You have found the perfect home and secured your Movers Melbourne team, and you’re now looking forward to the big day. That means there’s only one more thing to do: pack!
When you start this process, it’s hard to imagine how much stuff there really is in your home. Everyone seems always to be concerned about the large items, but what about packing food items that you spend a lot of money on?
When it comes to packing and moving, deciding what to do with all of the food that has accumulated in your pantry and refrigerator can be a difficult decision. It’s essential to have the materials and a plan in place in the final days before moving so that you can pack up your kitchen as quickly and efficiently as possible in the closing days.
Fortunately, you’ve landed in the right place. If you take a closer look at what you already have, you’ll be able to see more clearly where everything will go and how it can be packed.
Think about the following helpful hints when packing your food items to make the big move a little bit easier.
- Evaluate what all you already have
First and foremost, you must determine what you currently have. Take out a notepad and a pen to make a list of everything you have (i.e. what you have left in your fridge, freezer and pantry). It is a good idea to make a note next to each item of food of any expiration dates and how long the food will be edible. After determining how much food you have on hand, you can prioritise your purchases and create meal plans to reduce the number of items that need to be moved.
- Eat up those perishable items
Whether you are moving locally or across the country, it is always a good idea to consume as many perishable items as possible before the actual moving day. When moving perishable items, extra care and caution must be exercised because they can quickly spoil.
If you are only moving a few blocks away, a few esky’s and some ice will suffice to transport these items safely. If you are moving a long distance, it is best to consume these items or give them to a neighbour who is willing to accept them before leaving.
- Follow this packing timeline
- One week before your move – pack up the items in your pantry that you don’t use often or won’t need until after you’ve relocated.
- Two days before your move – pack up any other non-perishable food items.
- One day before the move – defrost and clean out the freezer. Wipe down the fridge.
- Moving Day: Pack all of your remaining belongings into appropriate boxes or containers.
- Handy packing tips
If you don’t have professional packers booked and must pack your food items yourself, the best practices for packing food items from professional Melbourne and Movers Sydney crews are listed below.
- Remember that small to medium-sized moving boxes are ideal. If a large moving box is overloaded with items, it may become too heavy to handle and may cause damage to what’s inside. Instead of attempting to cram everything into one large box, use several small boxes.
- When moving food items such as flour, sugar, spices, liquids, and sauces, use resealable ziplock bags to seal these items to prevent leaks and spills.
- Wrap any glass containers you’ve chosen to move to your new home in bubble wrap followed by a ziplock bag for extra protection.
- If you’re relocating locally, pack an esky with ice to preserve perishable food such as milk, meat, veggies, fruits, and other perishable foods. You should avoid taking any perishable food on longer moves or cross-country moves.
- Always label and make a list of the food items that are contained within each box so that when you arrive at your new home, it is easy to identify the boxes that need to be unpacked first.
- Donate non-perishable items
Any non-perishable foods you don’t want to bring with you, such as canned goods, rice, and pasta, should be donated to a food bank in your area instead of being wasted. Donating unwanted, non-perishable food to people in need can provide additional support to help people and significantly contribute to reducing food waste. In addition, any perishable food that you are unable to bring along or pack can be shared amongst friends and neighbours.
- Make sure you’re ready for moving day
Finally, don’t forget to pack some nutritious snacks and beverages for moving day and keep them in an easily accessible location. Keeping a few snacks on hand can help your family stay energised throughout the day. You can also provide snacks and beverages to your movers if you wish, as it is a nice touch to make them feel appreciated. Prepare foods such as sandwiches, protein bars, cookies, crackers, almonds, and dried fruits that can be eaten on the go.
Summary
Moving is a busy and often stressful time. But it doesn’t have to be hard on your stomach, too. By following these tips from professionals for what to do with food when moving, you can ensure that you’re well-fed and don’t have to worry about your perishables going bad while in transit with your Movers Brisbane crew. And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, remember to take it one day at a time and always have a plan.
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