Moving can be stressful and full of preparation and planning to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. When moving, it is essential to think ahead of the items you want to bring and, even more, to acknowledge what should be left behind. From sentimental items to hazardous materials, there are several key things to leave off your moving checklist.
1. Valuable Items
When you’re moving, it’s important to assess the value of items you plan to bring. Anything particularly valuable—both monetarily and sentimentally—should be left behind if possible. This includes family heirlooms, antiques, jewelry, expensive artwork, or other irreplaceable items of high worth. Instead of packing these things in boxes, consider shipping them separately or using a specialized service for transporting valuables safely.
2. Hazardous Materials
Another important item to leave off your moving checklist is anything hazardous. This includes items that could be flammable, poisonous and corrosive, or explosive. Examples include gasoline, propane tanks, and bleach. You should also consider avoiding household cleaning supplies that can be potentially harmful when moving alongside other items in a closed environment.
3. Perishable Food Items
Perishable food items are another item to avoid packing when you’re moving. Not only can they make a mess, but many foods like dairy products, eggs, meat, and produce won’t last long enough to arrive fresh. Any frozen items should also be left behind because they will likely thaw before reaching their final destination.
4. Large Furniture Pieces
Moving large pieces of furniture can be expensive and difficult, so it’s best to leave them behind when possible. This includes bulky items like couches, armoires, and entertainment centers which require special packing materials for transportation.
However, consider hiring professional long-distance movers if you’re determined to take your furniture with you. This will ensure that your furniture and any items within it make it to your new home without issue.
5. Plants
If you’re planning a long-distance move, it’s essential to remember that certain plants cannot accompany you on your journey. Some states and countries have restrictions on bringing in certain kinds of plants and seeds, and many will require permits for transport. If you’re unsure of local regulations, contact your local government office or research online before packing any plants.
6. Weapons
Weapons and firearms should never be packed when moving, even if you have the proper licensing. In some cases, certain types of weapons may require special permits for transport or be prohibited from being transported entirely. To guarantee compliance with the law, it is suggested to examine all relevant local regulations of your destination before attempting to take any weapons on your journey.
7. Sentimental Items
Sentimental items are often hard to part with, but it’s not always possible—or practical—to bring them along when making a move. Anything easily broken, like photo albums and scrapbooks, should be left behind unless you can guarantee their safe arrival at your new home. Instead of taking these items with you, consider archiving them digitally to preserve the memories.
8. Valuable Documents
Another item to leave behind when moving is important documents. This includes birth certificates, social security cards, and family records that can easily be lost in the chaos of a move. If anything is too irreplaceable or valuable to risk losing, consider leaving it safely at your current home instead of packing it up with other items.
9. Large Tools and Equipment
Tools and equipment are other bulky items that are best left off your moving checklist. Anything that requires tools for assembly—like saws, drills, and ladders—can take up a large amount of space during transit and be difficult to position properly within a truck or van. Instead of packing these items, consider renting them at your new destination or having a professional mover take care of them.
10. Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids should always be left off any moving list due to their potentially dangerous nature. This includes paint, lighter fluid, and gasoline, which can easily ignite in a confined space. If you need to take these items with you, ensure they’re properly labeled and packaged to prevent any accidental spills or leaks during transport.
Conclusion
Avoiding packing these ten items when moving will make your journey much smoother and safer for everyone involved. It’s also important to remember that if anything is too difficult or risky to bring along, it might be better left behind. With some careful planning and consideration, your move can be a great success.
