When planning an office move, most managers focus on logistics, packing, and IT transitions—but there’s one often-overlooked detail that can have a big impact on morale and efficiency: employee meals. Hunger leads to fatigue, and fatigue leads to mistakes and frustration. In this article, we’ll cover how to plan thoughtful meals and snacks for your staff during a relocation, what to avoid, and how United Local Movers can support a stress-free corporate move from start to finish.
Why Meals Matter During a Business Move
Moving day is often long, physically demanding, and full of unexpected delays. Providing food and beverages isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s essential for maintaining focus, productivity, and a positive atmosphere. Well-fed employees are more likely to stay on task, help with light duties, and maintain a good attitude during stressful transitions.
What to Consider When Planning Meals
When preparing to feed your team during a move, take into account the following:
- Timing: Will there be time for a sit-down lunch or just quick bites?
- Headcount: How many employees will be present each day?
- Location: Will the food be served at the old location, the new office, or somewhere in between?
- Facilities: Are microwaves, tables, or refrigeration available?
- Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: Offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options as needed.
Best Types of Meals for Moving Days
Keep it simple, energizing, and easy to distribute. Ideal options include:
- Boxed lunches with sandwiches, wraps, or salads
- Snack platters with protein bars, nuts, fruit, and granola
- Breakfast burritos or muffins for morning moves
- Hydration stations with bottled water, iced tea, or electrolyte drinks
- Warm catering trays for small teams with access to a kitchen
Whatever you choose, keep packaging minimal and portable—employees may be eating on the go or while seated on a stack of boxes.
What to Avoid
- Messy foods like spaghetti or anything requiring utensils and cleanup
- Meals that cause drowsiness (e.g., heavy fried food)
- Overly fragrant meals in small shared spaces
- Items requiring reheating or refrigeration if no access to appliances
Meal Schedule Suggestions
If your move takes an entire day or more, here’s a sample meal and snack timeline:
- 8:30 AM: Coffee, water, and breakfast bars or muffins
- 12:00 PM: Lunch boxes or catered sandwiches and drinks
- 3:00 PM: Light snacks—fruit, nuts, or trail mix
- 5:30 PM: If the move continues, offer a casual dinner (pizza or rice bowls)
Options for Small vs. Large Teams
Small Teams (1–10 people):
- Consider pre-ordering meals from a local café or delivery service
- Assign someone to pick up meals if catering isn’t available
Medium to Large Teams (10–50+ people):
- Coordinate catering ahead of time with a local vendor
- Label meals with names or dietary tags
- Designate a food station or break area
How United Local Movers Supports Workplace Moves
At United Local Movers, we know how complicated corporate relocations can be. That’s why we offer a seamless moving experience that includes:
- Detailed scheduling so you know when food breaks can happen
- Coordination with your office manager to plan downtime
- Minimized disruptions so staff can stay focused on their roles
- Flexible loading/unloading to match meal service windows
Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, our professional crews help make the transition smoother—for both management and employees.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your team during a move might not seem like a top priority, but it’s one of the easiest ways to show appreciation and maintain energy levels. Thoughtful meal planning goes a long way toward reducing stress, improving focus, and keeping your business running smoothly during the transition. And when you partner with a trusted team like United Local Movers, you can count on support from start to finish—including time to enjoy lunch.
