A good thing to do even before you start packing your kitchen is to assess approximately how many boxes and how much packing material you will need. Remember, it is always better to have a little more than what you need so you don’t run out when packing. Also, old newspapers are a great packing material, especially in the kitchen, for stuffing glassware, and wrapping flatware and silverware. When packing your kitchen start with the breakables at the beginning of the job. You want to make sure you spend some time on these; so it’s better to start here and do a good job than to wait until the end when you are tired and not taking the time you need to make sure your belongings get to your new home in one piece.
Glassware Start with your glassware. It is a good idea to make sure all your dishes have been cleaned the night before so you don’t have to start with a load of dishes. Your kitchen table makes a great staging area. Lay out several sheets of packing paper, or newspapers work well if you are packing on a budget. Make sure to stuff the inside first and then roll the glassware with packing paper. Start at one corner of the sheet of paper and end at the other. It is not necessary to tape, since it will go directly into the packing carton or box but do so if it makes you feel more secure with your efforts. It may also be a good idea to use a little scotch tape if others will be helping you with unpacking. If you have collected boxes with individual holding vessels inside, such as beer or liquor boxes, now is a great time to use them. Place your wrapped glasses in the individual containers for extra security.These boxes are best used for your most treasured glasses. Less expensive glassware can be packed one inside another. Do so by placing several sheets of packing paper inside the bottom of your packing box, and then stack the first of the series of cups or plates. Next, line that glass or plate with a few sheets of packing paper, until the stack is complete and wrap the corner into the inside of the containers. Judge how many would be best; three or four may be plenty, or six may fit perfectly. In the rest of the space, pack individual items until the box is full and doesn’t have a lot of empty pockets. Place some packing material on top and then seal the box with packing tape. Always label the boxes right after (or before) you pack them so you don’t forget what is inside.
Flatware When packing flatware, it is important to remember that plates travel best at an angle rather than flat. They can handle more resistance this way. Start by bringing a stack of plates over to where you have set up your packing area. Put the first plate on a few sheets of packing paper, pick up the corners of the sheet covering the plate and then stack the next on top of that. Keep doing this until you have completed one size and then start a separate pile for the next size. Almost fill a carton full of packing material before placing the flatware stacks in at an angle. Make sure the plates will not move very much in the packing container and then seal with packing tape.
Small Appliances Pack your small appliances, such as can openers, toasters, coffee makers, and blenders together if possible. This will make unpacking them easier since they will all be together. Wrap them individually in two or three sheets of packing paper and then place them into a moving box. Fill the empty spaces in the box with wadded up paper or other kitchen items such as pots and pans before sealing and marking the box.
Pots and Pans Since pots and pans are more sturdy items they can be stacked. Stack two or three pots and pans on top of one another lining each pan with packing material as you go. After you have done this, finish by wrapping the stack with three sheets of packing paper and place them in the middle of a box upside down. Again, fill the empty spaces of the box with wadded up paper.
Miscellaneous Things such as spices, cereal, sugar, and flour should be packed away from other items when packing your kitchen. Label these boxes food items as to keep these items together. If you will be storing your belongings for a time, do not store food items. It will attract rodents and other small animals. Spice jars and canisters should be taped closed. Canisters can be wrapped in packing paper, but it is not necessary to wrap spices and cereal.