As you sort, pack, and coordinate with your moving service, you have to decide what to do with your food. The perishable and non-perishable foods occupying your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer are naturally the last items to deal with, and there is no reason to throw everything out, even if your new house or apartment is not nearby.

The Top 5 Things to Do With Your Food Prior To Moving

1. Toss Anything That’s Expired

Go through your refrigerator, freezer, and cupboards to throw out anything long past its expiration date, as well as leftovers that have been sitting for far too long. Perform the “smell test” whenever you are unsure about an item--if it smells bad, toss it.

2. Cook & Bake What You Can

Create a week or two’s worth of menus with everything near their expiration dates. Start with the items that will expire first and work your way to foods that will not necessarily expire soon but you do not want to take with you. If you own a crock pot, use it to make chili, stew, and soup with what you have available.

3. Donate Canned Goods

Donate non-expired canned goods you do not want to move to local homeless shelters, women’s shelters, and food banks. You can also donate non-perishable packaged items such as ramen noodles.

4. Tape Items That Can Spill

Tape everything that can potentially spill during the move, including ingredients such as flour, sugar, and spices. Ensure the caps on all opened glass bottles are tightly sealed and use plastic bags to cover them if necessary, such as on your olive and almond oil bottles.

5. Use Coolers for Refrigerated & Frozen Items

Save boxes for non-perishable items and use coolers and plastic containers with ice for refrigerated and frozen items. Instruct your moving service team to place them in the van or truck last so they stay in your refrigerator and freezer for as long as possible and move them first upon arriving at your new location.

 

Big John Movers provides clients throughout the greater Cincinnati, OH area with reliable moving services designed to reduce stress and anxiety. A local, family-owned moving company that’s proudly served the region for over 45 years, you never have to pay for last-minute moves, weekend or holiday services, or furniture disassembly and reassembly. Seniors and military service people receive 10% discounts. Call (513) 244-5646 today to schedule a free onsite estimate or visit the moving service online for details. Like the company on Facebook for a $20 moving service discount.