food storage

They’re the last items we remember when packing: perishable food. You’ve accounted for all of the essentials – the furniture, electronics, clothes – but you still don’t know how to keep your perishables fresh until you reach your destination. With any luck, your cookware was packed days ago and the only items in your refrigerator and freezer are take-out containers that can be easily thrown out.

However, if you have a fridge filled with fresh produce, vegetables, and meat, there’s no excuse to throw these items out prematurely. Still, transporting your perishables can be tricky, especially if you’re moving to or within the St. Louis area – a region known for summer heat and humidity. St. Louis temperatures eclipse 90 degrees 43 days a year, and the average daily temperature for the month of July is 80. In fact, July 2012 was the hottest month in St. Louis’ 138-year recorded weather history.

You’ll need to be resourceful in order to keep your perishable food fresh, especially if you are organizing a long-distance move to St. Louis. Here are some tips that will keep your perishables from spoiling your summer move:

Coolers and ice Large ice bags and Styrofoam coolers are readily available at convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets, especially during grilling season. You can also spring for more durable plastic coolers at department stores if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact. Pack items tightly – while still keeping them submerged in the ice – to limit the number of coolers you need to preserve space in your car or truck.

Donate While missions, food banks, and public kitchens prefer non-perishable items, they often have their own refrigerated storage and are willing to accept fresh contributions. Call similar establishments in your area and let them know exactly what and how many perishable items you are bringing so they can prepare and help you bring them in. If this isn’t possible, trying giving your perishable food to friends and neighbors.

If all else fails, eat! Obviously if you have a fridge filled with meat and cheese, it’s not a good idea to load up on those hours before you move, but eating a full meal the night before a move can provide you with needed energy and prevent fatigue during those extended hours of outdoor hauling. If you only have a few perishable snacks left in your kitchen, it’s easier to polish them off instead of transporting them.

Call in the professionals Between your boxes, furniture, electronics, and perishable food containers, you’ll need a lot of hauling space. If you’re organizing a large-scale residential relocation or long-distance move to or within St. Louis, you may need more than just a couple cars and a few family members. Keeping your move on schedule is key to preserving your perishable food’s freshness, and our BBB accredited, ProMover-certified experts at Daniel’s Moving & Storage can help you organize every last detail of your move and execute it with seamless efficiency.

To learn more about our moving services, which range from local storage to moves overseas, give our friendly representatives a call today or fill out our quick online form to receive your free quote!