Last month in part 2 of our moving tips series we took a look at moving your bedroom – one of the rooms that takes a bit more effort. But this week we’ve got some tips to get you started on arguably the most time-intensive room in your home – the kitchen!
Use these handy tips to make your kitchen move easy and effective – in more ways than one!
- Stock up on packing materials: boxes, tape, bubble or paper wrap. It is always better (and more cost-effective) to buy in bulk – this saves you from running out and then having to run back and forth to the store to buy more. Even better, buy from a company that offers a buy-back guarantee on those materials you don’t use.
- Pack in stages. Not everything in your kitchen gets used on a regular basis, so start with those items that are only brought out at holidays (fine china) or at different seasons (summer patio dishes). Additionally, many of the unused items may have sentimental value, and thus may require a bit more attention than just your regular pots and pans! Non-perishable food items can also be packed early, and things like liquor bottles that are not likely to be used before the move are also good to go.
- Label, label, label. With the sheer number of boxes that will inevitably come out of the kitchen, labelling boxes accurately is crucial. Don’t just write ‘kitchen’ either – be specific and try to include a bit more info – this also makes it easier if you have someone helping you unpack.
- Clear out the cupboards and the fridge. In the weeks/days leading up to the move, try your hardest to get rid of all items without buying new items. This may require some creative cooking, but it can save you having to move all of that stuff (and can also save on grocery costs). At the same time, toss those items that may be out of date or just random items that you can’t ever remembering buying – if you can’t remember purchasing it, or don’t know what it is, chances are you’ll be no more likely to use it at the new house versus the old.
- Don’t forget to defrost the freezer, after cleaning it out first. Give yourself at least 24 hours for the freezer to thaw out. Also make sure to disconnect appliances properly (ie. gas stove). Improper preparation can lead to gas leaks, broken parts and appliances that won’t work – and this can mean additional costs that are easily avoided.
Moving the kitchen doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is always smart to plan ahead and have a strategy. For more kitchen moving tips, or to find out about all of the moving services we offer, please call Bradford Moving and Storage today at 1 (800) 263-3281.
