Last Updated on August 15, 2019 by Kari-Ann Ryan
When you’re ready to shift to new living space, knowing a few packing strategies will make the move successful. Small appliances that break during the move are not only a hassle if you need them right away, but a budget breaker when you have to replace them. Get a handle on packing small appliances so they endure the move and serve you well afterward.
Small appliances are any electronics or mechanical devices that help you, for instance, maintain the cleanliness of your home or enable you to prepare food. Examples of small kitchen appliances include a toaster oven, waffle iron, electric can opener and microwave oven. Additional small appliances that make everyday living easier include a hair dryer, manual vacuum cleaner, sewing machine, and space heater.
Any small appliance can be packed safely and securely. Start with a handful of packing material essentials:
- Original boxes; alternately, moving boxes
- Bubble wrap or foam
- Packing paper
- Shipping tape
- A thick marker
1. Organize
A conscientious packer will think ahead, organizing all the small appliances she will require immediately upon unpacking. If you’ll require coffee first thing in the morning after your move, know in which box the electric kettle is located.
Gather all the small appliances you’ll need right away after the move. These items should be packed in a single box, if possible, or clearly labeled in multiple boxes, so you recognize that these boxes should be unpacked first.
2. Clean and Dry
Well-maintained machines can be utilized right away. Clean the small appliances before packing. Each appliance can be wiped down with a soapy cloth, then dried with a hand towel. Baking soda is a useful multipurpose cleaner. The individual parts of the blender, like the gasket ring and locking ring, for instance, should be wiped down—not submerged.
3. Disassemble Small Appliances
Prior to cleaning and drying the appliances, disassemble them. Each part, as a result, can be cleaned thoroughly. Loose parts should be carefully removed from the parent appliance. For example, a food processor’s shredding and slicing blades, bowl and lid should be wrapped separately and kept with the food processor once packed. The tray in the microwave should be removed to prevent the glass from shattering during the move.
If you have doubts about how to reassemble the small appliances, include any original instructions that came with the appliance and attach them to the unit before wrapping.
4. Gather Small Boxes
Small appliances ideally should be packed in their original boxes to ensure a snug fit. A box that is too large allows the appliances room to shift during the move.
If the appliance’s original boxes are nowhere to be found, sturdy small or medium sized boxes are ideal substitutes when packing the small gadgets. You can fill up smaller boxes with a few appliances. A large box toppling with multiple small appliances inside can lead to the appliances colliding and subsequently smashing into pieces.
Tape the boxes’ bottom flaps shut. Pre-assembled boxes require this step as well, since over time, tape can degrade and lose its strength.
5. Prepare the Appliances
Appliances you use often may contain leftover liquids or batteries. Prepare the appliances for the move by removing any batteries. If any of the appliances hold water, like a steam iron, empty the contents and thoroughly dry them out before proceeding to the next step.
6. Wrap the Appliances
Use packing paper to wrap the small appliances, like a toaster oven, and then seal with tape. If the appliance is slightly bigger, like a microwave, use paper padding instead. Wrapping the appliances in foam, bubble wrap, or paper wrapping protects the appliances’ finishes from dents and scratches.
When covering the appliances, gather the cords and wrap them along with the units. Loose-hanging cords can scratch other appliances.
7. Line the Boxes
The moving boxes should be lined with towels along the bottom to act as a cushion. On top of the towels, place several inches of crumpled paper, which offers a layer of air pockets to effectively absorb shocks during the move. Crumpled newspaper, brown wrapping paper or even ball up bubble wrap can serve as adequate lining.
8. Pack the Boxes
If you are packing several small appliances, fill the moving boxes with multiple appliances. Place the heaviest appliance on the bottom of the box. Lighter appliances deserve a place at the top.
9. Fill Nooks
Stuff the nooks and crannies inside the packed box with crumpled paper. Alternately, packing peanuts can fill negative space. The top of the box should be packed as tightly. Empty spaces inside the box can result in the appliances shifting and, possibly, sustaining damage during the move.
10. Seal and Label
Once the boxes are packed to the brim, place a tight seal along the flaps with packing tape. Labeling the boxes with markers helps you identify the contents of each box. Once you’ve scribbled “kitchen” on the box (or your own designated term), clearly write, in bold letters, the word fragile. You’ll thank the movers when they handle your fragile items with extra care.
When you’re looking for professional movers to pack your possessions with care, turn to Mid-West Moving & Storage to handle the task. Our team of licensed, bonded and background checked employees arrive onsite to tackle the packing from start to finish.
Work with Mid-West Moving & Storage
Mid-West Moving & Storage movers have years of experience with quality packing services, including full packing, partial packing, packing antiques or other high-value items and unpacking your goods. As qualified movers since 1983, our specialists are knowledgeable about what boxes and packing materials to use and how to carefully handle irreplaceable valuables. If temporary storage is beneficial to your situation, our moving experts offer storage in a climate-controlled warehouse.
No matter if your anticipated move is large or small, Mid-West Moving & Storage will cater to your individual packing and moving needs. Serving the Chicagoland area with dedication, Mid-West Moving & Storage offers homeowners and businesses a free estimate to get your move started.
Get a Free Estimate
To request a free estimate for your next move, contact Mid-West Moving & Storage directly at 847.593.7201 or fill out a contact form. We will get back to you shortly!
