In most homes, the kitchen is the most involved area to pack. Most rooms, it is simple enough to bring in a bunch of boxes and put everything into them until there is nothing left in the room. The natural organization of the area makes it easy to sort the box contents. The kitchen, however, requires a special procedure for every type of item. Even if you have moved several times and have become an expert at packing glassware and placing paper between platters and serving bowls, there is still that one pressing question: What should you do about the items which is in your pantry and fridge?
It would be uneconomical to throw it out, it's many times tough to figure out the best process to tackle these pantry leftovers.
Packing your pantry is only a sound idea part of the time. The most important elements to consider are the length of the move, the safety of the food items, and the expiration dates. If you are only moving a fairly short distance, you will be able to pack everything that will go neatly because there's very little delay or risk of spoilage. For long-distance trips, on the other hand, check out the expiration dates and only plan on taking items with more than six months before the item expires. Non-glass spice jars and unopened containers may be packed but open packages and jars should be set aside. You might also want to consider the cost of moving cheap canned goods when added to a long-haul move.
After you have set aside what you are going to pack, commence getting your boxes ready. Plastic tubs with snapping lids are ideal for food transport because cans can be too heavy for cardboard and plastic will block insect infestation. Keep your pantry box as orderly and snuggly packed as feasible to avoid unearthing a mess when you get to your destination in Tulsa.
Put the heaviest items on the bottom and line up any squared-off or boxed items firmly against each other. Use Zip-lock bags and Tupperware to seal open containers of food or ingredients. You can even use dividers made of plastic or a cut-up cardboard box to keep everything upright and secure. Designate the box as breakable so there is no confusion with your movers when they load it into the moving van. If only nonperishable containers are in your pantry box and all items are sealed, it should be safe to move with the remainder of the boxes, but it’s definitely a smart idea to double check with your moving company on what can and cannot be put in the moving van.
The first point to acknowledge is that things in the refrigerator can and will go bad if they are not taken care of correctly. Generally, refrigerator foods are only taken from Point A to Point B if the move entails fewer than a couple hours of driving. However, it is reasonable to not want to throw out everything in your freezer and any excess groceries on moving day, but you will have to transport it in your own vehicle. Moving companies do not take food that can spoil.
To move your fridge items, first, make sure the fridge and freezer at the new location are turned on and working properly. Then, it will be safe to pack up your cold food items into a large cooler that is about half-filled with ice. Take the items over to the new residence, put in the fridge, and enjoy not having to go to the grocery store on moving day.
Finally, there is the issue of how to handle any foodstuffs you can't or don't decide to transport with you. There are places that would be glad to take the extra food off your hands and get it onto the plates of those who don’t have enough. Food donation is one of the most important types of local charity, so whether you have a few boxes of dry pasta or a complete pantry full of non-perishables, consider donating what you don’t need or cannot transport to your new residence. A-1 Freeman Moving Group proudly participates in Move for Hunger, a non-profit organization that works with moving companies to collect non-perishable food items, and deliver them to food banks across the country. Click here or on the picture above to find out more!
The vast majority of people moving from house to house has something remaining in their pantry, even if you did your best to use up everything. Understanding when to pack, what food can be packed, and when to think about donation is an important portion of the moving process. With the right approach, you can get to your new residence in Tulsa with the maximum number of safely packed non-perishable food items and a good feeling having donated the extra to those who can benefit most from it.
