When you’re planning a move, you may need a storage unit to store your belongings as you transition from one home to another. How you pack and store everything is vital in making the process simple, and the best place to start is in the kitchen. Many kitchen items can break, deteriorate, or get dirty if they aren’t stored correctly. Consider these hassle-free tips to make packing and storing your kitchen a piece of cake.

5 Tips For Packing Your Kitchen

1. Use Original Boxes Whenever Possible

It can be costly to purchase boxes to store appliances and other kitchen utensils. Consider keeping the appliance’s original box if you plan on moving in the future. Pack clean, dry appliances in their original boxes if you still have them. Disassemble the appliances as needed and put small pieces and cords in plastic baggies inside the boxes. Place the boxes in airtight containers to protect them from condensation and rust, especially if you are not using a climate-controlled storage unit.

2. Separate The Dinnerware

Keep plates and bowls intact by stacking them correctly. Place bubble wrap or an old towel at the bottom of a box or plastic bin, then add your first plate. Place dishtowels or bubble wrap between each plate and bowl, so they stay cushioned during transit to the storage unit. Wrap all glasses and mugs individually in old towels or bubble wrap and use boxes with individual compartments for each piece for further protection.

3. Stack Pots & Pans

Stack your pots and pans from largest to smallest to save storage container space. Wrap any glass lids in packing materials instead of leaving them on the pots and pans to avoid cracks or other damages. Keep checking the containers for weight and switch out heavier pieces for lightweight miscellaneous items. You want the boxes to be moveable, and weighing them down with heavy pots and pans can make them difficult to transport, arrange, and store. 

4. Bind Silverware

Bind silverware sets using rubber bands or string and place them in your other boxes. Take extra care with sharp knives by using knife holders, and make sure they and any other sharp objects are pointed down in the box or bin. If your knives came with a knife block, leave the knives inside and wrap the knife block in bubblewrap or other packing material.

5. Stay Discerning About Food Items

Use discretion when it comes to keeping food items in your storage unit. Perishable items are prohibited since they attract pests and can begin to rot and smell if not placed in a refrigerator. If you have unopened items that will keep for as long as you need the storage unit, consider adding them. Anything susceptible to heat or cold should be consumed, given to family and friends, or thrown out. Avoid storing large quantities of food, as this takes up storage space and isn’t the purpose of most commercial storage units.

If you live in Cincinnati, OH or the tri-state area, find the perfect storage unit for your needs at Stronghold Self-Storage. Specializing in storage solutions since 1978, this exceptional facility includes gated access, on-site management, video surveillance, and unit electricity. For secure storage and affordable storage solutions, call (513) 752-7772 today or visit them online to discuss payment options or inquire about unit sizes.