We get calls all the time asking what to do with food when moving. Yes, the refrigerator needs to be emptied. It will be tipped and everything inside will slide around and could break and or break the shelves. The refrigerator cannot be moved fully stocked.
When the movers arrive they will start loading the bedrooms first. While they are working on the rest of the house you can unload the refrigerator. Load condiments into book boxes and label “fridge”. The more perishable items can be put into an ice chest. The refrigerator and boxes containing food will be loaded onto the truck towards the end of the load so it is one of the first things off the truck and you can get your items put back in the refrigerator right away.
While we advise eating or throwing out things like ice cream that melts quickly. When moving locally the rest of the food items are typically fine during the short ride to get to your new home.
Moving is a great time to check the date on your condiments and throw out anything that has expired. How often do you check the dates on the items we tend to store in the fridge?