Food is one of those things nobody thinks about until three days before moving day — and then suddenly you’re staring at a full freezer, a packed pantry, and absolutely no plan. Here’s how to handle it without wasting a thing.
Start With an Inventory
Walk through your kitchen about four to six weeks before moving day and take stock of everything — fridge, freezer, pantry, cupboards, even that basket of snacks by the couch. Write it down or take photos. Once you know what you have, you can make a plan instead of just hoping it all works itself out.
Stop Buying Groceries
This sounds simple but almost nobody does it. About two to three weeks before your move, stop doing your regular grocery shop. Keep buying essentials like milk, bread, and eggs, but cut out everything else. Challenge yourself to cook meals using what’s already in the pantry. You’ll be surprised how creative you get — and how much lighter your kitchen feels by moving day.
Eat the Perishables First
Perishables are the priority. Movers won’t transport open, refrigerated, or frozen food — it’s a health and safety issue, and it can attract pests if packed with your belongings. Work through your fridge and freezer first. Host a farewell dinner with neighbours using whatever’s in the freezer. Make it a game. Everything frozen or refrigerated that doesn’t get eaten needs to stay behind or go in a cooler in your own car.
Donate What You Won’t Use
Unopened, non-expired canned goods and dry pantry items are perfect for donation. Vancouver has plenty of options — local food banks, community fridges, and shelters across the Lower Mainland all accept non-perishable donations. It’s a far better outcome than the trash, and it lightens your load on moving day.
Pack the Rest Carefully
For anything you are bringing with you — sealed dry goods, canned items, glass jars — pack smart. Use small boxes for canned goods because they get very heavy fast. Seal open bags of rice, pasta, or flour inside ziplock bags before boxing them up. Wrap glass jars and bottles in packing paper and fill gaps in the box so nothing shifts or breaks in transit.
Keep Something Back for Moving Day
Moving day is long and exhausting. Set aside easy snacks, drinks, and something simple for lunch — sandwiches, protein bars, fruit. Your movers will appreciate it too. Having food on hand keeps everyone’s energy up and the move on schedule.
Brothers Moving helps Vancouver families and businesses relocate smoothly every day across the Lower Mainland and all of BC. Call us at 604-720-0931 or request a free quote online today.