Packing Food
Packing a kitchen is more difficult than what most people may imagine. Good preparation and organization can simplify the process to a large extent. Out of all the things in the kitchen, food is the single most difficult item to pack and requires extensive planning.
The first step is to decide which food items have to be packed. Canned foods and other items that are abundantly available like pasta and bread can be donated if there is a restriction on the space or the weight. It is a good idea to pack some food that may be required within the first few hours in the new place. This can include pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter or jam, a few slices of bread, coffee, crackers, milk and anything else that your family may need. These essentials should be packed and labelled separately to make them easier to identify. The remaining food items can be packed in boxes and labelled as canned or non-perishable foods.
Perishable food items like cooked foods, frozen foods, fruits, vegetables and other items that cannot withstand the transit should be discarded. If you are moving within the same city or if the transit time is not going to be more than a few hours, then these perishable food items can be packed and moved. However, you have to ensure that items are unpacked and stored or consumed right away to prevent them from getting spoiled. You can use plastic containers or glass jars to store these items and label them for quick identification. These perishable items should be packed separately or should be carried with you so that you can store them in your new place immediately.
Wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages can be packed early. Keep one or two bottles for your consumption between the packing and moving dates and the rest can be packed. A divided or cell box that is available in wine stores is ideal for packing bottles. Smaller boxes are easier to carry and so, choose the right size based on your inventory. The bottom of the box should be reinforced with an extra lining of cardboard so that it can bear the weight of the bottles. Worn out boxes should not be used because they will tear during transit. It is better to have an inner box and an outer box if there are many unopened wine bottles. While packing opened bottles, ensure that the cap is tight and use a plastic wrapper around the lid to prevent the wine from spilling. Wrap the bottles in paper and then place them inside the box. Add a good amount of padding material and place packing paper on top before sealing the box. Finally, label it as fragile so that the movers will know to handle it with care.
Packing food is time-consuming and if you are time-strapped, then you can always take help from the moving companies. They will be more than happy to pack your kitchen and they will even unpack it for you at your destination. This can take the burden off your shoulders and you can move peacefully.
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