What Not to Pack When Moving

Published: September 15, 2024

Moving can be a stressful experience, and knowing what not to pack is just as important as knowing what to include. Packing the wrong items can lead to complications, added costs, and unnecessary headaches. It’s crucial to carefully consider what you bring to avoid issues during your move. To ensure a smoother and more efficient move, here’s a guide on what not to pack when moving.

Hazardous Materials

Avoid packing hazardous materials such as paint, cleaning supplies, pesticides, and flammable substances. Chemicals and other hazardous substances can pose serious risks, including leaks, toxic fumes, and potential damage to your belongings. Instead, use up these materials before your move or dispose of them properly at a local hazardous waste facility to ensure safety and compliance.

Perishable Foods

Perishable foods, like refrigerated and frozen items, should not be packed for your move. These items can spoil quickly if not kept at the right temperature, leading to unpleasant odors and potential contamination of other belongings. It’s best to use them up or donate them before moving day. Consider organizing a moving-themed meal with friends or donating to a local food bank to minimize waste.

Clothing and Linens You No Longer Use

Before you start packing up your belongings, sort through your clothing and linens and avoid packing items you no longer use or need. This includes old clothes, worn-out linens, and items that haven’t been used in a long time. Packing these unnecessary items adds extra weight and clutter to your move. Instead, evaluate your wardrobe and linen closet, and donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. This will help reduce the volume of what you’re moving and allow you to start fresh in your new home.

Expired Items

Items with expiration dates, such as medications, foods, and beauty products, should not be packed for your move. These items can become ineffective or potentially harmful once they pass their expiration date. For example, expired medications might lose their potency, and outdated beauty products could cause skin irritation. Before packing, check the expiration dates on these items and dispose of those that are past their prime. Many pharmacies and beauty stores offer disposal programs for expired items to help you manage them safely.

Large Furniture That Doesn’t Fit in Your New Space

If your new home has limited space, avoid packing large furniture pieces that won’t fit. Moving bulky items that cannot be accommodated in your new space can be costly and impractical. For instance, a large sofa might not fit in a smaller living room, making it an unnecessary burden to move. Measure the dimensions of your new home and compare them with your existing furniture. Consider selling, donating, or storing any oversized pieces that won’t fit to simplify your move and avoid potential hassle.

Outdated or Broken Electronics

Outdated or broken electronics should be left behind. Items like old computers, non-functioning TVs, and obsolete gadgets can be heavy and cumbersome to move. Additionally, they may no longer be worth the effort if they don’t function properly. Assess the condition of your electronics before moving and recycle or dispose of any that are no longer useful. Many electronics stores offer recycling programs for old devices, helping you declutter while making your move more manageable.

By avoiding the packing of hazardous materials, perishable foods, unused clothing and linens, expired items, large furniture that won’t fit, and broken electronics, you can make your moving process more efficient and less stressful. Proper planning and thoughtful packing ensure a smoother transition to your new home, making the moving experience more manageable and less overwhelming.

Looking for a reliable company to assist with the move? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Atlanta or call (678) 218-6057.