Packing the Kitchen... Safely:
Your kitchen table serves as an excellent spot for packing
all your kitchen items. But to prevent scratching the
table, you should cover the surface with a blanket or
thick pad.
Flatware:
Place a sizeable stack of packing paper on the table
Select a medium-sized carton and line the bottom with
several layers of paper for cushioning.
Place one plate in the center of the paper.
Using at least two sheets, grasp one corner and pull
the paper completely over the plate.
Stack the second plate on the first and stretch the
second corner over this plate.
Place the third plate on the stack, fold the remaining
two corners over (one at a time) and fold each over the
stack of plates.
Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your
packing paper.
Re-wrap entire bundle with the same procedure described
previously, then seal the bundle with masking tape.
Place the bundle in the cartons so the plates are standing
on edge. Never lay flatware down. Dishes can tolerate
greater stress standing on edge.
Follow the same procedure for all flatware, saucers,
bread and butter dishes, etc. Remember: Heavy items on
the bottom, lighter objects on the top.
Glassware:
Glassware, goblets and stemware, especially fine crystal,
should be handled with the utmost care and wrapped individually.
Place a liberal stack of wrapping paper on the table.
Starting from the corner closest to you, roll the glass
diagonally across the stack until sufficiently covered
and cushioned. Fold excess paper over glass and tape securely.
Line packing carton liberally with cushioning material
to reduce vibration and assure a safe ride.
Less expensive glasses and cups can be nested (one placed
inside another) and three or four wrapped in a bundle.
Tear or cut some small sheets of paper and use at least
a couple pieces of paper between each glass/cup as a protective
lining.
Take the first glass/cup and line it with a couple sheets
of cut-up paper.
Place the second glass/cup inside the first one. Line
with two more sheets of paper. Insert next one.
Using your best judgment, nest three or four and lay
them on your stack of wrapping paper in a diagonal manner,
off center, closer to your body.
Grasp two sheets at the corner closes to you and wrap
around the glasses/cups
Repeat the procedure with remaining corners of wrapping
paper and roll into a bundle.
If you have collected liquor cartons with dividers,
pack glasses, cups and stemware in these or similar boxes.
If your bundle does not fill to the top of the compartment,
add additional wadded-up paper to fill it to the top.
If you don't have liquor cartons, pack your glasses,
cups, and stemware in boxes with other dishes, fitting
them in wherever you find spaces. Make sure these articles
are toward the top of your carton.
Small Kitchen Appliances:
Its best to place items such as blenders, toasters, can
openers, coffee makers and other kitchen appliances together
in one or two boxes (more as necessary). This way, they
will all be together when unpacking. Wrap each appliance
individually with two or three sheets of packing paper.
When all appliances have been packed, use wadded-up paper
to fill in small spaces. If you have a great amount of
space left over, you can fill the carton with items such
as pots and pans.
Pots and Pans:
Approximately three pots or pans can be nested in side
each other. Tear or cut pieces of packing paper large
enough to line two or three sheets in the entire interior
of the largest pan. Repeat the process and place pans
upside down in the middle of your paper stack. Use at
least three sheets of paper to wrap the pans.
Start by grasping one corner of two or three sheets of
paper, pulling over and covering the pans. Pull the next
three corners over one at a time, and then seal the bundle
with tape. Pack in a medium-sized carton.
Use the same procedure for large bowls.
More Kitchen Packing Tips:
Boxed foods: (cereals or rice): Seal all open boxes with
tape. There is no need to wrap them when packing. Note:
If your shipment is going into storage, do not pack boxed
foods because they might attract rodents or insects.
Spices: Make sure all cans are closed and will not leak.
When in doubt, seal with tape.
Canister sets: Contents may be left in canisters sealed
with tape. Each canister should be individually wrapped
with packing paper.
