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. Then there's the labeling and sorting so you can find the items again. In my own efforts to ease all kitchen-packing woes, I now prepare each room, especially the kitchen, before I even wrap the first dish. Try to do this as soon as you know that you're moving. Since the kitchen usually contains the most items, and sometimes the hardest to pack, it's a good place to start.
Sort, Select and Simplify
First, decide what needs to be packed and what can be sold, perhaps at a garage sale, donated to a friend or a charity. This is an easy decision for larger, more expensive and sometimes sentimental 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. Also, look at where you're moving to, space and location-wise and what you'll need. For instance, if you're moving to another country, check for voltage and plug shape to ensure you can take small appliances with you. Or if your new home has a smaller kitchen and pantry space, then you'll need to leave some items behind. It's better to check the new cupboard space before you move so you're not wasting valuable packing space or adding weight charges to your move.Pantry items are usually the most debatable items: to move or not to move. I always use the weight-versus-cost-to-move ratio. Small, light items such as spices, try to pack. 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.
Food items such as pasta are light enough that they can be worth moving. Just make sure you put fragile items into a hard-shell container so that they won't crumble during your move. Unopened prepackaged food items, dried soups and sauces are all candidates for moving. Check the expiry dates of all goods before you pack or donate them and get rid of any that are long overdue.
In most cases, canned goods should be left behind, unless you're not concerned about weight and space on the moving truck. Try to plan pre-move meals that will include these items. Use as much as you can before you move, then donate the rest to your local food bank or shelter.
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 if you're moving across state lines. Most states, such as California, has very strict guidelines to what can be and can't be taken over the border. Fresh fruit and vegetables will be seized.
Sort out all cleaning supplies. Make sure you leave behind opened containers that shouldn't be packed. Give these supplies away or if you can't, make sure you dispose of them properly. I do try to pack one universal cleaning product that is unopened just to have something on hand upon arrival at the new place.
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.Suggestions to Include in the Essentials Box:
- Dishsoap
- 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 food stuff 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 yourself. 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!
