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How to Pack Your Kitchen for Moving: A Complete Guide



A kitchen is generally the hub of the house and so when you’re moving house it can often be the most complicated room to pack and relocate. The combination of fragile items, heavy appliances, and countless small tools requires careful planning and organisation. This comprehensive guide will help you pack your kitchen efficiently and safely, whether you're handling the move yourself or working with professional removalists.

Planning Your Kitchen Pack

Before diving into the packing process, it's essential to gather all necessary supplies. You'll need heavy-duty boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, and zip-lock bags. It's recommended to begin packing your kitchen at least 1-2 weeks before moving day. During this preparation phase, set aside a box of essential items you'll need for your last few days in your current home and your first day in your new space.

Starting with Decluttering

The first step in packing your kitchen is to declutter and organise. Begin by going through your pantry and disposing of any expired items. Consider donating unopened, non-perishable foods that you won't use before the move. This is also an excellent opportunity to sort through your appliances and cooking tools, setting aside items you rarely use for donation or storage.

Packing Techniques for Different Items

When it comes to plates and bowls, it's crucial to pack them vertically, similar to how records are stored, rather than stacking them flat. This method provides better protection during transport. Place bubble wrap or packing paper between each dish to prevent scratches and breakage. Choose small to medium-sized boxes to avoid creating loads that are too heavy to carry safely.

Glassware and stemware require extra attention. Each glass should be individually wrapped in packing paper, with special care given to stems and delicate parts. Cell dividers can be particularly useful for wine glasses and other stemware. Remember to stuff hollow spaces with crumpled paper to provide additional support and stability.

Small appliances need specific preparation before packing. Remove all detachable parts and wrap cords securely, taping them to the appliances to prevent tangling. If you still have the original boxes, these provide the best protection. Always pack instruction manuals with their corresponding appliances to make setup in your new home easier.

Organising Utensils and Small Items

Kitchen utensils and gadgets can be overwhelming to pack due to their quantity and varied shapes. Consider bundling similar utensils together and securing them with rubber bands. Small items can be organised in zip-lock bags to prevent them from getting lost. Rolling utensils in clean dish towels serves the dual purpose of protecting the items while maximising space efficiency.

Preparing Your Kitchen Survival Kit

For the final days before your move, set aside a "survival kit" of essential items. This should include paper plates and plastic utensils, one pot and pan, basic cooking utensils, your coffee maker and supplies, and basic cleaning materials. These items should be packed last and clearly labeled for easy access upon arrival at your new home.

Tips for Success

Taking photographs of complex appliance setups before disconnecting them can save time and frustration during reassembly. Utilise your kitchen textiles, such as towels and linens, as additional padding for fragile items. Pack a clearly labelled "first day" box with immediate necessities. Always keep cleaning supplies separate from food items, and maximise space by nesting smaller items inside pots and pans.

Working with Professional Removalists

With so much to consider when packing your kitchen, you may be wondering if there is an easier option. If you’re looking for a stress-free kitchen pack, then a removalist company may be the perfect solution. By choosing this service, professional removalists can bring their own packing materials and can usually pack an entire kitchen in just a few hours, easing the stress of having to do it yourself. With packing expertise, removalists will also have professional-grade boxes and wrapping materials to keep your items safe.

When working with removalists, be sure to:

  • Clearly communicate any high-value or particularly fragile items
  • Point out items that require special handling or temperature control 
  • Ask about their insurance coverage for packed items 
  • Verify whether they will disassemble and reassemble larger appliances

Final Considerations

While packing your kitchen requires significant time and attention to detail, a systematic approach will make the unpacking process much more manageable. By starting early, maintaining organisation throughout the packing process, and labelling boxes thoroughly, you'll set yourself up for success in your new kitchen. Whether working with professional removalists or handling the move independently, these guidelines will help ensure your kitchen items arrive safely at your new home.