What is the most difficult room to pack for a move?

When it comes to packing up a house for a move, there’s always one room that stands out as the biggest challenge. While different rooms pose different and unique challenges, most people would agree that the kitchen is the most difficult room to pack.

Here’s why the kitchen can be such a beast, along with some tips to make the process smoother:

1. The Problems

• Sheer Volume of Stuff: The kitchen is a hub of activity and accumulates a massive amount of items—from small gadgets and utensils to large pots, pans, and appliances.
• Fragile and Awkward Items: You’re dealing with a mix of fragile items like glassware, plates, and mugs, along with awkwardly shaped items like blenders, food processors, and stand mixers. Click here to learn the Best Way To Pack Dishes and Fragile Items!
• The “Junk Drawer” Effect: Kitchens are notorious for having a drawer or two filled with miscellaneous, seemingly useless items that are surprisingly hard to sort through.
• Items Used Often: There’s a good chance that you will need to use your everyday kitchen items like dishes, cups, utensils etc. all the way up until the time you move.

2. The Solutions

• Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin sorting through pantry items and non-essentials a couple of weeks before your move.
• Sort and Purge: Before you pack, go through everything. Toss out expired food, donate items you no longer use, and get rid of anything that’s broken. This step alone will save you time and space.
• Create a “First Day” Box: Pack a small box with essentials you’ll need right away in your new home. Think coffee maker, a few mugs, some snacks, and a dish towel. This will prevent you from tearing through boxes just to find a fork.
• More Tips: Want to learn more time-saving tips on how to plan for a move? Check out our article on the best way to plan for a move!

3. BONUS: Tips from the Pros

• Use Proper Packing Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, plenty of packing paper, and bubble wrap. Professional movers often recommend using dish pack boxes, which have built-in dividers for glassware and plates. Using proper packing materials will make your life so much easier!
• Label Everything: This is crucial. Label each box with its contents (e.g., “Pots & Pans,” “Glassware,” “Pantry Items”) and mark it “Fragile” where applicable. Be as specific as you can to make unpacking a breeze.

By tackling the kitchen with a plan and a few tricks of the trade, you can turn this daunting packing task into a manageable part of your moving process.