Frozen food probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re packing for a move, but if you have a freezer full of perishables, it definitely needs to be considered. Before your Chicago moving company arrives, planning ahead for those freezer items will help you avoid spoilage and a big mess. Use the following tips to protect your frozen food during your move.
How to Prepare Frozen Foods for Your Upcoming Move
The days and weeks leading up to a move often involve clearing out your previous home, including the fridge. Ideally, you should leave nothing in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. However, that’s not always possible, especially if you stock your freezer to the brim. There are plenty of pantry and refrigerator items you may end up giving away or discarding, but the goal is to create as little waste as possible. Moving can be costly and arriving at your new home with food to cook can help save you time, money and stress. Moving with frozen food requires planning and proper equipment. Consider the following tips for safely and effectively moving frozen food.
How to Transport Frozen Food When Moving
You don’t have to dump your frozen food just because you’re moving. With the right preparation techniques and packing strategies, you can prevent frozen goods from spoiling and ensure they’re ready to use when you arrive at your new home.
- Toss Expired Foods – The first step in moving any food—frozen or not—is to discard any expired items. Use or get rid of any condiments or other food items that only have a small amount left inside. Dented cans should also be discarded, as they might contain foods that are unsafe to eat.
- Use What You Can – The less you have to move, the easier it should be. Plan to eat as many of your frozen food items as possible before your move. Leave any frozen foods you probably won’t use at your new destination with friends and family. Consider donating unopened frozen foods to those in need.
- Get the Right Equipment – Moving frozen food long distances requires a portable freezer or high-quality cooler. Pack your portable freezer or cooler with cold packs, ice blocks or dry ice to help keep the frozen items cold throughout the journey. To avoid costly moving mistakes, restock ice as needed to keep the temperature in your cooler below 39°F (4°C). This is the temperature required to prevent spoiling and bacterial growth. Moving frozen food to a new freezer in a box or bag is unsafe, even if you’re moving around the block.
- Pack Frozen Food – Wrap frozen meats in newspaper and place them in sealable containers or storage baggies to prevent juices from leaking. Store meats at the bottom of the cooler, then place other frozen items on top. Pack frozen foods tightly, as air pockets can cause them to thaw faster. Fill any open spaces in the cooler with ice packs if needed. Knowing how to keep food frozen during transport is essential to preventing spoilage and keeping your family safe.
- Stock Your New Freezer – Frozen food should be among the first items to enter your new freezer. Immediately transfer frozen items from your cooler into your new freezer. These frozen foods can be helpful during the first days in your new home, reducing trips to the grocery store and allowing you to get started on unpacking.
From tossing expired items to properly packing, you can safely transport frozen food. These simple strategies will help to ensure your groceries survive your upcoming move.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Moving Company
Moving frozen foods from one home to another may seem like a major undertaking, but it can save you a lot of money and unnecessary stress upon arrival in your new home. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all on your own. An experienced specialty moving company will know how to skillfully plan, appropriately pack, and safely transport your freezer items. By implementing proven techniques and using the right equipment, professional movers will make sure your groceries stay frozen and your move stays on schedule.
Count on New City Moving to Protect Your Frozen Foods During Your Move
The professional movers at New City Moving offer a wide range of services, including tackling the tedious tasks of packing, unpacking and more. Reach out to New City Moving at 871-314-2148 to discuss moving services and request a free quote for your next move.