While leading nationwide moving professionals transport everything from furniture and appliances to art and antiques, food is actually a rare exception. Professional movers typically will not pack or transport perishables, leaving you to develop a strategy for managing your pantry and refrigerator contents. So what’s the best approach to prevent waste and make the most out of your food stocks?
7 Steps for Dealing With Food During a Move
Since moving companies do not move unsealed or perishable food items. This includes fruits, vegetables, chilled or frozen foods, and opened food items. This policy applies to long-distance moves. Perishable items can attract vermin and other pests that could damage your belongings.
If your trip is short and only lasts a day, you can use a cooler to transport perishable items by yourself. However, it’s always advisable to consult with your National Van Lines experts before trying to relocate any food items.
Even if you can’t carry all your food, make sure it doesn’t go to waste!
Step 1 – Make an inventory of your food and perishable goods.
Before deciding what to do with your food, assemble a complete inventory of what you have. Inspect your kitchen and all locations where you keep food. This encompasses the refrigerator, deep freeze, food storage area, and cupboards.
Ensure you organize everything and keep it in good condition. Sort your list of food items into the following categories:
- Perishables: frozen and refrigerated items such as meat, vegetables, milk, ice-cream, yogurt, bread, pizza etc.
- Canned foods: soups, vegetables, fruits, meat etc.
- Boxed food items: cereal, chips, snacks, biscuits etc.
- Cooking and baking supplies: flour, baking powder, baking soda, dry pasta, rice etc.
- Liquids: sauces, cooking oil, olive oil, dressings, alcohol, beverages etc.
- Make sure to include the expiration date or how long each item will remain edible in your inventory.
Your inventory should also include the expiration date of each item or how much longer the item will still be edible.
Step 2 – Throw out expired food items.
The next step is to look through your inventory and identify the expired food items. Food safety is important when dealing with expired items. Be sure not to contaminate other food products. Throwing away expired food items is important because they are no longer safe to eat or donate. Additionally, try to recycle packaging materials like cardboard boxes, milk cartons, jars, and bottles. If possible, recycle the packaging like cardboard boxes, milk containers, jars, and bottles
Step 3 – Eat most of perishable foods before moving.
Before your scheduled moving date, eat as much of your perishable foods as possible. These are essentially food items in your fridge and freezer. This will not only help you reduce food waste, but also save you some money by not going out to eat or ordering takeout.
Here are some ideas to help you use up your perishable foods: stir fry, salads, sandwiches, pastas, soups, and frittatas. Be creative and try making new recipes using only the ingredients you already have in your fridge and freezer.
Step 4 – Share food with friends and neighbors.
In case you have an excess of food and lack the time to consume it before relocating, distribute it among your friends and neighbors. Host a barbecue party for your friends and neighbors to commemorate your relocation. Utilize this chance to exhaust your perishable food supplies such as hamburger patties, chicken, buns, vegetables, and fruits. One of our top tips for long distance moving is the importance of relaxation before a move. Getting together with neighbors for dinner is the perfect opportunity to de-stress in anticipation of moving day.
Step 5 – Donate non-perishable food items.
One of the best things you can do with non-perishable food (rice, pasta, canned food etc) that you don’t plan to use or bring with you is to donate them to charities and local families in need. National Van Lines is affiliated with the not-for-profit organization, Move For Hunger.
National Van Lines agents across the country collect non-perishable food items from people who are moving. They donate the food to local food pantries.
Since 2014, National Van Lines has been a part of Move For Hunger. Our agents at National Van Lines have given over 170,000 pounds of food, which equals nearly 142,000 meals. They collect non-perishable food items from people who are moving.” They then donate these items to local food pantries across the country.
National Van Lines has been part of Move For Hunger since 2014. Since then, our agents have donated over 170,000 pounds of food, which is equivalent to almost 142,000 meals.
Step 6 – Pack food items you are moving.
If you have followed the steps above, you are now ready to pack the food that you will be moving with you to the new home. We highly recommend checking your mover if you will need to move any food items. Below are some key things to keep in mind:
- Do not pack frozen food. Many moving companies (including National Van Lines) will not transport unsealed and perishable food items as they can attract vermin and other pests that could damage your belongings.
- Pack canned food in small boxes. This will make it easier and safer to lift and move the boxes since canned items can become heavy when many of them are packed together.
- Seal all dry and open boxes of food. Use tape to seal and place the items in resealable ziplock bags before packing them into cardboard boxes. This will help to prevent any leaks and spills during the transport. Consider shelf life when packing up.
- Wrap glass containers in waterproof ziplock bags and bubble wrap. This will help ensure food items in glass containers and jars are kept secure during the move.
Clearly label each box containing your food items. This will help you to quickly identify where your food items are so that you can unpack them as soon as you have arrived at your new home.
Step 7 – Prepare food for your moving day
Lastly, don’t forget about the move-out day. Moving day is an extremely busy and energy-draining time, so having some food and beverages on hand will help to keep you and your family (including pets) energized. If you have hired professional movers, it is a nice gesture to also offer them some snacks and beverages. Consider preparing food that can be easily eaten during the move such as sandwiches, protein bars, biscuits, crackers, nuts and dried fruits. And if you’re ever unsure about any of the rules or procedures involved in the process of moving, remember that you can contact the residential moving company for guidance.
Contact Us for Expert Long Distance Moving Services Nationwide
For a full-service national or international relocation, speak with the moving specialists at National Van Lines. We cover everything you need for a successful move, from packing and storage to transportation, delivery and unpacking. Call 800-323-1962 or request a free moving quote today.
Image Credit – Civil/Shutterstock.com
