Things You Should Not Pack When Moving

Published: September 01, 2024

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. As you start packing up your belongings, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. But before you start boxing up everything you own, it’s important to know that there are some things you should not pack when moving. These items might be too valuable, too dangerous, or simply not worth the hassle of moving. Let’s dive into what you should leave behind or handle differently as you prepare for your move.

Hazardous Materials

When packing for a move, hazardous materials are the most important thing to avoid. These are items that are flammable, explosive, or otherwise dangerous, and they can pose a serious risk during transport. Common hazardous materials include:

• Paints and Solvents
• Propane Tanks
• Gasoline
• Aerosol Cans
• Fireworks
• Bleach and Other Cleaning Chemicals

Consider properly disposing of them or giving them away to someone who can use them.

Perishable Food

Another category of items to avoid packing is perishable food. Foods like fresh produce, dairy products, and meats are likely to spoil during the move and can also attract pests and create a mess. It’s best to use these items before moving or donate them to a local food bank. If you’re moving a short distance, you may be able to transport some perishable items in a cooler. However, it’s generally best to avoid packing perishable foods altogether for long-distance moves. Instead, plan to restock your fridge and pantry once you’ve settled into your new home.

Plants

While it might be tempting to bring your houseplants to your new home, they can be difficult to transport and may not survive the journey. If your move is local, you might be able to transport your plants yourself by carefully packing them in your car. However, for long-distance moves, consider finding new homes for your plants with friends, family, or neighbors. You can always purchase new plants for your new space.

Valuables and Important Documents

Valuables like jewelry, cash, and important documents should not be packed with the rest of your belongings. These items are not only difficult to replace but also easy to lose in the chaos of moving. Important documents might include:

• Passports
• Social Security Cards
• Birth Certificates
• Financial Records
• Insurance Policies

Keep these items with you in a secure, easily accessible location during your move. Consider using a small safe or a lock box to keep them organized and protected. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your most important possessions are safe and close at hand.

Sentimental Items

Sentimental items, such as family heirlooms, photo albums, and other irreplaceable treasures, should be handled with care during a move. These items are often irreplaceable and carry significant emotional value, making them too precious to risk losing or damaging. Like valuables and important documents, it’s a good idea to keep sentimental items with you during the move.

Everyday Essentials

When packing, it’s easy to overlook the items you’ll need right away in your new home. Things like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and medications are all essentials that you should not pack away in boxes that will be out of reach. Instead, pack a “first-night” box or bag with all the essentials you’ll need for your first few days in your new home. This way, you won’t have to dig through boxes to find your toothbrush or a clean pair of socks after a long day of moving.

Items You No Longer Need

Moving is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Packing up things you don’t use will only add to the stress of moving and take up valuable space in your new home. Before you start packing, take the time to sort through your belongings and set aside items to donate, sell, or discard. This might include old clothes, unused kitchen gadgets, outdated electronics, and anything else that no longer serves a purpose in your life. By getting rid of these items before you move, you’ll save time, money, and energy in the long run.

Moving is a big task, but knowing what not to pack can make the process smoother and less stressful. By leaving behind hazardous materials, perishable foods, and items that are better off staying with you, you can focus on getting settled into your new home with ease. Keep your valuables, important documents, and sentimental items close, and don’t forget to declutter before you start packing. With a little planning and organization, you can ensure that your move is a success, leaving you ready to enjoy the next chapter in your life.

For more information and help with moving, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of York or call (717) 276-8719 today.