Figuring out storage for pots and pans can be tricky, especially if you don’t understand the unique challenges that a storage space can present. Your trusty kitchen companions will suffer if you don’t put the necessary time and effort into wrapping, packing and protecting them. To make pots and pans storage easier, we’ve created a step-by-step process which is based on the knowledge we have gained during our 70-years in the removals and storage industry.
Step 1: Declutter your kitchen cupboards
Step 2: Thoroughly clean, disinfect and dry all pots and pans before wrapping
Step 3: Purchase quality packing and storage materials
Step 4: Create a space for efficient packing
Step 5: Carefully wrap and pack each pot and pan
Step 6: Ensure each box is accurately labelled
Step 7: Carefully transport your boxes to the storage facility
Step 8: Pack your storage space properly
Step 1: Declutter Your Kitchen Cupboards
Kitchens are arguably the most notorious areas of clutter in our homes. Your pots and pans cupboard is likely overflowing with damaged, broken and useless pots and pans that you’ll never use again. If you’re never going to use them, why pay to have them stored? So, the first step in your pots and pans storage process involves picking out your best pots and pans and disposing of the rest.
Once you have decided on the keepers, you need to make a detailed inventory of everything you will be storing. This will be invaluable throughout storage, as it will ensure that every pot and pan you place in storage comes back out again.
Step 2: Thoroughly Clean, Disinfect and Dry All Pots and Pans Before Wrapping
Once you’ve placed your pots and pans in storage, chances are you won’t be pull them out again for some time. This means they must be completely clean and dry before you place in storage. Dirty pots and pans will attract pests and rodents, and even the slightest hint of moisture will lead to mould and mildew. To protect your pots and pans (as well as your storage space), you should:
- Clean and disinfect each item at least 24-hours before wrapping
- Wipe down each piece with a tea towel and leave them overnight on a drying rack to ensure they are completely dry
- Give each pot or pan a quick wipe down with a clean, dry tea towel before wrapping and packing.
Step 3: Purchase Quality Packing and Storage Materials
The best way to store pots and pans is to encase them in quality packing and storage materials. Your storage provider should be able to source these materials for you. To protect your pots and pans during storage, you will need:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Medium-sized double corrugated boxes
- Packing tape
- Permanent marker
Step 4: Create A Space for Efficient Packing
To complete the how to store pots and pans procedure with a minimum of fuss, you need to create flat, clean and clear space to wrap your pots and pans. By taking the time to set this area up you will make the process far more efficient, allowing you to devote your energy to wrapping properly. Just remember to have all of the packing materials listed above within reach, or you’ll spend more time gathering materials than actually packing.
Step 5: Carefully Wrap and Pack Each Pot and Pan
You should follow the procedure below for each pot and pan you wrap:
- Lay out a piece of packing paper on your cleared bench space
- If your pot or pan has a lid, place the lid in the centre of the paper and fold the paper around all sides. Secure the paper in place with packing tape
- Be sure to encase any glass lids in bubble wrap before wrapping in packing paper
- Lay out another piece of packing paper
- Place the pot or pan in the centre of the paper and fold the paper around all sides. Secure the paper in place with packing tape
- Nest smaller pots and pans inside larger items
- Take out and assemble your moving box
- Reinforce the bottom of your moving box with packing tape
- Line the bottom of your moving box with bubble wrap
- Place the nested pots and pans inside the moving box
- Fill any excess space in the top of box with packing paper
- Tape top flaps shut, if flaps cannot be easily secured, the box is too full, and you need to remove some items.
Step 6: Ensure Each Box Is Accurately Labelled
Accurate labelling is essential in making storage as easy as possible. Precise labelling allows you to match boxes with your inventory and access items during their stay in storage. Your labelling needs to be as specific as possible, so instead of just writing ‘Pots and Pans’ write ‘Woks’, ‘Frying Pans’ or ‘Stock Pots’. You can even coordinate your boxes with your inventory by including a coloured sticker on your box and highlighting the item on the list in that colour.
Step 7: Carefully Transport Your Boxes to the Storage Facility
Once your boxes are packed and labelled, you need to ensure they get to your storage space safely. The most significant danger during transit is movement and impact. You should ensure your boxes are secure within the vehicle, and even use items such as dining room tables to protect them from large, heavy objects that may topple over during transit. Even the slightest scratch could affect the way your favourite pot or pan cooks. So, make sure you use common sense when packing your moving truck.
Step 8: Pack Your Storage Space Properly
The most prominent danger in a storage facility is moisture, damp and mildew. Water tends to collect around the floor and walls of storage spaces, so you need to ensure that your boxes containing pots and pans are stacked high and dry. You can do this by keeping them away from walls and using wooden pallets to create elevation from the floor. As your pots and pans boxes will usually be among the lightest boxes in your space, you can also stack them on top of heavier items to save space. If this isn’t a suitable option, place them under sturdy furniture for extra protection.
Follow this procedure, and your pots and pans will come out of storage ready for you to cook up a feast at your new address. If you’d like to avoid the stress and hassle of packing your goods and your unit yourself, why not engage in Kent Storage’s comprehensive storage service. We take care of everything, from packing your goods to bringing them back to you whenever you like! We know how to store pots and pans and anything else that needs a safe roof over its head.