How to Pack Food for Moving

Food and perishables are only allowed on some local moves. Be sure to check with your Moving Coordinator to see which items you are allowed to pack.

Simple Packing Tips For These Food Types

Pack only food items you are sure will travel well. Keep in mind that there are laws that prohibit movers from transporting some types of perishable goods, so check with your United agent before packing your food.

Packing Spices and Other Dry Goods

Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.

Packing Canned Goods

Since canned goods are heavy, you should evaluate the need to transport them. Consider that additional transport costs could be significantly more than replacement costs.

Packing Frozen Goods

Many frozen goods are subject to transportation restrictions, so be sure to ask your United agent ahead of time about non-allowables and special handling. It is never recommended that you transport frozen or refrigerated goods in an unplugged appliance, even when moving short distances. A third-party service may be needed to transport foods on a refrigerated truck to a local cold storage facility while you move from location to location.