Both long and short-distance moves can seem hectic, especially when you’re trying to figure out what to do with all the extraneous stuff you’ve collected over the years. While most homeowners immediately turn their attention to downsizing their closets and garages, many overlook the most common cause of frustration and stress: the pantry. After living in the same place for so long, it’s easy to develop a stockpile of food, and when you’re moving, you’ll need to figure out what to do with all those cans, boxes, and containers squirreled away in the kitchen. Your trusted Colorado moving team shares a simple step-by-step process to make packing your pantry simple.
Create a List
Ordinarily, you’d likely run to the store to stock up on the next week’s provisions. However, when you’re moving, you’ll want to start using up what you have. Create a list and inventory the items in your pantry. This is the perfect time to check dates on canned and boxed items to see what needs to be thrown out and what can safely be used for your upcoming meals. Once the list is complete, you can base your meals on what you already have and start using up the ingredients in your cabinet.
Donate What You Won’t Use
While inventorying your pantry, you will likely stumble on canned goods or unopened staples like flour, pasta, and snacks. If you think you and your family can’t use the items or no longer want them, consider donating them to your local food bank. As long as the dates on the packaging are current, they’ll accept the food happily. Remember, everything that’s nonperishable is fair game as a donation and is typically more than welcome. You can even get your neighbors involved and host a drive on your block!
Offer Opened Containers to Friends
Sometimes, our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, and finishing that large container of cheeseballs may not be something your family can reasonably accomplish before moving day. Rather than throwing out those open containers, offer them to friends or family. This way, nothing gets wasted when others might enjoy it. Remember, moving with opened containers can get messy, especially if those containers are not properly sealed up for the journey to your new home.
Pack Up What You’ll Keep
About a week from the moving day, you’ll want to start packing up the items you want to move with you. Leave the food you plan to use that week out of the box, but pack everything else up. The sooner you start, the less stressed you’ll become on moving day. Just take care not to overload the boxes and bags with heavy cans. The last thing you want to deal with on moving day is boxes and bags you can’t lift easily. If there’s anything leftover, go ahead and throw it out. If you haven’t used it up by moving day, you’re probably not going to use it at your new home.
While you pack up your pantry, let the experienced movers at Eden’s Moving handle the rest of the job. Our experienced packing services team will treat your belongings as if they were their own. Contact us today to schedule your free moving estimate.
