The kitchen is one of the most important parts of your home and also one of the hardest to pack for a move. The wide range of sizes, shapes and delicacy of items in your kitchen makes packing tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, there are some strategies you can use to make the process more efficient and also help you unpack when the time comes. Here is a guide for the best way to pack your kitchen for a move.
Gather Your Materials & Tools
Before you get started on the actual packing, make sure you have all the supplies you need. For packing a kitchen, you’ll want to have box dividers, packing paper, tape and a marker. You may also opt for using thin bubble wrap for some of the more delicate items.
Set Aside Essentials
Create a basic table setting for however many people are in your household and pack it separately. Each set of basics should include a plate, a bowl, a set of silverware, a cup, a mug and anything else you might need. The idea is to set aside a small amount of essentials so you can eat without unpacking your entire kitchen once you move in.
Sort By Kitchen Area
The simplest way to pack your kitchen is to first sort items by area. Basically, the goal is to keep everything together that belongs together, so unpacking is quicker and easier later. For example, include all of your spices and seasonings in the same box. Auxiliary cookware and tools like can openers and vegetable peelers should stay together with items in the same drawer or cupboard.
Start With Items You Won’t Need Immediately
For actually putting things into boxes, the best place to start is with uncommonly used items. This can include things like dishes you only take out on special occasions. If you have not used an item in your kitchen in the last three months, it’s safe to pack it away first.
Don’t Forget a Cooler
If you still have food in your fridge and freezer, you’ll need to transport it safely. Fill a cooler with ice and load it with perishable items. When loading a truck or other moving vehicle, try to add this last so it’s one of the very first things to unload on the other side. That way, you can put things back in the cold where they belong without risking spoilage or melting.
Packing the kitchen can be overwhelming, especially for homes with extensive collections of flatware and other items. Try these tips for more efficient packing to make your move easier.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
