DIY Hacks: The Best Way to Pack Your Kitchen and Pantry for a Move
Moving homes is exciting but what about packing your kitchen and pantry? That’s where the real chaos starts. From fragile glasses to overflowing spice jars, packing this space without breaking or spilling feels like a riddle. However, with the correct DIY hacks and preparation, you can easily handle it and ensure your kitchen arrives safely at your new house.
Many professional removalists Sunshine Coast services recommend starting with the kitchen early because of its complexity. But, before you call in the specialists, here are some smart, affordable ways to properly pack your kitchen and pantry. It would help you keep everything nice, safe, and ready to use right away following the relocation.
Decluttering is the first step towards successfully packing your kitchen. Over time, we collect many appliances, outdated spices, chipped crockery and cutlery that we hardly use. So, why to pack and carry items you don’t need?
Begin by going through every cabinet and drawer. Check the expiration dates for pantry products, sauces and spices. If something has been unused for a year or has passed its expiration date then discard it. Give duplicate utensils or crockery in good condition to charities or neighbours. This will not only lower your packing load, but also free up room in your new kitchen. Remember, the less you pack, the lower your moving expenses will be, especially if you choose experienced Removalists Sunshine Coast.
Buying bubble wrap for every fragile item can get expensive. Instead, use what you already have, like kitchen towels, hand towels, cleaning cloths, and even old tshirts work brilliantly as padding for dishes and glassware.
Wrap plates individually with towels and stack them vertically in boxes, like records, to prevent breakage. Insert rolled up cloths between glasses and cups to avoid clinking and cracks during transit. This hack not only protects your breakables but also saves space by packing your linens and crockery together. It’s an eco friendly alternative to plastic wraps and reduces post move clean up too.
Imagine unpacking your boxes to find flour and rice scattered everywhere. To avoid such nightmares, seal all open pantry items securely before packing. Use cling wrap or zip lock bags to cover the mouths of spice jars, flour containers and liquid bottles then place the lid back on. This creates a spill proof seal.
For opened packets, transfer contents to air tight containers or double bag them. Place all pantry items upright in sturdy boxes and fill empty spaces with crumpled newspaper to prevent movement. Labelling these boxes as Pantry or This Side Up ensures anyone helping you, including Removalists Sunshine Coast professionals, handles them with care during loading and unloading.
After a long day of moving, the last thing you want is to search through ten boxes for your kettle or instant coffee. Always pack a separate ‘First Day Kitchen Box’ with essentials you’ll need immediately when you reach. This should include:
Keep this box in your car or ensure it’s loaded last so it’s the first to come out. This way, you can make a cup of tea, grab a snack, and wash up without rummaging through dozens of boxes on day one.
Kitchen appliances like mixers, blenders, microwaves, and toasters need special attention. Start by unplugging and cleaning them thoroughly to remove any food residues. Remove detachable parts like blades, trays and glass turntables. Wrap these parts separately with cloths or bubble wrap and tape them together with the main unit to avoid losing them.
For large appliances, refer to the user manual for moving instructions or consult removalists for expert help. Always pack appliances upright in their original boxes if you have them. Otherwise, use sturdy boxes and pad the bottom with towels for cushioning. Avoid placing heavy items on top of appliance boxes to prevent damage during transit.
Labelling is a simple yet underrated hack when moving kitchens. Write clear labels on all sides of each box with its contents and destination e.g., ‘Plates – Kitchen Cupboard’ or ‘Spices – Pantry Shelf’. Use bright markers and add ‘FRAGILE’ stickers where needed.
Additionally, number your boxes and maintain a small notebook or phone note listing each box number and its contents. This will make unpacking systematic and stress free. Removalists Sunshine Coast also prefer clearly labelled boxes as it makes their job quicker and safer.
Packing your kitchen and pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these DIY hacks; you can organise everything efficiently, protect fragile items, and settle into your new kitchen effortlessly. Remember, planning ahead saves time, money, and energy. And if things still feel too heavy to handle alone, professional removalists can take over the packing and moving seamlessly for you. Happy moving and happy cooking in your new space.
