After a long moving day, unpacking your kitchen can be a daunting task. However, with proper planning and organization, it is possible to make the transition easy. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and properly arranging it can make the rest of the unpacking process go smoothly. But do you know how to set up your kitchen after a move? Luckily, Verified Movers will give you seven helpful hints for unpacking your kitchen after a move so you can get back to cooking and entertaining as soon as possible.
Start by Making a Plan
You entered all of your boxes and put them in the kitchen, so now what? Make a plan before you start unpacking. Begin by labeling your boxes by kitchen area, such as appliances, glassware, pantry, and utensils. When you begin unpacking, you will be able to easily locate the boxes. Make a list of the items you’ll need in your kitchen and arrange them in descending order of importance. Don’t forget to stock a kitchen from scratch. That way, you can start with the most important items and work your way down to the less important ones.
Before You Set Up Your Kitchen After a Move, Clean the Area
Prepare your new kitchen for use by thoroughly cleaning it first. Clean your cabinets, drawers, and surfaces before unpacking and storing your belongings. You may want to dispose of moving materials and boxes right way, so you don’t make additional piles and clutters. Because you never know who has used your kitchen before you, disinfecting it can help ensure a clean, sanitary environment for food preparation and entertaining guests. Furthermore, you will save time in the long run because you will not need to do another deep cleaning anytime soon.
Arrange Large Appliances First
Larger appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, should be unpacked and arranged first. Before you begin loading the refrigerator with food, make sure it is plugged in for at least two hours. It will be cool enough to keep your perishables fresh this way. After you’ve placed the larger items, nestle smaller appliances like microwaves, blenders, and coffee makers where they make sense. With everything in its new home, you can easily fill in the gaps.
Proceed With Unpacking Glassware and Dishes
After all the large appliances are placed in the right spots, it is time you deal with small but equally annoying stuff. Unpack and organize your glassware and dishes in cabinets. Stacking them too high can make it difficult to retrieve items when needed. Organize them according to frequency of use, with daily dishes and glasses easily accessible. Place coffee mugs, for example, near the coffee maker, and plates for everyday use on the first shelf. If you are in a hurry, you can always unpack the dishes you don’t use later. Just make sure you inspect and check for damages as soon as possible, so you can discuss the matter with your mover.
Place Utensils and Smaller Kitchen Tools In the Right Place
Store your utensils and small tools in drawers to make your kitchen feel more organized and efficient. Buy drawer organizers to keep similar items together and within reach. You can find them in a nearest shop or at the market, or simply order them online to speed up the process. No more searching for measuring cups and spoons, or looking for a cutting board. Maintain a more functional, streamlined kitchen experience by keeping everything in its proper place.
Make Your Life Easier by Sorting Pantry Items
Don’t forget about the pantry! Unpack and organize pantry items by category, such as cereals, spices, pasta, and sauces. Individual items can be organized using labeled bins or baskets, making it easy to find what you need without rummaging through a cluttered pantry. If you want, you can purchase special pantry organizers or just place them in drawers, but make sure each one is labelled properly.
Invest in Space-Saving Containers
If you want to set up your kitchen after a move, and you have limited counter and cabinet space, consider installing space-saving organizers or pot and pan hooks on your walls. This will quickly free up valuable storage and pantry space. Don’t forget to use your lazy susan (a rare find these days) and the handy bottom drawer on your oven/stove – ideal for storing baking sheets and muffin tins. If you don’t have enough time to do all of this on your own, hiring a professional organizer to help you after the move is a good idea, and it will save your nerves.
Other Tips for Setting Up Your Kitchen After the Move
Here are more practical steps to help you get your kitchen organized and functional in no time:
- Label and Date: If you have pantry items or spices that are close to their expiration dates, label them with the date of purchase. This will help you avoid using outdated products.
- Install Hooks and Racks: Hang pots, pans, and utensils on hooks or racks to free up cabinet and drawer space. This also adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.
- Set Up a Recycling Station: Create a designated area for recycling bins and trash cans. Make it easy to sort and dispose of waste efficiently.
- Safety First: Check and install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the kitchen for safety.
- Personal Touch: Add a personal touch to your kitchen with decorations or artwork that make it feel like your own.
Start Afresh in Your New Home With a Nice and Cozy Kitchen!
Unpacking your kitchen can be a daunting task, but with these seven pointers, it can be a simple and stress-free process. We know that it takes time to set up your kitchen after a move, but it is not a mission impossible! To save time and make your kitchen more efficient, remember to clean and plan ahead, organize items according to their use and frequency, and use drawer and pantry organizers. You’ll be able to settle into your new home with a fully functional kitchen in no time if you follow these tips!