What to Do With Your Food When Moving

Dec 28, 2016

food when moving

Let’s face it, whether you’re moving near or far the idea of cleaning out your refrigerator is the last thing you want to think about. Let alone the idea of throwing away food?! Tragic. There are several ways to easily move without tossing out any expensive groceries! Here are some general tips when you want to bring your food when moving:

Know Your Move

The first thing I like to think about when planning for a move is if the new space will be bigger or smaller. Will I have more storage or less? What will I do with the empty space? How will I fit all of my things into a smaller area? Asking yourself these questions before you move makes packing that much easier. If you have less space than you do now, a good idea is to keep only what you need.

Use What You Can

Whether you’re moving because of a promotion, new addition to the family, or just need a fresh start, celebrate it! One way to celebrate is to throw a moving away barbecue with your closest friends and family. If you’re new to grilling, here are some tips on grilling burgers for your party. A barbecue is also an amazing way to use up your food before the move so none of it goes to waste! Some common food items that can be used include:

  • Hamburger meat
  • Produce (Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions)
  • Chicken
  • Buns
  • Chips
  • Extra soda cans and water bottles

It’s always a great idea to get rid of as much food as possible before you move. When it comes to having leftover food, a great solution is to donate it to your local food bank, or school food drive. When donating, contact your local food bank to see what they’re accepting! Unused, canned food is usually preferred.

When moving with items still in the fridge, perishable and unopened foods are safe to consume up to two hours* in an unplugged fridge. Some examples of these perishable foods include:

  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Leftovers

Other items like produce and condiments will be safe for up to 8 hours after unplugging the fridge. These food items can include:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Pickles
  • Jelly
  • Raw Vegetables

Moving with items in the fridge can be an easier option for those moving neighborhoods or in-town moves. When moving a further distance, removing your items from the fridge is the best option.

Keep it cool

There are several ways to be sure your food won’t perish along the way. After removing all food from your fridge, one option you can choose is to place the food in coolers with ice, or store the food in a fridge pouch. Fridge pouches can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer compartment to remain chilled throughout the move, or put in cab of the truck to be used to hold snacks along the way!

Fridge pouches are thick foil laminated foam bags that reflect heat and thermally protects your items that need to be kept cold. The bags are great for insulating temperature sensitive items and are more cost-effective than Styrofoam coolers. In addition, they are better for the environment and are even recyclable! A win, win situation. After loading up the coolers or fridge bags, you can tape or tie the doors down and begin to move your refrigerator into your moving truck or trailer.

Moving with food doesn’t have to be difficult, it’s a breeze if you plan and prepare. No matter where you’re moving, consider your food and beverages and how they get to your new home!

Do you have any additional tips on how to transport food when moving? Share with us in the comments!

 * Source: Foodsafety.gov

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