Moving is a busy and often overwhelming process, and dealing with perishable and non-perishable food can add another layer of complexity. Properly packing food ensures you minimize waste, avoid messes, and transition smoothly into your new home with essential supplies on hand. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to effectively pack food for your move, including essential tips on decluttering your pantry and making the process more efficient.
1. Declutter Your Pantry and Fridge First
Before you start packing, take the time to go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to declutter. Moving is the perfect opportunity to clear out expired, unwanted, or unnecessary food items. Here’s how to tackle this step:
- Check Expiration Dates: Toss out anything that is past its expiration date or shows signs of spoilage.
- Donate Unopened, Non-Perishable Items: If you have canned goods, dried foods, or sealed items that you no longer want, consider donating them to a local food bank or charity. This not only lightens your load but also helps those in need.
- Plan Meals: In the weeks leading up to the move, plan meals around perishable items to reduce the amount of food you need to pack. Aim to use up ingredients like eggs, dairy, fresh produce, and frozen foods.
This decluttering step will make the packing process easier and prevent unnecessary food waste.
2. How to Pack Non-Perishable Foods
Non-perishable items are the easiest to pack because they don’t require refrigeration and are less prone to damage. Here’s how to pack these items safely:
- Use Sturdy Boxes: Opt for small, sturdy boxes to pack canned goods and jars. Avoid overpacking boxes with too many heavy items, as this can make them difficult to carry and increase the risk of breaking.
- Group Like Items Together: Pack similar items together to make unpacking easier. For example, group all canned vegetables, baking goods, or snacks in the same box.
- Seal Open Packages: For open packages like pasta, rice, or cereal, use resealable plastic bags or airtight containers to prevent spills.
- Label Your Boxes: Clearly label boxes containing food so you can prioritize unpacking them when you arrive at your new home.
3. Packing Perishable Foods
Perishable foods require extra care because they can spoil quickly if not handled properly. Here’s how to pack these items:
- Use a Cooler or Insulated Bags: If you need to transport refrigerated or frozen items, pack them in a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. Make sure these are the last items you pack before leaving and the first items you unpack at your new home.
- Freeze What You Can: Some perishable items, like meats and dairy, can be frozen to extend their shelf life during the move. Be sure to label these items and keep them well-insulated.
- Minimize Packing Perishables for Long Moves: If your move will take more than a day, it’s often best to limit packing perishable items and instead focus on what you can buy fresh once you arrive at your destination.
4. Handling Spices, Oils, and Fragile Items
Oils, glass bottles, and spices are tricky to pack because they’re often in fragile containers. To ensure these items arrive safely:
- Use Plastic Wrap for Bottles: Wrap glass bottles and containers of oils or vinegar in plastic wrap or place them in plastic bags to prevent spills. This is a crucial step if the items might leak during transit.
- Pack Spices Securely: Store your spice jars upright and consider placing them in a small box or bin. To avoid messes, tape down any lids that could come loose.
- Protect Fragile Items: For fragile containers, use padding like newspaper, bubble wrap, or dish towels to cushion them during the move.
5. General Moving Tips
Here are some extra moving tips to make the entire process easier:
- Pack an Essentials Box: Along with your food, pack a box of essential items you’ll need right away, like utensils, plates, napkins, and a can opener. This ensures you have everything you need to prepare a meal without digging through boxes.
- Label Boxes Clearly: Make sure each box is labeled with its contents and the room it belongs in, which helps movers and makes unpacking much easier.
- Secure Fragile Items: Use padding materials to keep glass jars and bottles safe, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate food containers.
6. What to Do With Leftover Food
After sorting and packing, you may still have extra food. Instead of throwing it away, consider the following options:
- Host a Farewell Dinner: Use up your remaining perishables by hosting a dinner with friends or family before your move.
- Share With Neighbors: Offer your unopened or unused food items to your neighbors—they might appreciate the gesture, and it helps reduce waste.
- Donate to a Food Bank: Many food banks gladly accept donations of non-perishable food. If you have unopened items, reach out to a local charity or food drive before your move.
Resources
- Feeding America: A nationwide network of food banks where you can donate your extra non-perishable items.
- Move for Hunger: This organization works with moving companies to collect and deliver food donations to local food banks, making it easier for you to donate during your move.
- FeedingNYC: A NYC organization dedicated to helping feed the NY communities where we work, live, and play
Ready to Move?
Packing food for a move doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Start by decluttering your pantry, packing non-perishable items in sturdy boxes, and using insulated containers for perishables. With the right strategy, you can minimize food waste, protect fragile items, and ensure you have everything you need for your first few meals in your new home. By following these tips, your move can be both efficient and organized—leaving you more time to settle into your new space.
Feel free to contact us for more advice on how to make your move smoother and stress-free!