Pack Your Kitchen Like A Pro

Out of all the rooms to pack for a move, the kitchen can easily be the most difficult! There is typically a ton of pieces to pack, and many of them are fragile or irregularly shaped! With a bit of planning and organization, you can tackle the packing process like a pro! Here's how you can pack your kitchen without being overwhelmed!

 1: Get Organized

Just like any other room in your house, you should purge your kitchen. Go through everything and decide what you will be keeping, and what you don't need anymore. An easy way to purge your kitchen is to use this rule: if you haven't used the item in over a year, discard it. You will lighten your load and only pack things that serve a purpose to you.

2: Gather Necessary Materials

You're going to need heavy duty boxes in a variety of sizes, packing paper, tape, labeling markers, dividers designed for packing and stacking, plastic wrap, and soft stuffing (socks, towels, etc.). It is important to remember that you will need more supplies than you think. For a family-sized kitchen, purchase about five small boxes, ten medium boxes, five large boxes, three extra large boxes, and about three rolls of packing paper (4-5 pounds total). You may have to go back to the store to purchase more, but this is a good amount of materials to begin with.

3: Grab the Essentials

You will regret packing your kitchen only then to realize you didn't leave any items out for that night or when you arrive to your new house and are waiting on your household goods. Every member of your family will need a plate, cup, and a set of silverware, and you should keep out a couple bowls. Plan on leaving out a dish towel, dish soap, a sponge, and any appliances you’ll need handy while you pack, such as a coffee maker. These items can be packed separately in a "kitchen essentials" box on the day that you start your move.

4: Start Somewhere

Every cabinet and drawer in the kitchen has its own difficulties when it comes to packing, but it all has to get done! Clear off a spot on your countertop, spread out your packing paper, and begin packing.

Pots/Pans: Using a large or medium box, stack pots and pans with the smaller ones in between the larger ones and a small piece of packing paper between them. Be sure to add support around and in between your pots and pans by stuffing paper or soft stuffing into openings--this will keep them from moving around in route. Glass lids need to be wrapped in packing paper and placed around the pots and pans or in a separate box.

Glasses: The best bet here is to use specialty dividers that fit into standard packing boxes. Even though glassware is better protected in dividers versus out of them, you should still wrap each item in packing paper. Make sure not to stack anything on top of your glassware, even if there’s room in the box because glass is fragile and can't support a lot of additional weight.

Plates/Bowls: Stack your plates and bowls for packing. If they’re breakable, wrap each item before stacking. You can simply put a piece of packing paper in between them. Keep plates or bowls stacked together by wrapping them in plastic wrap. Use the space around your plates and bowls to pack smaller items.

Appliances: For small appliances, pack them in the smallest box possible. Use packing paper to completely secure them in the box. Be sure to fill in any gaps around them to prevent them from shifting. If you’re planning on moving your larger appliances, the moving company will want you to prepare them ahead of time. You can help by unplugging them, removing any hoses, and taping all doors shut.

Kitchens don't have to be an overwhelming job. By following these four steps, you can ease the stress associated with packing your entire kitchen for your upcoming move.