Packing The Kitchen For The Big Move

You have hired a long distance moving company and are headed to the opposite coast. Now what? The house is full of breakable treasures; the kitchen will take the most time so it is a good idea to start there.

First, gather all the packing supplies you will need, boxes wraps and tape. Clear your table to use as a workspace. Pack the heaviest items on the bottom of each box, lighter items on top. The first layer of the box should include large china and glass platters. Next, place smaller items like plates and saucers. You can made dividers by cutting apart cardboard to place between layers.

Layer the bottom of the box with paper, giving the box a little padding will help protect valuables for the long ride ahead. Use clean paper and wrap each item in at least two sheets of paper. Place the piece in the center of the paper wrapping it completely. Pack three or four items in a bundle, wrapping the bundle in three or four sheets of paper. Fill any void spaces with wadded up paper. Add extra paper to the top of the box.. If you have plenty of room in the box, another bundle can be added, continuing to wrap each piece with plenty of paper to avoid chipping or cracking.

Glasses should be padded with two to four sheets of paper and can be placed one inside another, three or four to a bundle. Next, wrap each bundle in three or four pieces of paper before placing in padded box. Place the cups upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with handles facing the same direction. Do not forget the paper on top for extra protection.

Pots and pans are packed in medium boxes. They can be placed at the bottom of the boxes or the middle depending on their weight. You can nest three or four pots of similar size and weight inside each other. Wrap each one separately to protect the Teflon and help avoid scratches. Cut large pieces of wrapping paper for each pot, wrap completely.
When the stack of pans has each been wrapped individually and as a bundle place them upside down in the middle of the packing paper stack. Seal the tape so it does not come apart.

If you are packing bowls with lids, wrap separately placing the bowls fully wrapped upside down, place lids on top and bundle wrap them all together. Place upside down in box.

Packing the kitchen is a big job as there are breakables and so many items. Start early if possible to be ready for your long distance movers and the big trip ahead.