Packing up a kitchen can seem like the most arduous task on your list when moving your home. However, it’s not something to be dreaded. Here are a few tips to ensure your move is quick and pain-free:
1. Be selective and donate unwanted items
The fewer items you have, the less likely you are to damage things. Do a good deed and donate some unwanted items to charity. It will also make your move a lot quicker.
2. Put aside some essentials
You’ll need a few items to keep you going in between packing and moving, so set these aside early on. This way you won’t need to go rummaging through boxes, potentially damaging packed up items.
3. Find some tough packaging
Bubble wrap, labels, hard-wrapping tape, and sturdy cardboard boxes are all absolute essentials if you want your move to be simple. Some companies let you rent boxes which can save you money.
4. Start with valuable and rarely used items
Take extra care when wrapping up valuable crockery, as the quality of your packing skills will likely decline as the day wears on. Use lots of wrapping paper to individually wrap crockery and china as these tend to break in boxes.
5. Seal wine, liquor and oils tightly
There’s nothing worse than a cardboard box drowning in your favorite bottle of Malbec. Ensure you seal liquids tightly with plenty of padding, and tape around the neck if possible. Mark these boxes as fragile.
6. Get rid of perishables
Let go of any food items that are unlikely to last – they will only end up as potential bio-hazards. The other option is put them in an esky/ freezer bag to keep them sterile and fresh.
7. Be careful with appliances
Improperly handled appliances can lead to damage or even gas leaks, so it may well be worth getting the professionals in to help you move them. Fridges should be turned off at least 24 hours prior to being moved.
8. Take things slowly and choose the right moving company.
It may be tempting to get the job out of the way quickly, but this will only increase your chances of damaging your kitchenware. If your just throwing things into a box , especially if they are sharp kitchenware, this can pierce through the boxes or things inside the box leaving you with a mess or leaving the movers with a mess to clean up. Be very careful and absorb the sharp objects with packing material as you place them inside the box.
9. Pay extra attention when packing knives
We don’t need to tell you that knives are sharp, so effective packing is essential. Ideally, buy some plastic blade covers to keep you and the rest of your property safe. Alternatively wrap them in a few sheets of wrapping paper and ensure they are clearly labelled.
10. Don’t overstretch yourself with heavy items
Kitchens host a number of heavy items. Only attempt to move them if you are sure you have the strength, as overestimating your lifting powers may end up damaging your kitchenware (and your back). Leave the heavy items for the movers who will have dollys and hump straps and the correct lifting equipment.
Would you like a free move quote in Chicago?