During moving week, it’s easy to feel tempted to order takeout or rely on delivery. However, you can still prepare simple meals for yourself or your family without much hassle. Let’s explore some quick and easy meal ideas for moving week.
Tips for Cooking During a Move
- Expect to Be Busy & Tired: Moving takes a lot of energy, so keep meals simple.
- Schedules May Be Unpredictable: Mealtimes might shift, so opt for flexible options.
- Minimal Kitchen Access: With most of your utensils and dishes packed, choose meals that don’t require much cooking or cleanup.
By keeping things simple, you can enjoy homemade meals even during the chaos of moving week!
7 Tips for Cooking During Moving Week
Cooking during moving week can be tricky with limited time, energy and a partially packed kitchen. Here are some simple tips to make it easier:
Stick to Simple Meals
Choose meals that are quick to prepare and need only a few ingredients. One-pot or sheet-pan recipes are great because they cut down on cleanup.
Prep Ahead
If you can, chop veggies, marinate meat or portion ingredients ahead of time to save effort later.
Use Ready-Made Foods
Rotisserie chicken, bagged salads, canned soups and frozen meals are lifesavers when you’re short on time.
Use Pantry Staples
Rely on basics like pasta, rice, canned beans, tomatoes and spices for quick meals. This is a good way to use them up before the move and lighten your load.
Leverage the Microwave
The microwave can quickly reheat food, steam veggies or cook grains like rice or quinoa. It’s perfect when you’re short on cookware.
Cook in Batches
Make large portions of soups, stews or casseroles that you can store and reheat later. This saves time and effort.
Treat Yourself
It’s okay to order takeout or delivery when you’re too tired to cook. Give yourself a break and focus on moving tasks.
Bonus Tips
Keep Snacks Handy
Have easy-to-grab snacks like fruit, nuts, granola bars or crackers to keep your energy up.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day especially if you’re packing and moving. Keep a water bottle close by.
These tips can help you stay nourished and stress-free during the chaos of moving!
Meal Ideas for Moving Week – Breakfast
During the chaos of moving, breakfast should be quick and easy to keep you energized. Here are some simple options:
Pancakes or Waffles
Make a batch ahead of time, freeze them and reheat in the toaster or microwave for a fast breakfast.
Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches
Use English muffins, bagels or croissants filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and bacon or sausage. Wrap them in foil and freeze for a grab-and-go meal.
Egg Muffins
Mix eggs with veggies, cheese and cooked meat like ham or bacon. Pour into a muffin tin and bake. These can be reheated in seconds.
Breakfast Burritos
Wrap scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon or sausage and salsa in a tortilla. Roll it up, wrap in foil and you’re ready for a portable breakfast.
Cereal or Instant Oatmeal
Serve with milk and add fruit or nuts for an easy & nutritious option.
Fruit & Nut Bars
Stock up on these for a quick and mess-free breakfast when you’re on the go.
These ideas keep breakfast simple and stress-free during your busy moving week!
Easy Lunch Ideas for Moving Week
During moving week, lunch should be quick, simple and require minimal effort. Here are some ideas to keep you fueled without too much hassle:
Sandwich Bar
Lay out bread, deli meats, cheese, spreads and toppings like lettuce, tomato or pickles. Everyone can make their own sandwich just the way they like it.
Wraps or Burritos
Use tortillas and fill them with protein (like grilled chicken, beans or tofu), veggies, rice or quinoa, and your favorite sauce or dressing. Roll them up for an easy handheld meal.
Pasta Salad
Cook some pasta and mix it with chopped vegetables, cheese, olives and Italian dressing. It can be prepared ahead of time and served cold or at room temperature.
Cold Cut Platter
Arrange deli meats, cheeses, crackers, bread and condiments on a platter. It’s a simple, build-your-own lunch option.
Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, cooked chicken or veggies. Fold them in half and cook in a skillet until crispy or melted inside.
These lunch ideas are quick, satisfying and perfect for a busy moving week!
Easy Dinner Ideas for Moving Week
After a busy day of moving, dinner should be quick, easy and satisfying. Here are some simple options to make your evenings stress-free:
Sheet-Pan Chicken & Veggies
Season chicken breasts or thighs and place them on a sheet pan with chopped veggies like bell peppers, broccoli and potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper or roast in the oven until cooked through.
One-Pot Pasta
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water. In the last few minutes, toss in veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach or peas. Drain, then mix with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan and your favorite seasonings.
Tacos or Burrito Bowls
Cook ground meat (beef, turkey or chicken) with taco seasoning. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa and guacamole. For burrito bowls, layer rice, beans, meat and toppings in a bowl.
Stir-Fry
Quickly stir-fry sliced chicken, beef or tofu with vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots and broccoli. Add soy sauce, garlic or ginger for flavor and serve over rice or noodles.
Frozen Pizza & Salad
Bake a frozen pizza and pair it with a simple salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and your favorite dressing.
Rotisserie Chicken with Sides
Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store and serve it with easy sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies or dinner rolls.
Tip
Give everyone one plate, cup and set of cutlery to use during the week to keep cleanup quick or easy.
These dinners are perfect for when you’re short on time and energy but still want a satisfying meal.
Take a Load Off with Chicago Movers Near Me
Moving can be overwhelming with so many details to manage. At Chicago Movers Near Me, our goal is to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. The sooner you pack up your kitchen and the rest of your home, the quicker you can settle into your new space and get back to your daily routine. Let us handle the hard work so your move is simple and efficient.
Our certified moving professionals take extra care with your belongings and ensure everything is moved safely and efficiently. We take pride in standing out from other moving companies by providing top-notch service and attention to detail.
Ready to start your move? Give us a call or request a free moving quote online today!
