How to move the kitchen

Boxes and old cloths will come in handy

First of all, prepare all the materials you will need:

• Sturdy moving boxes that can hold your dishes and are big enough to pack all the pans, draining boards and other larger kitchen utensils. If you use the services of MOVING Prague, we will lend you moving boxes in different sizes for free.
• Bubble wrap will come in handy when packing glasses, wine or hard liquor bottles, decorative vases and other fragile and expensive pieces of crockery.
• Tissues, newsprint. Running low on bubble wrap? You can wrap fragile crockery in newsprint or towels. To prevent the pieces from breaking, place crumpled paper or extruded polystyrene between them.
• Enough cardboard and labels with markers to mark what's in each box.

Tip: Still wondering what and how to pack? Find out what boxes and other materials are suitable for moving.

Get rid of things you won't use

Before you put everything in boxes, ask yourself the following questions: do I really use this? Is my cookware suitable for my new kitchen? For example, if you've been cooking with gas but your new home has an induction hob, you'll probably need to get new pots and pans. Give the ones you won't use to someone before you move in. And take that rusty colander from your grandmother that's been sitting in the bottom of your drawer for years to the recycling bin. As well as anything you haven't used in the last six months.

Put aside the most important things

Put aside a few things you'll use in the last few days before the move and the first few days in the new place before you unpack everything from its boxes again. Essentials definitely include cutlery for each family member, a bowl or plate, a glass and a mug. A dish cleaner, a sponge and a clean tea towel or kettle will also come in handy.

In addition to the basic utensils, set aside a few tea bags, coffee and last but not least, food. Anything loaded, finish it or discard it mercilessly. If you cook ahead, you'll probably be unplugging the microwave between the last appliances, so leave moving it to the last minute. We've written an entire article on how to move your fridge and what to do with the food in your freezer, which answers many more questions.

Oil, spices and other treasures from the drawers

Put the things you use every day in your essentials box and pack the rest. Tighten and carefully pack more expensive ingredients, like olive oil, to prevent spills. Try to use up open bottles or spice sachets before moving and keep or throw away leftovers. You'll save yourself the hassle of moving them, space in your car (especially when moving abroad) and you can easily buy new ones in your new location.

When you get to the drawers, take them all out. That way you'll be able to keep track of everything in them and see if anything has fallen behind them. Likewise, you can push away cabinets or appliances to see if your missing cooker is hiding behind them.

Take the time to pack fragile cookware and really wrap each individual piece carefully. This will save you the inconvenience of having them dented. When packing pans, make sure nothing touches them, otherwise they'll get scratched easily (and you could end up throwing away a scratched Teflon pan after moving, for example). Be sure to label each box carefully so you know what to look for when you move.

Is it too much for you? Our movers will be happy to help you with the actual move as well as packing up your belongings, not just your kitchen. Give us a call or fill out a no-obligation online enquiry form.

What to do in your new kitchen before you start unpacking

The move isn't over yet. Before you start unpacking and putting dishes on the shelves, get your new kitchen up and running and ready to use. What to consider before you clear the first plate:

• Will you be painting? If you're going to redecorate your kitchen, dive right in. Otherwise, you may be stuck with planning for years. Ideally, start painting, whether it's walls or kitchen cabinets and furniture, before you move into your new home.
• Unpack in a clean kitchen. Go through your cupboards and drawers to see if anything has been left behind by previous occupants (especially leftover spices or food that might be mouldy). You won't have a better opportunity than now to give your kitchen a good scrub. Wash not only the work surface but also all the cupboards (especially the inside), and take out the drawers, they'll be easier to clean. Don't forget the areas behind the kitchen appliances, the floor, the windows or the space under the sink.
• Think about what goes where. If you start unpacking without thinking, you may have to rearrange the whole kitchen several times before you're happy. Feel free to get a pencil and paper to hand and lay out what you'll be storing in which drawer. Once everything has its place, then grab the first box.