Should You Ship Food During an International Move?

As someone who has been through (and survived!) three international moves since 2002, I know full well that an international move takes many months of careful planning and forethought. If you are planning to move abroad over the next few months, you will need to decide what to keep donate or throw away, to help lighten the load when the removal van shows up. But should you ship non-perishable food during an international move?

Can You Afford It?

Non-perishable items such as canned food, dry beans, and unopened bottles of condiments and sauces have a long shelf life, but they weigh a lot. If you will be financing your own international move, you will have to consider whether it is worth your while shipping non-perishable food items. A good way to save on shipping costs is to consume as much as possible prior to your move, or else give away items that are too heavy to ship. Remember, there will be shops at your next destination!

Saves Money at the Other End

However, if your international move is due to government orders, such as a military permanent change of station, you can often afford to ship some non-perishable food items to your next destination. Check the dates on the cans and packaging to make sure the food is still safe to eat and let the packers box it all up for you. When you reach the other end and start unpacking, the items you kept behind will save you some money, as you restock your pantry with items you already have on hand.

Consider Donating Non-perishable Food

Charities, homeless shelters and food banks are always in need of unexpired non-perishable food items to help support those in need of assistance. If you have anything to spare, consider donating the food to a worthy cause. Not only will you be lightening the load during your move, but you will also be providing much-needed assistance to those in dire straits.

Shipping non-perishable food items during an international move can prove costly, especially if you are financing your own move. But if your shipping costs are being cared for by your employer, you may be able to include some non-perishable food items during your move. Another option is to consider donating non-perishable food to a local charity.

More from this contributor:

4 Steps to a Successful International Move.

How to Pay for an International Move.

Re-Homing Cats Before an International Move.