Commercial kitchens have large and bulky equipment that can become a headache when moving to a new business location. One of our favorite Manhattan restaurants just moved to a new location, so we caught up with them to see how the move went. Restaurant owners have to focus on safety, efficiency, and care when packing, to ensure that nothing goes wrong and eliminate or reduce any possible instances of danger. Some of the major things you have to focus on include disconnecting appliances, cleaning up, lifting equipment and furniture with care, and providing capable kitchen supplies. Here are some tips from our friends when it comes to moving your own commercial kitchen:
1. Disconnect First
Before you start doing anything make sure you disconnect everything first. Disconnection ensures protection against burns, electrical shocks, and any other unfortunate events that may occur. After disconnection wait for the equipment to cool down before you start cleaning, dismantling, or packing them into your moving truck. The cord from appliances needs to be folded the right way and kept close to avoid cutting or damaging it. When moving a large fridge, Imperial Moving & Storage (83 Washington Place | New York, NY 10011 | (212) 879-6683) recommends removing fragile interior parts, securing the door with tape, and making use of a wheeled dolly for easy transportation.
2. Safety and Security Is Crucial
Safety and security should be considered the most important thing when moving. Most commercial kitchens have large equipment that is heavy and very delicate. There is also other equipment with sharp and dangerous parts, so you need to identify them and be very careful when moving them, so you don’t cause any accidents.
Hiring professional movers will offer you many benefits since these people are experienced in moving residential and commercial kitchens and have the proper equipment. You also eliminate any possible personal risks and put yourself in the right position to get your kitchen moved with efficiency and safety.
3. Clean Before You Move
Before you move, make sure you clean everything. Don’t take dirt to your new location; it doesn’t seem right. Some of the kitchen equipment might have accumulated dust over the years. Get rid of cobwebs, dead insects, baked-on gunk and make sure they all come out sparkling clean. You should also wash your utensils, plates, pots, and dust the furniture before you start packing and loading them.
4. Shop for Quality Packing Supplies
Kitchen supply packaging is needed to move small items like plates and utensils, so they don’t get damaged. Make sure you have a good supply of packaging materials days before you move. Get hold of small and sturdy boxes that can provide excellent protection for fragile items, and have plenty of packing paper ready to provide cushioning between individual pieces. You also need bubble wrap for protection and padding of breakables, and quality packing tape to reinforce moving boxes.
5. Seize the Opportunity to Organize
Use the opportunity to organize your items and put your new commercial kitchen in order. Get rid of items you don’t need anymore and make sure that hazardous materials like cleaning chemicals have not been packed along with the rest of the belongings.
Moving your commercial kitchen shouldn’t be stressful as long as you know what you are doing. Disconnect all appliances before you start moving and get tools like a dolly, packing boxes, blankets, and tape ready. Be careful when packing breakable items and furniture with glass. Make safety and security your first and most important value.