Every room comes with its own challenges when you’re moving. But pretty much everyone will tell you the kitchen is the most challenging space to pack. From delicate glassware to clunky appliances to countless drawers of who knows what, packing up a kitchen can feel a bit daunting. Packing the kitchen is a time-consuming process that requires careful planning. Sorting through items, wrapping them individually, and packing them securely takes considerable time and effort. Many people underestimate the time required to pack the kitchen, leading to last-minute stress and rushed packing. Last minute, rushed packing increases the risk of damaged items if not packed appropriately.
But have no fear — we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll go through all you need to know to pack your kitchen like a pro, from decluttering to labelling boxes to keeping your movers safe. No matter if you’re handling it all on your own or using SLC movers, this advice should help you dread the process less.
Why Is the Kitchen So Difficult to Pack?
The kitchen is a hub of activity, so it accumulates a diverse range of items. From everyday dishes and silverware to specialized appliances and cookware, the volume of possessions can be overwhelming.
- Dishes and Glassware: Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, and serving dishes come in various shapes and sizes, requiring careful wrapping and packing to prevent breakage.
- Cookware: Pots, pans, skillets, baking sheets, and casserole dishes are often bulky and heavy, demanding sturdy boxes and strategic packing to maximize space.
- Cutlery and Utensils: Knives, forks, spoons, spatulas, whisks, and other utensils need to be organized and secured to prevent damage or injury.
- Small Appliances: Blenders, toasters, coffee makers, food processors, and other appliances require their original packaging or careful wrapping to protect them during transit.
- Pantry Items: Canned goods, spices, dry ingredients, and condiments need to be sorted, packed, and labeled to prevent spills or spoilage.
- Miscellaneous Items: Kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, cleaning supplies, and other miscellaneous items add to the clutter and require careful consideration during packing.
This combination of fragile dishes and heavy appliances requires careful handling and appropriate packing materials, making the kitchen the most challenging room to pack when moving.
Declutter and Organize Your Kitchen
The first step is decluttering. You don’t want to spend all that time and money moving things you don’t use. Begin by surveying your cabinets, drawers and pantry.
What to Declutter Before Moving:
- Expired food and spices
- Duplicate utensils or small appliances
- Old Tupperware with missing lids
- Chipped plates or glasses
- Items you haven’t used in over a year
Separate what you’d like to donate or recycle. The less you have to move, the easier your move will be — and the less expensive it will be with Salt Lake City moving companies.
Categorize Your Items
Sort like items together after you declutter. It will keep you packing organized and make unpacking a snap.
Categories to Use:
- Categories to Use:
- Glassware and stemware
- Plates and bowls
- Pots and pans
- Utensils and knives
- Small appliances (blender, coffee maker)
- Pantry items
Pro tip: Start by packing lesser used items and end with items you use every day.
The Best Packing Materials for Kitchen Items
Heavy duty packing materials are a must for the kitchen.
Here’s what you need:
- Heavy-duty moving boxes (various sizes)
- Boxes with dish and glass dividers
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Packing tape (lots of it!)
- Markers and labels
- Dish Barrels: These are specialized boxes designed for packing dishes and glassware.
- Ziploc Bags: Use Ziploc bags to store small items like twisty ties and chip clips
Buying the right supplies will also save you from broken dishes and spilled pantry goods. Some movers in Salt Lake City even provide professional-grade packing supplies if you need them, or can direct you where to buy them.
Pack Strategically
As you begin packing, put away those things you use the least, like holiday place settings and specialty cookware. Then work your way to the items you use every day.
How to Pack Plates and Glasses:
- Pack each dish separately with packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Put the heavier plates on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Also use glass and stemware dividers for additional cushioning.
- For pots and pans, stack them and fill the voids with dish towels for cushioning.
- Disassemble appliances as much as possible to make them easier to pack and transport. Remove detachable parts and wrap them separately.
- Take photos of how appliances and electronics are connected before disconnecting them. This will make it easier to reassemble them in your new home.
Pack with Your Items (and Movers) in Mind
Kitchens have some heavy, sharp, items that can injure, if not packed appropriately.
Follow these tips for safety:
- Make your heavy lifting a little easier by keeping most of the boxes under 50 lbs.
- Cover blades with blade guards or thick towels and label the box “Sharp Items”.
- Heavy items such as canned goods can be packed in smaller boxes.
- Your movers will be grateful for their safe and easy-to-carry load!
Label Boxes Clearly
Label Boxes Clearly
The process of labeling is crucial for a well-organized move. Each box should include:
- Contents (such as “Glasses and Cups”)
- The room destination (Kitchen)
- Specific notes such as FRAGILE or THIS SIDE UP
This way your Salt Lake City Movers can know how to treat your boxes cautiously and which room to set them in at your new home.
Pack a Box of Essentials
You won’t want to scour 10 boxes for your coffee maker when you get your new place. For the kitchen essentials box, include:
- Some plates, some cups and some pieces of silverware.
- Coffee maker or kettle
- Dish soap and sponge
- Paper towels and trash bags
- Snacks for moving day
Keep this box in a location that is separate from other items and easy to access.alt Lake City Movers can know how to treat your boxes cautiously and which room to set them in at your new home.
Additional Expert Tips on Packing Your Kitchen
If you’re moving your fridge, make sure to defrost your fridge 24 hours ahead of moving day to avoid leaks.
Use plastic wrap over open spice jars and small bottles to prevent spills.
While not all kitchen items hold sentimental value, certain pieces may be special to you. Family heirlooms, handmade pottery, or gifts from loved ones can be emotionally challenging to pack, as the thought of them being damaged or lost is distressing.
FAQs About Packing Kitchens for a Move
1. How long does it take to pack a kitchen?
It depends on the size, but most kitchens take 6–10 hours to pack properly.
2. Should I pack my pantry food?
Pack only unopened, non-perishable items. Donate or discard anything expired.
3. Can movers pack my kitchen for me?
Yes! Some movers in Salt Lake City offer professional packing services, saving you time and reducing the risk of damage.
4. How much does it cost to hire movers for packing?
Costs vary based on the size of your home and services needed. Contact us for a free estimate.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing the kitchen. Begin several weeks in advance, packing a few boxes each day. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and allow you to pack more carefully.
While the kitchen might be the toughest room to pack, you’ll stress less with the right strategy. Ready to simplify your move? Get in touch with My Small Moves today – your dependable Salt Lake City Movers!