Moving house can be stressful there are lots to take in, start early, and organize your packing is a good head start.
If you’re like me, packing the kitchen is one of those things you really hate to do, simply because there are so many small items and items you’re never quite sure you should pack or not. So, before I even wrap the first dish, I sort and select those items that will move and those that will be left behind. Find out how best to manage the packing of your kitchen with this easy-to-use guide or should you fancy getting a professional mover to do the packing for you while you relax.
Sort, Select and Simplify
First, decide what needs to be packed and what can be gotten rid of, perhaps at a garage sale, or sell it online or donated to a charity. This is an easy decision for larger, more expensive items such as appliances, glassware, flatware and pots, and pans. Some things are cheaper to move than to replace, while others weigh a lot, but are inexpensive to purchase.
If the cost of your move is based on weight, then this is something you need to consider. For example, spices are expensive and usually, they’ve been collected over a long period of time, so to replace them completely would take a lot of effort and money. So pack and move them. Also, look at where you’re moving to, space and location-wise, and what you’ll need.
Just before you move, dispose of all perishables and frozen foods. Unless you’re moving a short distance, these items cannot be packed. Special attention should be given to these items.
Sort out all cleaning supplies. Make sure you leave behind open containers that shouldn’t be packed. Give these supplies away or if you can’t, make sure you dispose of them properly.
Prepare the Essentials Box
This should actually be the last box you pack, but it’s a good idea, while you’re going through your cupboards, to identify what you’ll need for the first few hours/days in your new home.
This box will be the first box you open and should be able to provide small meals, clean, and possibly entertain you until you unpack the rest of your kitchen supplies. Label the outside with “Kitchen” and “#1” to indicate its priority for unpacking.
What to Include in the Essentials Box?
- Dish soap
- Dishtowel
- Dishcloth
- Cleaner (unopened)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Coffee
- Coffee filters
- Coffee maker
- Toaster
- Jar of pasta sauce and pasta (or some easy food item for one dinner or lunch)
- Unopened small jar of jam/peanut butter
- Radio
- Mug, plate, fork, knife, spoon for each member of the family
- All-purpose cutting knife
- Scissors or craft knife (to open the rest of your boxes)
- Small emergency kit
- Flashlight/candles/matches
You may not be ready to pack your essentials box yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start making a list of items to include. Rule of thumb is to include all essentials that you’ll need for at least 24 hours. Presumably, there’s a grocery or convenience store nearby, but just in case you should have some foodstuff on hand that you can quickly prepare for your family.
After you’ve prepared your essentials box, take it with you in the car or in the cab of the moving van if you’re moving. Again, this will be the last box packed and the first one you open!
So, now that you’ve prepped the kitchen, you can start packing. Let the fun begin!
