Moving is a significant expense, whether you choose to use a professional moving company like ABS Movers & Storage or not (though, it’s more expensive, in most cases, to do it without expert movers). That said, no one wants to add to the expenditures of moving by wasting good groceries in the fridge, pantry, and cupboards, too! As the days and weeks roll by and moving day fast approaches, I would like to offer you some advice regarding how to get the most from your already-purchased groceries so you don’t find yourself wasting them!
- Do a bit of inventory
First, check out your fridge and freezer and see what side items, veggies, and proteins you have. Make a list. Next, survey your cupboards and pantry goods and make another list. From these two lists, you can match items that will make full meals and lunches. Be sure to make note of the items the must be used in the near future, so you’re sure to use those first. - Embrace vegetarian ideas
Bear with me, here. Most households stock up on canned goods, grains, pastas, and frozen vegetables. Instead of preparing the meat-centered meals you may be used to, consider creating some creative, vegetarian dishes from the pantry items you’ve found—so you have less to pack. Ideas:
- Chili—made of beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, etc.
- Vegetable stew—made of potatoes, carrots, corn, and broth.
- Stir-fry—peppers, onions, garlic, carrots, broccoli, rice, etc.
- Pasta salads—made of anything you can find to add to pasta and mayo or salad dressings.
- Soups—tomato soup or broth-based with farro or rice and any canned vegetable will be tasty!
- Quesadillas—use up the cheese you have in the fridge and add beans, corn, tomatoes, and other odds-and-ends veggies you have in surplus.
- Casserole—use up beans, cream cheese, spinach, etc. and some of your boxed goods like cornmeal or flour.
- Donate what doesn’t work
If there are any non-perishable items you’d be happy to part with or that will not work within the meal planner you’ve created, bring them to a local food bank or church to donate within your community. Items which are always welcome:
- Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon)
- Canned vegetables (corn, black beans, garbanzo beans, spinach, canned tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, bean salad, etc.)
- Canned soups (chicken noodle, beef stew, tomato, butternut squash)
- Boxed goods (pasta, rice, instant noodles, microwave popcorn)
- Unopened seeds (sunflower, popcorn, sesame)
- Host a dinner party
This is a good way to get rid of a large amount of food while connecting with loved ones. Who doesn’t love a night of wine, casserole or stew, and friendship? This also gives you a good excuse to spend time with friends before you move—especially if you’re moving far away.
The experts here at ABS Movers & Storage can help you with your moving company in Caledon, ON move whenever you’re ready! You just worry about cleaning out those grocery items and we’ll take care of the rest!
ABS Movers & Storage | 17 Dora Ave Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 | (416) 588-1499
