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PACKING YOURSELF
These free household packing tips will guide you through the packing yourself process for the kitchen. The kitchen probably takes the longest to pack because there is so much wrapping to do. All glassware will be individually wrapped in at least 1 or 2 sheets of newsprint. (depending on its size) The size of moving boxes you will use are: * Dishpack
* 3 cube
* 4.5 cube
* book (1.5 cube) Packing Yourself, Kitchen Dishpack ALL glassware should be packed in dishpacks (these boxes are heavy duty and can hold many dishes). But don't make them so heavy that you cannot lift them. 3 cubes for all small appliances, plastic ware, dry foods, pots, pans, towels, utensils, and decor. 4.5 cube A lot of baking pans will only fit in a 4.5 cube carton. Then you can finish it off with lighter items like large plastic bowls, dry food (cereal), etc. book carton (1.5 cube) will be used for ALL heavy items like, canned food, cookbooks, heavy mixer, & cast iron cookware. So, let's begin. Make up at least one of each size box. See "Make Up A Moving Box" on the PACKING TIPS page. Now for the good part of Packing Yourself, Kitchen Dishes And China For the dishpack, put a layer of crumpled up newsprint in the bottom. I do 2 in each corner, then 2 in the middle. I then put 2 sheets over the top of all these to make a starting platform. Wrap a stack of 4 dinner plates with paper in between, then wrap that bundle in 2 sheets of paper. Put in bottom of dishpack on their edge, not lying down flat. They are stronger this way and the weight of items on top of them will not make them break in two. After this bottom layer is complete, put some more cushion (crumpled newsprint, or dishtowels) on top of these. Now wrap bowls, or glasses each in 2 sheets of paper (one at a time). Fill up this layer. And then a layer of cushion. For the final and top layer, wrap coffee cups and smaller glasses or items that will fit. Pack it tight. But allow room for a final top cushion. You may finish the top of the box with linens & towels, or paper. Tape it securely shut. There !! That wasn't so bad, was it? :-) TIP: Don't be afraid to use paper, it is cheap insurance. After you fill each box, (but before you tape it closed) shake it. Nothing inside should jiggle around. If it does, fill the empty areas with paper, or towels, or potholders. When packing yourself in the kitchen, make sure you have everything protected (wrapped) to survive the long trip you are about to make. Pots And Pans Pack into 3 cubes unless it is too long. Then you will use a 4.5 cube. Do not make these boxes too heavy. If you put pans on the bottom layer, you may then pack plastics or dry food on top. Do not make these boxes too heavy. Food Pack food into book cartons (1.5 cube). For spices, I lay 4 on a sheet of paper and wrap. That way they are not getting crushed or opened by mistake. Flatware And Utensils Use a 3 cube. I start by wrapping the flatware (in its container) in 2, 3, or 4 sheets of paper, depending on how heavy it is. Then wrap a handful of utensils to pack along side of the flatware. Other items for this box may be small appliances, plastics, or metal bakeware. Everything Else Use your own judgment for the rest of the kitchen items. Also pack cleaners separate from everything else. Use book cartons for these and label it clearly as having liquids inside. That way whoever is loading will keep it upright. When you think you are done, go through the whole kitchen and check all cabinets, and drawers, and pantry to be sure you did not forget anything. TIP: The bottom drawer of the stove is one area that often gets missed. Also the tip-out tray below the sink. And don't forget those baskets, and artificial plants way up on top of the cabinets. These items are lightweight so can be packed in larger boxes (4.5 cube) but not with anything heavy. You are now ready to write on EVERY box: Your Name, the room (kitchen), and a brief description of what is inside. Write this information on the SIDE of the box, not on top. You will be stacking the boxes, so you don't want this info to be covered up. Now Packing Yourself in the Kitchen is complete.
This is a very good video, everyone should sort and declutter BEFORE they move.
That video is by Debbie Lillard and she has a book called Absolutely Organized: A Mom's Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home It's very inexpensive, but very helpful. Check it out! Back to PACKING YOURSELF
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