While it might be tempting, you don't have to rely on takeout or delivery to feed yourself or your family during a move. Today, we’re breaking down easy meals for moving week. 

Here are some tips and ideas for easy meals you can make leading up to your move and while you're unpacking.

What to know about cooking during a move:

- You'll be busy and tired.

- Your schedules will most likely change.

- Your things will be packed up, so the fewer dishes, silverware, and cookware you need to dig out or wash, the better.

Our 7 Tips for Cooking During Moving Week

Cooking during moving week can be challenging, especially when dealing with limited time, resources, and a kitchen that may be partially packed up. Here are some tips to help make cooking easier during this busy time:

1. Plan Simple Meals: Focus on easy-to-prepare meals that require minimal ingredients and cooking time. To minimize cleanup, consider dishes that can be made in one pot or sheet pan.
2. Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and portion out ingredients ahead of time, if possible.
3. Use Convenience Foods: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, pre-packaged salads, canned soups, and frozen meals can be lifesavers during busy times.
4. Stock Up on Staples: Use up basic staples like pasta, rice, canned beans, canned tomatoes, broth, spices, and condiments. These items can form the basis of many quick and easy meals; plus, you won’t have to transport them to your new place!
5. Use the Microwave: The microwave is your friend during moving week. Use it to quickly reheat leftovers, steam vegetables, or cook grains like rice and quinoa.
6. Cook in Batches: If you have time to cook, consider making large batches of soups, stews, or hot dishes that can be portioned out and stored later.
7. Take Advantage of Takeout and Delivery: Don't be afraid to treat yourself to takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurants. This can give you a much-needed break from cooking and allow you to focus on other moving-related tasks.
8. Keep Snacks on Hand: Moving can be physically demanding, so make sure to have plenty of snacks on hand to boost your energy levels. Fresh fruit, nuts, granola bars, and cheese and crackers are all good options.
9. Stay Hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're the one packing. Consider keeping a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.

Meal Ideas for Moving Week: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

For Breakfast

Simple and convenient breakfast ideas to keep you fueled up during this busy time:

• Pancake or Waffle Stacks: Make a batch of pancakes or waffles ahead of time and freeze them. Reheat them in the toaster or microwave for a quick, easy breakfast.
• Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches: For a quick grab-and-go option, prepare breakfast sandwiches with English muffins, bagels, or croissants filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage. Wrap them individually in foil and freeze them.
• Egg Muffins: Make a batch of egg muffins by whisking eggs with vegetables, cheese, and cooked meat (like diced ham or crumbled bacon), then pouring the mixture into muffin tins and baking until set. These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the morning.
• Breakfast Burritos: Fill flour tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, cooked bacon or sausage, and salsa. Roll them up and wrap them in foil for a portable breakfast on the go.
• Cereal or Instant Oatmeal: Serve bowls of cereal or oatmeal. Add sliced fruit or nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Fruit and Nut Bars: Keep a supply of fruit and nut bars on hand for a convenient breakfast option when you're short on time.

For Lunch

These easy meals for moving week require minimal cooking and preparation, allowing you to fuel up quickly and efficiently:

• Sandwich Bar: Set up a sandwich bar with a variety of bread, deli meats, cheeses, spreads, and toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Let everyone assemble their sandwiches according to their preferences.
• Wraps or Burritos: Fill tortillas or wraps with a combination of protein (such as grilled chicken, beans, or tofu), vegetables, rice or quinoa, and sauces or dressings. Roll them up and serve as convenient handheld meals.
• Pasta Salad: Cook pasta (such as rotini or penne) and toss it with chopped vegetables, cheese, olives, and Italian dressing. This can be made beforehand and served cold or at room temperature.
• Cold Cut Platter: Arrange a selection of deli meats, cheeses, crackers, sliced bread, and condiments on a platter for a simple and customizable lunch option.
• Quesadillas: Fill flour tortillas with cheese, beans, cooked chicken, or vegetables, then fold them in half and cook in a skillet until crispy and golden.

For Dinner

During moving week, you'll want dinner options that are quick to prepare, require minimal cooking, and provide a satisfying meal at the end of a busy day:

• Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables: Toss chicken breasts or thighs with your favorite seasonings and arrange them on a sheet pan with chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until everything is cooked.
• One-Pot Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions. During the last few minutes of cooking, add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or peas to the pot. Drain the pasta and vegetables, then toss with olive oil, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and any other desired seasonings.
• Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Cook ground beef, turkey, or chicken with taco seasoning and serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole. Alternatively, make burrito bowls by layering rice, beans, meat, and toppings in bowls.
• Stir-Fry: Quickly stir-fry sliced chicken, beef, or tofu with a mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and broccoli in a hot skillet with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
• Frozen Pizza with Salad: Bake a store-bought frozen pizza in the oven and serve it with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing.
• Rotisserie Chicken with Sides: Pick up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and serve it with simple sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and dinner rolls.

Consider designating one plate, cup, and set of cutlery for each person to minimize cleanup and make mealtime even more convenient.

Take a Load Off With AAA Movers

We know that moving involves a lot of logistics, so, at AAA Movers, we work to make the process easier. The sooner you pack your kitchen (and the rest of your house!), move, and settle in, the sooner you can return to your usual schedules and meal plans. Make your move to or from Saint Paul easy and efficient by trusting our team.

The certified moving experts at AAA Movers know how to do the job right while taking care of your prized possessions. Learn why we’re different from other moving companies out there. 

Ready to get started? Call us or request a free online moving quote today!