Packing up your kitchen may seem a daunting task, with so many small and odd-shaped items, lots of breakables and fiddly appliances to negotiate.  It’s a good idea to sort, select and simplify your kitchen as a starting point.  This type of preparation will mean that the packing task itself will be quicker and less painful!!

First, decide what items need to be packed and eliminate those that don’t.  Think about where you are moving to – how much room do you have, how much cupboard space, worktop space and what’s the kitchen design and décor like?  All these things can help you determine what you need to pack.  Some of your items may be large and cumbersome, expensive to move, but relatively cheap to replace, so consider leaving these behind.

Food items are an area of contention in terms of whether to move them or not.  As soon as you know you are moving try to start eating up all those tinned and frozen foods.  Overall, think about implementing the weight/size versus cost to move ratio.  Small, light and relatively expensive food products such as spices, try to pack.  Unopened packages are worth packing.  Check all expiry dates as you pack.    Use containers for any opened and fragile food items that you wish to pack.  Obviously any perishables should be eaten or left behind, unless you are moving a short distance, in which case you could fill up a few cool bags.

Take a look at all your cleaning supplies, plan to pack any unopened containers.  Opened containers are perhaps best disposed of or carefully secured.

The planning of an essentials box is recommended, so that you’ll have access to the things you’ll need in the first few hours and days in your new home.  This should be the first box you’ll open and should provide you with what you need for basic living while you are in the process of unpacking and organising your home.  Label this box “Essentials” or “No. 1” to indicate its priority for unpacking. 

Here are some suggestions of what to include in your essentials box:

• Washing up liquid
• Dishcloth/tea towel
• Multi purpose cleaner (unopened) / cloth
• Salt & pepper
• Coffee/tea/biscuits
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Jar of pasta sauce / pack of pasta
• Jam / spread (unopened)
• Radio
• All purpose cutting knife
• Scissors
• Saucepan
• Toilet roll
• Small emergency kit
• Torch/ matches/candles
• Plate, cup, knife, fork, spoon for each family member

 So now you’ve prepped the kitchen, catch up with my next blog post which helps you tackle the big kitchen packing job!