The kitchen is nearly always the slowest room to pack. It is full of breakable, oddly shaped and heavy things, and it is the room you keep using until the very last day. Here is the order we recommend to customers in Cardiff, so nothing gets broken and you can still make a cup of tea on moving morning.
What you need before you start
- Strong boxes in two sizes. Small boxes for heavy things like plates, tins and cookbooks; medium boxes for lighter things like plastic tubs and baking trays.
- Packing paper or bubble wrap. Plain packing paper is cleaner than newspaper, which leaves ink on everything.
- Tape and a thick marker pen. Tape the bottom of every box twice.
- Tea towels and towels. They make free padding and fill gaps so nothing rattles.
The packing order
Two to three weeks before
Pack the things you rarely use: spare crockery, glass serving dishes, baking equipment, the slow cooker, the bread maker and anything in the back of high cupboards. This is also the time to use up freezer food and give away tins you will never open.
The last few days
Pack most of your everyday plates, bowls, pots and pans. Keep out one plate, bowl, mug and set of cutlery per person, plus one pan.
Moving morning
Pack a clearly labelled open first box with the kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, a washing-up sponge, bin bags, kitchen roll and phone chargers. Travel with this box yourself if you can.
Protecting plates and glasses
- Stand plates on their edge, like records, rather than stacking them flat. They are much stronger that way.
- Wrap each plate and glass on its own. Push a little crumpled paper inside glasses before wrapping the outside.
- Put a layer of crumpled paper in the bottom and top of every box.
- Write FRAGILE and an arrow showing which way is up on at least two sides.
- Keep boxes light enough to lift comfortably. A small box full of plates is plenty.
Knives, liquids and small appliances
- Wrap knives in a tea towel and tape it closed, then label the bundle.
- Tape the lids of oils and sauces shut and stand them upright in a plastic bag inside the box.
- Pack small appliances in their original boxes if you still have them. Tape loose parts, such as microwave plates, to the main item or wrap them separately.
The fridge and freezer
Run your freezer stock down over the last couple of weeks, then switch it off and leave the door open the day before you move so it can defrost and dry. Put a towel underneath to catch the water. After delivery, most manufacturers recommend leaving a fridge or freezer standing upright for a few hours before switching it back on, so check the guidance for your model.
Labelling that saves time
Write the room and a short list of contents on the side of each box, not the top, so you can read it when boxes are stacked. “Kitchen: plates and bowls” is far more useful than “Kitchen”.
Would you rather not pack the kitchen yourself?
Our packing service brings all the materials and packs everything for you, kitchen included. You can add it in the instant quote calculator, or call us on 07376 209 331 to talk it through.
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