Eatin’ It Up! 10 Hot Tips for Moving Food

Food might be the last thing on your mind as you prepare for your move. Yet, it has an impact on all aspects of your moving plan. Moving food from the old kitchen to the new one can be a challenge if you don’t put some thought into the process first.

Moving Food

Moving a kitchen means more than simply boxing up the coffee machine and wine glasses. Think about the shelves of perishable food items filling your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Packing perishable food items makes sense for local moves, but longer treks will require a planned purge of food prior to moving day.

Follow our tips to prepare your pantry before you move and to have food at the ready on moving day.

1. Take Food Inventory

A month before your move, take inventory of everything in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Indicate on your list the items that can make the move and those that can’t. Moving food doesn’t need to include perishable items, for example, if you plan to consume all those in stock just prior to your move.

2. Meal Planning

Plan meals around what you have on hand. Focus first on using perishables, frozen foods and opened items.

3. Grocery Shopping

When grocery shopping before your move, only buy foods you plan to use right away. Avoid buying in bulk and stay away from impulse purchases that will have to be discarded if not used by moving day.

4. Packing Dry Goods

Depending on your mover, some dry goods like seasonings and spices may be fine to move. Talk with your mover about their policies and suggestions for packing.

5. Donate

Take unused, unopened goods to a local food bank. If you have a large quantity to donate, they may even be able to arrange a pick-up.

6. Give Away

Offer homemade frozen or canned items to family and close friends in the area. They may also be happy to take bottles of opened but relatively new condiments off your hands.

7. New Pantry Set-Up

Keep a running list of staples you will need in your new pantry. You can take care of these items on your first shopping trip at the new place.

8. Dine Out or Take Out

Beware: You will likely eat out more than usual in the days before and after a big move. Some days you will be tired and crunched for time. Also, you won’t have access to essential kitchen items when you are surrounded by boxes. Plan ahead and gather information on popular restaurants for eating out or take-out around your new home.

9. Healthy Snacks

Keep plenty of healthy snacks on hand to fight fatigue and bad moods on move day. Avoid high-sugar, high-fat snacks and opt for energy-boosting, filling treats like nuts, fresh fruit and veggies. Stay hydrated with lots of water.

10. Feeding the Help

Whether it’s friends doing you a favor or paid professionals doing a job, don’t forget to provide food for them on moving day. Sustenance goes a long way towards keeping moods and energy levels up. Providing snacks and beverages to your move crew isn’t required, but a little food-based compassion can go a long way in ensuring a happy move.