Tips for packing and moving the kitchen

Packing is one of the essential stages of the move. If you are sticking to your room-by-room moving checklist, you probably have a clear understanding of what it takes to pack up the entire household. Not only will it make the packing process more manageable, but it will also help you keep track of the pre-move tasks. When about to embark on a laborious packing project, you cant help but wonder what would be the most challenging room to pack and move. As it turns out, many people find packing and moving the kitchen as one of the most daunting moving tasks. Considering the amount of small, delicate, and oddly-shaped items, it should come as no surprise at all.

grey kitchen

Kitchen is the most delicate area when it comes to packing and moving

When the time comes to move your kitchen, the first concern that comes to mind is how to clean and pack all those large, greasy appliances. And how to sort through every nook and cranny that hides a large number of different items. Although kitchens are not very spacious, packing them proves to be somewhat nerve-racking. As counter-intuitive as it may sound, packing and moving the kitchen area -may take more time and energy than expected.

Having a good packing strategy in place means that your kitchen items will remain in good shape during the long haul and transport. Some items will require more time and attention from your end to survive the challenges of the upcoming move. Without a doubt, some items are better left to professional packers and movers.

However, here are several essential things you should do to set yourself up for a smooth moving experience.

The ultimate guide to packing and moving the kitchen

The kitchen is probably the most demanding room in terms of packing for a move. While preparing for moving day, you will have to go through so many small items, appliances, and utensils, sort and label them properly, so you can reach them easily once you get to your new location. By following these simple steps, you will be ready when your movers arrive.

The best way to prepare for a smooth moving day is to pare down your belongings whenever you can. Moving the kitchen area is a unique opportunity to sort through each cupboard, drawer, and any other hidden storage area and decide what should be moved and what should be left behind.

A household move gives you a chance for a clean slate, so it would be wise to pack and move only those items that you will need after the move. Try to stay as realistic as possible when deciding what to keep and what to toss. As we all know, letting go of personal items can be difficult. But keeping unnecessary objects may clutter up your new home sooner than expected and generate an unhealthy environment.

Insightful tips for packing the kitchen

silverware on a plate

Use a lot of packing materials when packing delicate and sharp objects

Lets start with the suggestion, which is generally applicable to many other situations when it comes to packing. Select and sort the items you want to move and get rid of those you dont need anymore. Go through each shelf, cupboard, and drawer and decide which items are to be moved to the new place.

The chances are that not every saucer or plate will be used after the move, so think about donating unwanted items, selling them at a garage sale, or giving still usable items to your friends. Items that havent been used for months are not worth moving. Renting a short-term storage NYC can be a great idea if you want to preserve some of the non-essential yet essential items.

When sorting your possessions, you will probably come across some heavy items that are cheaper to purchase than to move, especially if you are moving from NYC to California or any other distant state. If transporting certain items is more expensive than replacing them with new ones, do not hesitate to get rid of them and upgrade your house inventory after you move.

Also, when moving large items, make sure they can fit into your new place. If your new kitchen is significantly smaller, you will be forced to leave behind more items than expected.

Fragile items require special attention and handling. Use sturdy boxes, preferably plastic containers, to transport them safely. Keep in mind that paying extra for packing supplies is an investment that pays off in the long run. Although there are several ways to get free moving boxes New York, purchasing or renting plastic containers may ensure your peace of mind.

What to do with food before moving the kitchen

a girl in front of the fridge when moving the kitchen

Use up your food supplies before moving the kitchen

If you are like most people, your cupboards are stocked with different food products. With moving day just around the corner, you are probably wondering what to do with the excess food that cannot be moved. The most sound advice would be to use up as many products as possible to minimize food waste.

Provided that you have enough time to cook while preparing for the upcoming move, make sure to use up the contents of your fridge before moving day. Not only will you avoid eating out and spending more money, but also you will reduce food waste.
As it turns out, taking a food inventory is a great start when moving the kitchen. What food products you will move with you largely depends on the available space in your new kitchen as well as the distance.

So, unless your new home features a large pantry, make sure to get rid of all the perishables. Rather than throwing away still usable products, consider donating them to the local food banks.
Food products such as spices, pasta, unopened prepackaged products can be transported, which is not the case with frozen food, perishables, or canned products. Canned products arent worth moving unless youre moving nearby on your own.

So, use as much as you can before moving day, then donate the rest to your local shelter or food bank. Dont waste valuable space in the moving truck transporting easily replaceable alimentary products. Furthermore, your movers will most likely refuse to transport frozen, fresh, or refrigerated food as it may contaminate the content of the moving truck.

Sorting through your kitchen before the move: bonus tips

If you are wondering how to perform an eco-friendly move and minimize the harmful effects of the move on your environment, you can start with cleaning supplies.

Cleaning products should be left behind, especially those in opened containers. Also, make sure to dispose of similar products properly. Although you will want to clean your new place as soon as possible, you can get cleaning supplies at the nearest retail store.

Before you even start packing and moving the kitchen, make a list of items you will need during the first few days in your new house.

Since the essentials kit is the first one to open, keep it easily reachable at any moment. It should contain a dishtowel, dish soap, unopened cleaner, spices, coffee, pasta, jam/peanut butter, fork, knife, spoon, plate, pot, glasses, emergency kit, coffee maker, toasterProbably there will be a supermarket or a grocery store nearby where you can go shopping. But you should certainly have some food on hand just in case, especially if you are moving long-distance with kids and pets.

After you have made a packing strategy, get proper packing materials:

  • large and medium boxes
  • plastic bins
  • bubble wrap
  • cell kits
  • tape
  • markers

How to pack and move glassware

wine collection

Involve professional movers when relocating a valuable wine collection

As a rule of thumb, first pack items you dont use regularly: bowls, wine glasses, cookbooks, special utensils, vases,Cell boxes may come in handy for packing glasses and stemware. Most of the kitchen items are usually fragile, so ensure each of them is appropriately packed.

When you are packing liquors, wine, or some other unopened bottles, you should figure out if the weight of each bottle is worth the cost of moving it. Maybe it is cheaper for you to replace them than to move them.

If you are wondering how to pack dishes without breaking them, you can start by reinforcing the bottom of each moving box, so that they can withstand the weight. Line each box with crumpled paper to ensure a cushioning material. Wrap every piece separately and stack them in the box horizontally. Use extra cushioning material and soft fabrics to fill in the empty space. Always start with the heaviest items and stack the lighter ones at the top of the box.

How to prepare appliances for moving

Unless youve decided to part with some heavyweight kitchen appliances, chances are you will have to figure out the safest way to pack and transport your fridge, dishwasher, cooking stove, coffee maker, etc.
Prepare large appliances for the move at least one day in advance, so that you wont be facing any inconveniences during and after the transport. In case you have hired a professional moving company to assist you with the move, movers will take care of it for you. Luckily, New York City offers a great number of dependable movers NYC who can provide high-quality and reliable services.

Unplug the fridge at least two days before moving day so it can defrost thoroughly. Clean each item inside and out and secure all power cords and detachable sections. Upon arrival in your new residence, leave your fridge unplugged at least a couple of hours to avoid possible malfunctions.
Moving the kitchen is no easy task, but with the right help, it can go smoothly and efficiently.

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