I thought you wanted to move the air handler due to the noise. Cost wise it would be easier to move the washer and dryer to the garage if all you want is space in the laundry room for a new pantry.

Moving Air Handler
 

What about replacing washer/dryer with stacking units then used space gained for a partial pantry?

My guess is that neither of our solutions would work since they want to break through the kitchen into the area of the laundry room occupied by the air handler.

Correct?

When I had my Amarillo "built" in 2001, it cost $288 to have the A/H in the garage instead of the laundry room. If you buy a Amarillo with the A/H in the laundry and move it, it will not be cheap.