If you can’t stand the mess, get out of the kitchen. Isn’t that how the old saying goes? (Well, something like that.) Messy kitchens are one thing, but messily packing them for a move or storage is quite another. If you don’t do it right, you could end up damaging your items or injuring someone.
Put simply, the belongings in your kitchen need a little extra attention during your move. From dangerous items like knives to bulky items like the refrigerator, here’s how to pack them most effectively in a residential moving container.
Packing Knives and Sharp Objects
Let’s start with the dangerous stuff. Knives can easily cause a serious injury if you aren’t careful. When packing knives and other sharp objects for storage or relocation, use knife sheaths or knife blocks if you have them. If you don’t, you can use tape and cardboard to create your own. Also consider wrapping these types of items in towels or storing them in plastic bags. The more secure, the better.
Packing Cleaning Supplies
Spills are the biggest potential problem here. Be sure to put a towel at the bottom of boxes containing cleaning supplies and seal them tightly with tape. Don’t pack up all your cleaning supplies, however. Be sure to put aside any you’ll need for the final cleaning of your kitchen — or just pack them last. Some cleaning supplies will have storage instructions on their label for which you’ll want to consider.
Packing Refrigerators and Bulky Items
Bulky items are pretty tricky to handle yourself. That’s why it helps to hire a relocation specialist whenever possible. Regardless of how you move or store them, you’ll want them to be as light as possible. So get rid of (or give away) as much food as you can so your refrigerator is empty. Also consider taking out shelves or other components. Not only will this lighten the load, but shelves and interior drawers can shift around and break.
Packing Dishes
Breakable items need extra protection, so be sure to put packing paper and/or bubble wrap between each dish and wrap up glasses with foam, newspaper or another form of protection. There are also special types of boxes and packing supplies you can buy that are designed specifically for dishes and breakable items.
Packing Pots and Pans
The best thing about pots and pans? They’re durable. But they’re also often stackable, so be sure to take advantage of that design feature to save space. Glass lids may be breakable, however, so be sure to put extra cushioning around them.
Packing Food
Again, the less weight you have to move or store, the better. So consider using or donating as much as possible. If you’d like to hold on to non-perishable food items, however, just remember to put the heavier ones toward the bottom of boxes and try not to use large boxes.
These are just a few tips. If you’re in need of residential storage solutions, contact SAM (Store & Move) today for a free quote today!