To keep or not to keep, that is the question. Packing up the pantry isn't quite as dramatic as a Shakespearean tragedy, but this guide will help you defeat your pantry packing woes.

Act I Scene I: Zone

A few weeks before your move, sort your pantry into zones. One zone contains items that are not perishable such as canned goods and condiments. Toss out expired items and things you will never use—like the protein shake powder from your fad diet three years ago. Likewise, ditch the items you have been holding onto for maybe a tad too long.

Act I Scene II: Donate

Feel guilty about throwing out food? Move for Hunger is an organization that offers you the ability to donate your excess food to people in need.

Act I Scene III: Inventory

Take inventory of your pantry so that in the weeks leading up to your move you can use as much of what’s already in your pantry as possible. Taking inventory will free up some packing space as well as prevent buying duplicates of what you already have.

Act II Scene I: Pack

Pack a box of snacks and meals for moving day. You can leave them out on the counter, have them in the car for the ride to your new home, and then have them available for the unload at your new place. (Check out our blog for healthy snack tips to help you power through your move.)

Act II Scene II: Canned Goods

Canned goods don’t require refrigeration and can provide easy-to-make meals while your kitchen is in boxes. Packing cans is simple because they were created to transport. A sturdy box with handles is ideal, but be sure not to over pack these boxes as they can quickly become too heavy.

Spread cans out between several boxes and balance the load with other lighter kitchen items like spices.

Act II Scene III: Condiments

Condiments such as honey and peanut butter, cooking oils and other sauces and rubs can get very pricey to replace if you throw them out. Place plastic wrap over the mouths of jars before you put the lids on to catch spills. Tape containers like salt and baking soda shut to ensure they don’t come open during transport.

Act II Scene IV: Dry Boxed Items

Dry boxed items will survive longer if you pour the contents into a sealed zipper storage bag and place the bag inside the box. Place flour and sugar in a large zipper storage bag too, but be cautious with this as other items in the packing box could puncture the bags and leave you with a giant mess to clean up. A better alternative would be to invest in sealed storage containers for these items. You’ll prevent spills and it will make unpacking and organizing your new pantry easier. Mason jars are a trendy option for storage too.

Follow these simple tips and your pantry-packing will go swiftly. As Shakespeare wrote, “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” If you’d like to save the drama for the stage, contact Amazing Moves today for a quote on packing and moving your home.