Virily Editor
Packing for the move to a new home is a tedious but necessary activity, which affects the security of your belongings. The kitchen deserves special attention, as it contains many items without which you can’t prepare a delicious meal or set the table for a family dinner.
You need to unbox and transport pots, pans, plates, cups, and spoons, disassemble bulky tables, cabinets, and other furniture. Therefore, moving the kitchen requires more effort and time compared to other rooms.
How to pack your kitchen properly? Keep reading to learn some simple tips.
How to Pack Large Items
Kitchen Table and Chairs
The table is the main attribute of the kitchen. In families with over 2 people, it has an impressive size and weight. The best option is to disassemble the table into its component parts and pack them separately into bubble wrap or stretch wrap. If this is feasible, then disassemble the chairs, wrap the component parts in the tape and pay special attention to the legs because they are often damaged in transit. Put all the fittings in a separate bag and pack them separately.
Home Appliances
Start preparing for transportation by unplugging appliances. Small and medium-sized appliances (kettles, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) are best transported in their original boxes, otherwise, use regular boxes. Fill empty spaces with small items (forks, spoons, cereal, spices), old towels, or crumpled newspapers.
Defrost the fridge, remove all food, secure moving parts (shelves, doors), and wrap the unit in several layers of stretch wrap. Remember that this equipment is transported only in an upright position.
If you have a washing machine, disconnect the drain pipe, fix it on the back wall, screw the shipping bolts, and wrap the appliance with stretch tape.
Cabinets
Free the cabinets from the contents, remove the shelves and doors, and wrap them in a layer of stretch wrap. The glass parts should be secured with a soft cloth. Fold the fittings into a bag and secure them with tape to the inside of the furniture, or put them in a box with other kitchen items. Wrap the remaining frame with stretch wrap, and do the same with the nightstands and other pieces of prefabricated furniture.
A Special Consideration When Packing Stemware and Fragile Items
Use small containers, rather than one large box for utensils. They are easier to carry and place in the cabin, and there is a higher probability of preserving the items.
Here’s how to transport dishes when moving:
- Saucers and plates. Wrap each item in paper. Form into small stacks and insulate with bubble wrap. Stack stacks in boxes with a rib. This will reduce the stress on the contents in transit.
- Tea sets and glasses. Stack saucers, then wrap them with paper and cling tape. Crumpled paper can be placed in glasses and cups. Before stacking in a box, line the bottom with foam rubber, rags, or fill with styrofoam crumbs. Put the fragile tableware, filling all the empty spaces carefully so that the glasses won’t roll over and will be well secured. Insulate the top with a layer of paper. Then close the box.
- Volumetric salad bowls. Each object should be wrapped in air bubble wrap, and you can put crumpled paper on the bottom. Fill the box with crumbs, spread rags, and place dishes. The voids should be filled in with improvised materials or synthetic foam.
- Crystal and glass. On the bottom of each item, put crumpled paper, wrap it in several tape layers, and then foam rubber. To prevent the package from unrolling, fix it with scotch tape. Place the items in a rigid box, filling the empty spaces with cardboard first and making a partition for each vase or glass. Fill the free space with crumbs, put a towel on top, and close with a lid.
- Metal utensils. It’s enough to insulate the tips of knives and forks with plain paper, tape them together, and place them in a cardboard box.
Frying pots, pans, saucepans, and kettles can be wrapped around in a soft cloth and paper. This is a protection against chipping non-stick coatings and enamel. It’s convenient to place them in large bags and cardboard boxes.
