How to Pack Food When Moving in NYC

Packing food for a move can feel overwhelming, whether you’re moving across NYC or out of state and have a stocked pantry and freezer full of groceries. Deciding what to keep, toss, or donate can help lighten the load, and organizing your food properly ensures everything arrives safely at your new home. Here’s how you can pack your food like a pro with tips from Shleppers affordable local residential moving company.

How to Pack Pantry Items: Start by Decluttering

Before you begin packing, go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer to declutter. Toss expired or near-expiration items and plan to use up anything that’s perishable in the days leading up to your move. Not only will this minimize the number of items you have to pack, but it will also prevent unnecessary waste. Consider donating non-perishable goods that are still in good condition to local food banks or shelters to further reduce what needs to be moved.

Use Sturdy Boxes and Containers

When it comes to packing food for moving, make sure you have the right packing materials. Sturdy containers are a must. Use heavy-duty boxes for pantry items like canned goods, sauces, and other non-perishables. For fragile items such as glass jars, wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent breaking during the move. Avoid overloading your boxes — food can get surprisingly heavy. Smaller, well-packed boxes are much easier to carry and stack.

Sort and Label Everything

Organization is key when packing food. Sort your items into categories like canned goods, dry foods, and spices, and keep similar items together. Label each box clearly with its contents and which room it belongs to, such as “Kitchen – Dry Goods.” This will make unpacking much smoother once you arrive at your new home. Many affordable local movers offer packing and moving services that can help streamline this process.

Safely Pack Perishable Items

For perishable items like frozen food, packing them for a move requires extra care. Use coolers with ice packs to keep items like frozen vegetables, meat, or dairy products cool during transport. Consider dry ice for longer moves, as it can help keep your food frozen for extended periods. If your move is short, however, a well-packed cooler should be sufficient.

You also want to be mindful of timing. We recommend moving your perishable items last, just before leaving your old house, to make sure they are among the first things to unpack at your new place. Coordinate with your moving company to make sure everything is handled smoothly.

Seal Opened Food Items

Open containers, bags of pasta, flour, or sugar can make a mess if they aren’t sealed properly. Use Ziplock bags or airtight containers to seal these items and prevent spillage during the move. For convenience, pack these items in smaller boxes or bags to keep them separate from heavier pantry goods like canned food.

Rope in the Pros at Shleppers Packing and Moving Services

Still feeling overwhelmed with packing food for your local or long-distance move? Consider hiring professional movers with excellent ratings. Shleppers best New York movers can help you pack and safely transport your pantry, ensuring they arrive intact. Plus, with the help of affordable local movers, you can save yourself time, effort, and potential food waste. Contact us for a quote to get started!