Packing up your kitchen and laundry room for a move can seem a little overwhelming, but there are ways to complete the task in an organized and effective way. From packing up your appliances to all of your laundry supplies, our tips are designed to help make your packing experience easier.
We will guide you through the process of how to protect your items, as well as offer you tips that will allow you to maximize the benefits of the moving resources we provide.
The Best Tips for Packing the Kitchen
Food Items
Prior to your moving date, use or dispose of any food items that are perishable. Give away or throw out cleaning products and any chemicals that are not suitable for transport inside of the moving truck. Pack canned goods, paper products and boxed food in small boxes. If you have any open food packages, discard them before your move, as well as glass jars to avoid breakage during transport. For a more detailed list of what we cannot ship, please review our Items That Cannot Be Shipped list.
China & Glassware
Fine china and crystal glassware are precious keepsakes and it is important to pack them carefully for transport during a move. Original packaging is ideal for packing your china and glassware, but if that option is not available, following these simple tips will help you to protect your delicate items during your move.
- Wrap each piece of china individually. For optimum protection, add a piece of bubble wrap or foam over your china, then follow with a piece of clean paper or packing paper. Start at the corner of the paper and wrap each piece diagonally, tucking overlapping edges until covered. Finish with two pieces of newspaper for an additional protective layer.
- Pre-sectioned boxes work great for glassware, adding durability and protection against movement. Follow the same wrapping method listed above for your glassware. If you use regular, non-sectioned boxes, be sure to avoid stacking glasses on top of each other unless you have a solid layer separating each row. Apply padded cushioning at the bottom of your box and in between glasses for extra protection.
- For organized inventory, label your box as Dining Room, and indicate FRAGILE-TOP SIDE UP
Flat China & Flat Glassware
When packing your flat china and glassware, cartons work great. Wrap each piece of china and glassware individually. Add a piece of bubble wrap or foam to separate each item, then follow with a piece of clean paper or packing paper. Start at the corner of the paper and wrap each piece diagonally, tucking overlapping edges until covered. Finish with two pieces of newspaper for an additional protective layer.
- Add a layer of cushioning to the bottom of your carton, and pack according to weight and size. Place your largest and heaviest pieces of china and glassware, such as platters and plates on the bottom of your carton. Add lighter items towards the top.
- A good tip is to bundle three pieces of wrapped china or glassware together, and cover with a double layer of newspaper. Place each bundled group in your carton, separating your stacks by cardboard divided rows.
- Place a generous amount of padded cushioning and crushed packing paper throughout the carton to protect against movement and shifting during transit.
Bowls and Odd-shaped Items
- Mixing bowls can be nested together according to size and wrapped in clean paper or packing paper.
- Wrap serving bowls and soup bowls individually with clean paper, adding two layers of newspaper for added protection.
- Gravy bowls, pitchers and sauce containers should all be wrapped individually and covered with an outer layer of newspaper.
- Pack items that are shaped oddly in individual boxes to avoid damage to other dishes. Follow the same packing and wrapping guidelines to prevent damage during your move.
Pots & Pans
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Wrap pans individually with clean packing paper to avoid potential scratches. If stacking according to size, be sure to place a paper towel, sheet of foam paper or bubble wrap in between each pot or pan to avoid any scratches.
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Add crushed paper to fill any voided space in your box.
Cups
- Pre-sectioned boxes work great for cups. Wrap each cup individually with two layers of clean paper or packing paper, followed with a protective layer of newspaper. With handles facing the same direction, place each cup upside down into your sectioned, cup divider box, then complete with a layer of cushioning at the top.
Silver & Flatware
- To prevent tarnish and rust, cover your silver and flatware with plastic wrap, then add a protective layer of newspaper and seal with tape. Items can be wrapped individually or in sets.
- If your silver and flatware will remain in a chest, add protective cushioning to ensure that wrapped items will not move during transport. Place a large bath towel over the chest to protect the finish.
- Wrap silver bowls, serving dishes and tea sets individually with clean paper. Add newspaper to the outer layer and place carefully in box.
Figurines and Other Delicate Items
- Wrap each delicate item individually in soft tissue, tissue paper or a paper towel.
- Add an outer layer of newspaper to mirrors, frames and plaques.
- Towels work great for extra protection for glass figurines and other delicate items.
- Place all items flat in your carton and secure with ample cushioning and padding.
Small Appliances
- For small appliances such as food processors and blenders, remove all sharp blades. Tie all cords and wrap appliances in packing paper or cover with a towel. Use cardboard or knife shields to cover sharp blades. Apply the same method to packing sharp cutlery, covering all sharp edges.
- Place in durable boxes or cartons and add crushed paper to cushion.
Cookbooks
- Group similar sized cookbooks in the same box.
- Avoid overloading cartons with too many cookbooks so carton is not too heavy to lift.
- Protect delicate cookbooks and family recipes with protective plastic and wrap.
Utilize Allied's Tips for Packing the Kitchen
We hope that you will utilize all of our helpful tips for packing up your kitchen, and that you will find your next move easier in the process.
The Best Tips for Packing the Laundry Room
Before you move, dispose of any items that have chemicals or are hazardous to transport on the Allied Moving Van. Use or discard items such as liquid laundry detergent, bleach or other types of items prior to your move.
If possible, wash up all of your laundry prior to your move, so that it will be easier for you to move and organize your clothes.
Laundry Baskets
- Laundry baskets actually work great for storing additional items during your move. With hollow centers, they are ideal for packing soft items such as pillows. Be sure to cover with a towel to keep pillows clean.
- -Since laundry baskets are larger, they do not require placement in a box or carton.
Irons/Ironing Boards
- Cover your ironing board with protective plastic. Wrap and tie iron cords, and place iron in a small protective box to avoid movement.
Hampers
- Hampers are another source of storage room during your move, providing additional options for packing laundry items.
Sewing Kits
- Make sure sewing kits are sealed and taped down and placed in a small box with crushed paper cushioning.
Utilize Allied’s Tips for Packing the Laundry Room
We hope that our laundry tips will provide you with great ideas and help as you prepare to pack your laundry room for your local or long distance move. If you would like additional tips for your kitchen or your laundry room, we will gladly assist you. Give us a call toll-free at 1-800-444-6787, and one of our moving experts will be happy to assist you!