Every move has one room that takes longer than everyone expects, and it's almost always the kitchen. Plates, glasses, pots, pans, small appliances, and that drawer full of mystery utensils all need a home in a box. The good news is that a little planning turns the kitchen from the hardest room into one of the easiest.
Start With What You Rarely Use
About two weeks before moving day, pack the things you can live without. Think holiday platters, the bread maker you used twice, extra mugs, wine glasses, and specialty baking pans. These items take up a surprising amount of space, and getting them boxed early makes the rest of the kitchen feel manageable.
This is also a great time to be honest with yourself. If you haven't touched the fondue set in five years, it probably doesn't need to ride in the truck. Donate it, sell it, or pass it along to a friend.
Use the Right Supplies
Kitchen items are heavy and fragile, which is a tough combination. Small and medium boxes work best, because a large box full of dishes can get too heavy to lift safely. Pick up plenty of packing paper, and skip the newspaper, since the ink can rub off on everything.
Dish pack boxes with cardboard dividers are worth the few extra dollars. They keep glasses and stemware from knocking into each other and give you real peace of mind.
Pack Plates on Their Side
This one surprises people. Plates are actually stronger standing on their edge than lying flat. Wrap each plate in paper, then stand them up in the box like records in a crate. Fill any gaps with crumpled paper so nothing shifts.
Glasses should be wrapped one at a time and placed rim side down. Stuff a little paper inside each one for extra support.
Keep a Survival Box
The last few days before a move can get hectic, and nobody wants to order takeout every night. Set aside a small box with the basics: a pan, a pot, a couple of plates, cups, utensils, a sharp knife, dish soap, a sponge, paper towels, and your coffee maker. Pack this box last and unpack it first.
Label it clearly and keep it with you rather than on the truck. That first morning in your new home will feel a lot better with a hot cup of coffee.
Deal With Food Before Moving Day
Try to cook through your pantry and freezer in the weeks leading up to the move. Plan meals around what you already have. Unopened canned and boxed goods can often be donated to a local food pantry, which is a nice way to lighten the load and help your neighbors at the same time.
Don't forget to empty, defrost, and clean the refrigerator at least a day before you go.
Label Everything
Write the contents and the room on at least two sides of every box. Mark anything fragile in big letters. When it's time to unpack, you'll know exactly where the coffee mugs are hiding.
At This End Up Moving, our team handles kitchens every week, and we know how to get your dishes there in one piece. If you're planning a move, visit thisendupmoving.com to get a free estimate.