Purchasing a new home in Lago Mar is exciting. Moving your kitchen? Not so much. Breakable items need to be wrapped. Pots and pans don’t easily fit into boxes, and what about those non-perishables? Before you start, you need a plan. Fortunately, we have one.
Declutter Your Kitchen
Do you really want to that panini maker you got as a wedding present and never use? Moving is a great excuse to get rid of things that no longer spark joy. Go through your cupboards and drawers. Be ruthless. If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s time to say goodbye. This goes for your pantry and spice rack. Throw away expired items. Donate or sell items you don’t want to take with you.
Give Yourself Time
Unless your kitchen is very small, you won’t be able to pack it all in a day. Give yourself time and ask for help. It’s a big job.
Purchase Moving Materials
You are going to need sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, dividers for your glass wear, packing tape and markers. Professional movers advise purchasing five small boxes, 10 medium boxes, five large boxes, three extra-large boxes and about three rolls of packing paper for a family-sized kitchen.
Pack What You Don’t Need First
We all have items we only use once or twice or year, including good dishes, cookbooks, specialty appliances, seasonal items and decorative items. Pack those first. Clearly label the boxes so you know not to unpack them first.
Dishes
Dishes are fragile. Wrap each in packing paper or bubble wrap. Line a heavy-duty box with bubble wrap. Start with the dinner plates. Salad and dessert plates can go on top. Nest bowls inside each other. Use packing paper to fill in any empty spaces to keep dishes from sliding around. Keep everyday dishes separate from your fancy ones.
Glassware
Be sure to purchase special dividers for your glasses. Wrap each glass individually in bubble wrap or paper before packing them. Don’t stack anything on top of them or you will end up with broken glass. Label the box fragile.
Pots and Pans
You don’t need to wrap your pots and pans but do need to wrap glass lids and pack them in a separate box. Nest small pots and pans inside larger ones. If you are worried about scratches, lay a sheet of packing paper between items. Pack paper in empty spaces to keep them from sliding around.
Flatware and Serving Pieces
Make life easy on yourself. If you keep flatware in a tray, just wrap it in plastic wrap and lay it in a box. Use a rubber band to keep serving utensils together. Place them on top of the flatware tray.
Appliances
If you have the original boxes, pack your small appliances in them. If not, use as small a box as possible. Wrap glass carafes or other fragile components in bubble wrap. Be sure to stuff packing paper into empty spaces. Large appliances such as your refrigerator, washer and dryer should have hoses removed and doors taped shut.
What About Food?
If you are planning a long-distance move, don’t bother to pack food. Plan to grocery shop or have food delivered when you get to your new home. For shorter distances, make sure boxes and bags are sealed shut. Glass spice bottles should be wrapped in bubble wrap. If you are planning to cook the first night, set aside what you need and pack it in a tote bag. Perishable items can be transported in a cooler.
Don’t Pack the Essentials
Unless you are planning to order pizza every night before you move, it’s a good idea to set aside things you know you will need up until moving day. That includes plates, glasses and cutlery, pans for cooking, a dish towel, dish soap and sponges. If you can’t live without your coffee maker don’t pack it. Prepare an essentials box. Pack the items you are still using a day or two before the move. Be sure to unpack it first. You will probably need them for the first few days you are in your new home.
The post How to Pack Your Kitchen appeared first on Lago Mar.