools like can openers and vegetable peelers should stay together with items in the same drawer or cupboard.

Start With Items You Won’t Need Immediately

For actually putting things into boxes, the best place to start is with uncommonly used items. This can include things like dishes you only take out on special occasions. If you have not used an item in your kitchen in the last three months, it’s safe to pack it away first.

Don’t Forget a Cooler

If you still have food in your fridge and freezer, you’ll need to transport it safely. Fill a cooler with ice and load it with perishable items. When loading a truck or other moving vehicle, try to add this last so it’s one of the very first things to unload on the other side. That way, you can put things back in the cold where they belong without risking spoilage or melting.

Packing the kitchen can be overwhelming, especially for homes with extensive collections of flatware and other items. Try these tips for more efficient packing to make your move easier.