In many homes, the kitchen is the most complicated space to pack. Most spaces, it's simple enough to bring in a assortment of boxes and put everything into them until it’s all packed up. The natural arrangement of the area makes it simple to pack things up. The kitchen, however, necessitates a special technique for every kind of item. Regardless if you have moved several times and have become an expert at wrapping glassware and putting paper between platters and mixing bowls, there is always that one burning question: What should you do about the items still in your pantry and refrigerator?
It would be reckless to pitch, it is often difficult to work out the best process to tackle these pantry leftovers.
Moving your pantry is only a sound idea some of the time. The most crucial aspects to ponder are the distance from origin to destination, the safety of the food items, and the expiration dates. If you are just going a fairly short distance, you will be able to pack everything that will go cleanly because there is very little delay or opportunity for spoilage. For long-distance trips, however, take a look at expiration dates and only pack food with more than six months before the item expires. Non-glass spice jars and closed items may be packed but open packages and bags should be put aside. You might also want to consider the cost of taking cheap canned goods when added to a long distance move.
Once you have set aside what you are going to take with you, commence preparing your boxes. Plastic boxes with sealing lids are wonderful for food storage because cans can become too heavy for cardboard and plastic will deter insect infestation. Keep your pantry box as tidy and snuggly packed as feasible to avert finding a mess when you get to your destination in Colorado Springs.
Stack the bulkiest 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 items of food or ingredients. You might find it useful to use dividers made of plastic or a pieces of cardboard box to ensure everything stays upright and secure. Mark the box as breakable so there is no confusion with your movers when they load it up. If only nonperishable containers are in your pantry box and everything is sealed, it should be safe to transport with the rest of the boxes, but it is always a smart idea to double check with your moving company on what can and cannot be put on the moving truck.
The first detail to acknowledge is that foods in the fridge can and will spoil if they are not managed correctly. Usually, refrigerator foods are only taken from Point A to Point B if the move entails less than a couple hours of driving. But, it's logical to not want to pitch everything in your freezer and any residual staples on moving day, but you'll need to plan on moving them in your car. Moving companies do not take perishables.
To move your icebox foods, first, be positive the fridge and freezer at the new location are on and working. Then, it should be safe to pack up your refrigerator and freezer foods into a large cooler that is about half-filled with ice. Drive the items over to the new home, load in the fridge, and enjoy not having to go to the grocery store on moving day.
Lastly, there’s the question of how to manage any food you cannot or don't elect to take with you. There are places that would be glad to take the extra food off your hands and get it distributed to those who need it. Food donation is one of the most important types of local charity, so whether you have a few containers of dry pasta or an entire pantry full of non-perishables, consider donating what you don’t want or cannot take to your new house. A-1 Freeman Moving Group proudly has joined with 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 North America. Click here or on the picture above to learn more!
Nearly everyone moving from home to home has food remaining in their cupboard, even if you attempted to use up everything. Understanding when to pack, which items can be packed, and when to donate is an important element of the moving process. With the right amount of organization, you can get to your new house in Colorado Springs with the maximum number of safely packed non-perishable foodstuffs and a good feeling having donated the extra to those who can benefit most from it.
