Tips for Packing a Kitchen

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INTRODUCTION

The most challenging part of a move is attempting to Pack a Kitchen. When preparing to pack the kitchen, many people think its quite easy.

A non-professional may just think you can stack similar size dishes in a box. Throw some bubble wrap in and some newspaper and voila! A box is packed.Packing the Kitchen

Sadly, it’s not that easy. (Although some of my friends would disagree) That packing strategy is a one-way ticket to broken dishes, leaving your service for twelve into a service for nine and a half.

Packing a kitchen is the same in any apartment or house in New York or New Jersey. The only thing that changes is the quantity.

Most apartments in New York have a limited amount of cabinet space. A typical 1 Bedroom may have 12 cabinets total (including the food pantry). Whereas a typical home will have double the amount of space.

KITCHEN ITEMS

A basic list of Kitchen Contents to consider packing is as follows:

  • Dishes, set for 6-8 (small plates, large plates and bowl)
  • Pots and Pans (4-10 pieces)
  • Silverware, set for 6-8 (but probably more)
  • Drinkware (regular glassware, pint glasses, wine glasses, coffee mugs)
  • Miscellaneous (mixing bowls, tupperware, cooking utensils, etc)
  • Small Appliances (coffee maker, toaster)
  • Spices & non-perishable food

Keep in mind that the larger your kitchen, the more items you can fit in it.

You can easily multiply the above quantities and see a larger amount of items in any kitchen.

Your more extensive fragile collection to consider packing is as follows:

  • Grandma’s China
  • Your own set of China
  • Champagne Flutes
  • A huge amount of extra of all the above

Okay, we can go on and on, as if we’re walking through the aisles Bed Bath & Beyond. But the reality of packing up your kitchen is that it may be more than you think. And it will probably take longer than you expect.

Dishes On Counter Packing the Kitchen

As for any packing during a move, it’s better to start sooner than later.

In order to prepare to pack your kitchen, first thing you should do is go through each cabinet and take a mental inventory of your items. As you go through each cabinet, start making decisions on what you will or will not take.

This is KEY in figuring out how much packing equipment and material you’ll need.

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

The best boxes to use are called Dish Packs. Most regular stores that sell boxes might call them dish boxes or large boxes with an indicator that they’re for dishes.

Dish Pack

Don’t be fooled.

These boxes may be low grade cardboard, that when packed like a Dish Pack could lack the proper protection needed.

Dish Packs are the highest grade quality of cardboard (or at least the ones that Flatbush Moving uses).

We recommend using only Dish Packs when packing the kitchen, along with a pack of white paper for every 5-8 dish packs.

In each box, the largest/heaviest items should be packed on the bottom. Then, as you fill the box in, gradually decrease the size and weight of the items.

Keep in mind that weight is important here. If you fill a box up with all the largest and heaviest items in your kitchen, that box may collapse or break in on itself.

HOW TO PACK

It is easiest to start with the basics. A dish set of eight, including the small plates, larger plates and bowls should fit in one dish pack when packed properly. Top it off with lighter utensils or anything non fragile to complete the first box.

PRO TIP: Wrap each individual dish in paper so it is protected. Slot each dish into the box and be sure to properly cushion the surrounding areas.

Your Pots & Pans can be mixed intermittently within multiple boxes. Extra appliances, especially the heavy ones should also be mixed intermittently, with the heaviest on the bottom.

Silverware and utensils can be used to top any box.

Spices could be placed in plastic baggies (in case a lid pops open to avoid spillage in box) and be used to top any box.

Glassware is the top concern for packing. It is very easy to break a wine glass, as it usually has a step and is a hollow piece of glass.

PRO TIP: The piece of paper you use to pack a wine glass should first wrap around the stem. Then cover the base and come up to wrap around the top and finishing by stuffing part of the paper inside the glass (acting as a cushion inside for support).

This tactic should be used with every kind of glassware with a void inside. And these should also be packed together with nothing topping them.

FINISHING UP

As you go through the kitchen and start packing, it may seem like a lot. But it can be accomplished in a few hours if planned properly.

For a visual check out this guide used by the second generation of Flatbush Moving. It may be dated, but it still applies today. Heaviest items on the bottom and work your way up.

This guide has been copied and transmitted so many times, the only copies we have left are a bit faded. But, they’re an amazing way to show just how long Flatbush Moving has been in business as well as a way to pack a Dish Barrel.

(Fun fact: in the old days, cardboard was scarce and movers used actual wooden barrels to pack the most fragile of items).

At Flatbush Moving, we know what it takes to pack a kitchen properly. Call Today to find out more information about your move.

 

Tips for Packing and Moving a Bedroom

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Moving a Bedroom is challenging, and should be appropriately managed as such. The bedroom is one of the most personal spaces in your home.

Considering this, you may want to take some extra care when preparing and carrying out a move of your bedroom items.

Here are some highlights to Moving a Bedroom:

Jewelry and Valuables

Moving a BedroomOften the smallest & most important items in your bedroom, jewelry can be a point of stress during the move.

It can be very easy to lose these small items while Moving a Bedroom. Usually, they are found lying loose along the tops of dressers, night tables, and inside drawers.

You will definitely want to take care when clearing your space for further packing and moving in the room.

Locate all loose jewelry and valuable items and pack them somewhere safe during the moving process.

We suggest you pack away your jewelry and valuables ahead of the move, or to keep on your person during the move.

This will save you the headache of trying to find any possible missing or broken keepsakes after the fact.

Clothing and Bedding

Once the jewelry is secured, you can move on to the much easier process of packing your clothing and bed linens.

Whether you are doing the move yourself, or hired a professional moving company, boxes for bedroom fabrics are easy to come by.

Wardrobe boxes are taller boxes which have a central metal beam inside the box. That beam is used for hanging your clothing directly from closet to closet without the pesky need of removing hangers. Wardrobe boxes make it unnecessary to fold and wrinkle clothes for transportation.

For other clothing and bedding, it’s best to pack these items away drawer by drawer for easy unpacking in your new home.

Pro Tip: use the bottom of the wardrobe box for loose items like shoes, hats, bags and other miscellaneous closet items!

Be very careful not to pack any liquids, such as perfume or lotions with your clothing as even the smallest leak could ruin certain fabrics.

Television and Appliances

Depending on the television set up in your room, you will have to approach the preparation accordingly.

Flat Screen TV Mount

If your TV is mounted on the wall, it will have to be brought down and packed separately from the mount.

It’s not as difficult as it seems, but if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, ask for help from a professional.

Most moving companies will gladly take the television off its wall bracket to be packed. However, most companies will not install the television back onto the wall once you are in your new home. You may have to plan to have the TV remounted.

Check out Amazon Home Services for a super easy and cheap way to remount the TV.

When packing a flat panel TV, it’s integral that the corners and side of the screen are properly cushioned in its box. Most cracks and damage to the screen starts with the corners and sides of newer flat panel televisions.

If you still have the box your TV came in, with its protective cushioning, it is highly recommended you use the same box to move the TV in.

However, all is not lost if you don’t have the original box. A professional mover can easily repack even the biggest modern TV’s using custom made television cartons and packaging.

Other items such as cable boxes and modems may have to be returned to your local cable provider. Be careful not to pack these items away, especially if you’re moving out of town.

Other smaller appliances, such as alarm clocks and bedside lamps, can be packed into more common boxes. Although they still require safe packing to ensure maximum protection during the move.

Take care that everything has been properly unplugged and disassembled (if needed) before grabbing items to box.

Pro Tip: Lamps should never travel with their shade and bulb still attached. Pack them separately, with shades in one box and the bases in another.

Bubble wrap, newspaper, air pocket cushions, Styrofoam. These are your best friends when packing a box with glass, breakable or expensive items.

If you think you need more packing paper around your Grandmother’s favorite lamp, then you need more packing paper.

When it comes to packing, be liberal with your cushioning.

Furniture

Most bedrooms have a familiar set up. You have the bed, one or two night tables, a dresser and possibly an armoire or vanity.Moving A Bedroom

Once you’ve packed the bedding, you’re left with a bare mattress and box spring. As you can imagine, it’s very easy for these pieces to get dirty, soiled or even possibly ruined during the moving process.

It’s very important to for the safe transit of these pieces that you cover them with protective covering. Many stores sell large plastic bags which you can slip up and over your beds. This will help ward against moisture as well as possible soiling or staining of the mattress and box spring.

Professional movers are known to double protect the mattress and box spring. Using plastic wrap and fresh paper padding, it is protected against possible damage along the way.

Once you’ve packed and emptied your drawers, all that’s left is the wrapping of furniture for safe travel.

If using a professional moving company for your move, this will be done by them during the facilitation of the move.

If you are going to pull off a “Do-It-Yourself” move, moving pads are available from some resources such as Home Depot or U-Haul.

Keep in mind, depending on how much furniture you have to move, this can be a rather costly expense not readily in mind from the start. As always, when possible it’s best to leave things to the professionals.

Other Points of ConcernMinimalist Bedroom Set

During the move, be sure to check your bedrooms. Make sure there aren’t any items which haven’t been properly packed and prepped for moving.

It’s very easy to forget what’s under the bed, or what may have fallen behind a piece of furniture over time.

Bedrooms should be thoroughly checked before you or the mover leave to head to destination so that nothing is left behind.

Contact Flatbush Moving Today for a Free, No Strings Attached Moving Quote!

The General Packing Guide for Boxes

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Packing is one of the most important details when planning a move. (Unless you’re just moving furniture, in which case, packing doesn’t matter at all).

This guide to packing up your boxes will be a huge help in the beginning stages of move preparation.

happy couple after finishing packing boxes

When movers use the phrase packing, they are talking about putting contents in boxes. They are not talking about furniture.

As soon as people know they have to move, one of the first things they think of is “will all my furniture fit”?

Well, this is obviously very important; but the other real important detail to consider is “will all of my contents fit!?”

Whether or not everything will fit, one fact remains; who is going to pack all of the contents?

This packing boxes guide is split up into three sections:

Self-Pack (Do It Yourself)

Partial Pack (You do some and the Movers do some)

Full Pack (Movers Pack Everything)

Self-Pack

So you decided to pack everything yourself. Kudos to you!

This is a great option to save some money, as well as to prep/organize ahead of the move.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen in the spring; it could happen before you know you’re moving.

As you’re packing, get rid of unwanted items.

You can sell small things online with eBay or donate to local charities like the Lupus Foundation.

A lot of these items you no longer need (example: kids toys that have been outgrown).

donation box with clothing

Another option, which could seem wasteful is to simply throw the items out!

Once you do the purge, you can start to pack.

I’d suggest packing one room at a time. From least used room to the most used room.

As you pack up each box, label it for the room it belongs in as well as any indicator for your knowledge as to what’s inside.

I do not recommend writing paragraphs on the box; instead you can keep a notebook that lists each box number and the contents.

This will be useful when unpacking and you’re looking for specific items.

three packing boxes and labeling by room

As for your closets, I recommend sorting and then packing what’s on the top of the closet and what’s on the bottom of the closet.

These items are usually thrown in and forgotten about. It’s a good place to start purging early and then packing later on.

The clothes on hangers? Leave them. We bring wardrobe boxes to each move and will pack that for you at no extra charge.

Finally, the dreaded kitchen. The kitchen is the most challenging room to pack.

Using high quality packing boxes will ensure the safe packing and relocation of all of your kitchen items.

Kitchen Utensils on Table before Packing Boxes

Always pack with plenty of paper/cushioning; pack the heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items towards the top.

Use plenty of paper throughout this process. Repeat until the whole kitchen is packed up.

I recommend you to start packing your kitchen at least one week in advance of the move.

Be prepared with disposable dishes and utensils and plan on ordering take out for the last couple of days before the move.

If that’s not your style, then keep only the bare minimum unpacked for the number of people in your home (number of dishes, utensils, cups, mugs; plus one baking dish and frying dish).

That can easily be packed last minute.

Partial Pack

Another option is to have a partial pack.

This is a very popular option.

You can pack up all the non-breakables and other important items; while the movers can pack up the breakable items.

smiling male and female packing boxes

Whether you want us to pack just the TV, the pictures on the wall or the kitchen- you get to choose.

It’s an A La Carte option for your moving preparation.

Depending on the quantity, it can be done on the same day of the move or a day earlier.

Full-Pack

If the idea of packing and organizing your home seems to be too much stress, lucky for you we offer Full Packing services.

In one day (or more depending on size of home and amount of contents), our crew will have everything packed, prepped and ready to move.

All you need to do is be present and act as “point person”. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Deciding on a packing plan in advance is important.

Naturally, things change; some customers bite off more than they can chew, and they need more last-minute help.

This guide to packing boxes should have helped you recognize what needs to be done ahead of your upcoming move.

Either way, keeping in contact with your moving consultant before the move is key to having a seamless and smooth move experience.

Call Flatbush Moving today to discuss your packing options.

Top Five Moving Box or Container Options

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When packing up your home or office for an upcoming move, you must decide on what kind of moving boxes to use for your personal belongings.

Here is a list of the kinds of boxes, cartons, containers, or whatever you call them to use for your upcoming moving project.

Top 5 Options:

  1. Traditional Cardboard Boxes

Traditional Moving Boxes Stacked Neatly

Purchase moving boxes from your mover, local home goods store or from an online vendor.

These moving boxes are made specifically for moving, but they may vary in quality and cost. Naturally, you’ll want the cheapest boxes; but cheap boxes could be low quality and could damage easily.

Home Depot offers a ton of options for your packing supply needs. But before you go out and spend all kinds of money on equipment you may (or may not) need, I suggest an in-home estimate from a professional to figure out what kind of moving boxes you need and how many you need.

Pro Tip: Ask your mover if they have any used moving boxes for free.

  1. Plastic Moving Bins

Seven Multi Colored Moving Plastic Bins

These are a great, environmentally friendly option; the best alternative to traditional moving boxes.

They can be rented from your moving company of choice. Flatbush Moving rents moving bins by the day, by the week or by the month. All dependent upon what you need.

You can even buy them from mover supply companies, like  U Line “Round Trip” Totes

But before you do anything, I suggest an in-home estimate from a professional to figure out the number of bins your move will require.

  1. Plastic Tote Containers

Six Clear Plastic Containers

Plastic Tote Containers are great reusable options. These are more expensive, but once they are used for the move, you can keep them for your own home storage needs.

If you don’t have a lot of space in your new apartment or home, this might not be the best option.

You can buy them from Home Depot Plastic Storage Containers; but, as you can see they can be quite expensive.

  1. Used Boxes

Pile of Used Boxes

You can get these basically anywhere. As Jerry Seinfeld said in one of his interludes on Seinfeld, moving makes a person obsess about boxes. Going up and down the block and in and out of stores asking for boxes.

You can do that, or simply go to your local grocery store, local liquor and wine store and ask if they have any boxes they are getting rid of.

Even if you have an Amazon addiction, you can re-use those boxes for packing. Most of these boxes, however, are very small and will not fit much. Instead of having 40 regular sized boxes you could find yourself with 100 of these smaller boxes, making the moving process more difficult and time consuming.

Or you can just ask your mover if they have any?

  1. Garbage Bags

Black Garbage Bags

You should almost never use garbage bags for moving purposes.

The main reason being that these bags can be confused for ACTUAL garbage at some point and that could lead to the loss of important contents.

It seems easier to throw clothing, towels, sheets and other linens into a garbage bag for a quick and easy transport; but the time you save “packing” these items in garbage bags, you’ll spend re-folding or re-washing.

One good thing about them, they are kind of cheap. Check out some Garbage Bags on Amazon.

There are so many options when choosing the kind of container to pack belongings in.

Check with your mover about their used box inventory, they might have some they can give you for free.

Also, if your move is a big move, most movers will give you bundles of free boxes in advance. This will give you the best equipment, the same equipment that the professionals use.

Check out Flatbush Moving’s Box Store Catalog to see what options you have when purchasing boxes. We are not a big online store, but if you’d like to buy any equipment, simply give us a call at our warehouse, 908-925-8500 or come on by to learn more.