How to Restock Your Kitchen After a Move

I have a post-moving task for you that many people don’t think about. But, after moving in, it’s time to restock your kitchen. You probably got rid of a lot of food before your move. I’ve always tried using up as many food items as possible before moving. Many food items are prohibited from being put on a moving truck because they could cause damage to other items should they spill or leak. Food items can also invite critters onto the moving truck. And the last thing you want to deal with is mice making a home in your moving truck.

During our last interstate move, I left things in the pantry to donate once the apartment was packed. The movers packed up those food items and transferred them with the rest of our belongings. Some of the products did not maintain their freshness. Therefore, we wasted space on the moving truck, money on a heavier load, and time packing and unpacking the items to toss them out.

Because we usually start with a clean slate in the kitchen, we have to restock the kitchen. Therefore, we always plan a restocking trip to local grocery stores to rebuild our supply. Below is a basic list of items I frequently use while cooking. I included more detailed information on my favorite products. Using this list keeps me from making endless runs to the grocery store. I can also make a few weeks of meals from these items, which cuts down on the stress at mealtime.

Spices & Condiments

• Barbecue sauce
• Hot sauce
• Jam
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Pepper
• Salt
• Spices & seasonings:
  • cayenne pepper
  • chili powder
  • cinnamon
  • cream of tartar
  • crushed red pepper
  • cumin
  • garlic powder
  • ginger (ground)
  • kosher salt
  • nutmeg
  • onion powder
  • oregano
  • paprika
  • rosemary
  • sesame seeds
  • thyme
  • turmeric
  • vanilla extract

Pantry

• Almond butter
• Beans: black, kidney, garbanzo
• Bread
• Canned tomatoes
• Cereal
• Chicken broth
• Coffee
• Crackers
• Flour
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Oats
• Oil – coconut, olive, avocado, sesame are my favorites
• Pasta
• Peanut butter
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Soy sauce
• Sugar – brown, granulated white, powdered
• Tea
• Tomato paste
• Water chestnuts
• Vinegar – apple cider, balsamic, red wine, rice, white

Refrigerator

• Butter
• Cheese – goat, feta, pepper jack
• Eggs
• Fruit – bananas, berries, clementines, watermelon
• Hummus
• Milk
• Water or water filter (if you live in an area where you cannot drink tap water)
• Tortilla bread
• Vegetables – lettuce, carrots, onions, mushrooms, squash, tomatoes
• Yogurt

Feezer

• Frozen fruit – blueberries, mango
• Frozen vegetables – butternut squash, corn, green beans, peas, veggie mixes
• Ice Cream
• Last minute freezer meal ideas – TJ’s chicken fried rice, pizza
• Meat – beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, turkey

Kitchen Organization Tips

Now, to take kitchen restocking one step further, properly organize your items so they are easy to find and conveniently located. Here are four tips for improving kitchen organization:

1. Line the cabinets and drawers to protect them from possible spills or scratches.
2. Place items in a location where you will use them most frequently. For example, put pots, pans, and cookie utensils near the stove. Put drinking glasses near the sink.
3. Label the cabinets to keep things organized. If someone else is putting things away, they can do it correctly if you have everything labeled.
4. Use organizers to keep things contained and grouped together. I like using lazy-susans for smaller items, sealable containers, and drawer organizers to keep things neat.

Finally, remember being prepared and having all your spices, food items, and gadgets can make a mealtime in your new home much easier. As you continue working to make your house a home, here are two lists for you to restock your bathroom and to restock your laundry room.