What Not to Pack When Moving: Top 10 Items to Leave Behind

Somehow, moving has a way to make us feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to packing. There just isn’t going to be any other urge except to stuff all those boxes with your stuff and take it all to your new place. However, some things aren’t meant to make the rest of the way. Knowing what not to pack when moving can save you in time, reduce your stress, and cut down on moving costs. Here are the top 10 items you need to consider leaving out of your moving boxes.

1. Perishable

Perishable foods are definitely on top of that list of ‘what not to pack.’ Fresh produce, dairy products, and meats are best consumed or given away before the move, and putting them in boxes isn’t really a pleasant idea. They will go bad, especially when the move takes long, besides attracting pests. Otherwise, one can focus on packing non-perishables, but even with this, consider if it’s something worth moving at all.

Defrost your fridge at least a few weeks before moving. Plan your meals around using up as many of your perishable food items as possible. And don’t forget to share your food with others or consider giving it to local food banks if you have way too much.

2. Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials are things like gasoline, paint thinner, propane tanks, and some cleaning products. These are not to be moved and are forbidden by most moving companies for the most part. Items of this nature may spark, explode, or even corrode in some cases. Get rid of any hazardous material in a safe way before moving. There are, in most communities, designated sites. Alternatively, use them up before the move.

3. Plants

Plants remain one of the examples of what not to include in the packing when carrying out a move. Professional movers actually have it as a policy not to move plants for long ranges since they are highly prone to damage. Some states influence quarantine lines to avoid the spread of pests and diseases. Generally, it can be a challenge to give them the proper care that they need while on transit or about starting a new life in a new region. Consider giving away your flora to friends, family, or to your neighbors. If you need to take your flora with you, then take them in your vehicle, where it can be more friendly to the environment.

4. Old Electronics

Removals are good times for cleaning out the clutter, with old or obsolete electronics coming at the top of things not to pack when moving. How many of us have some broken laptop, some outdated flat-screen TV, or some other gadget that nobody uses nowadays, all taking up space and adding weight to your moving load?

The alternative way you can consider is donating. Donate poisonous e-waste electronics to a recycling facility that specifically handles that category of waste. If the items work, donate this to a local charity or school.

5. Outgrown Clothing

Any clothing that is too small, or which has not been worn in over a year, should not be making the cut when it comes to moving time. Unneeded clothing increases the total bulk of your load, which in turn will make moving an even more daunting task. Clean out your closet and be honest about what you truly need and use.

The ones you have outgrown or are still in good condition but you do not use can also be donated similarly to the shelters, charity shops, or through clothing donation bins. Other alternative ways are consignment shops or even sold out using online marketplaces.

6. Expired Medications

Expired medications are useless and can even be dangerous if taken. Packing them is meaningless. Instead of carrying unused or expired medications, the professional should dispose of them properly.

Dispose dispensed or expired medications at the identified medication disposal point or take-back program designated by the appropriate organization. Many pharmacies will safely dispose of medications for consumers as well.

7. Too Much Paperwork

With time, there are old bills, out-dated manuals, and numerous other documents one isn’t using frequently that end up piling up and then occupy huge spaces when relocating. This way one doesn’t need to pack every single paper that one owns. Sort out the paperwork and decide what is important to be retained and what is not.

Shred any documents that contain personal information before throwing them in the trash. Likewise, for important papers, digitize and store them in the cloud or on a portable hard drive.

8. Oversized Furniture

It’s preferable to not pack because moving furniture can be very expensive and time-consuming if you have heavy pieces or extremely damaged furniture that won’t fit into your place.

Think about selling or donating furniture that will not fit your living space. Many charitable organizations offer pickup services for items, too. For those pieces of furniture that can’t be set up, make arrangements for proper recycling or disposal.

9. Personal Care Products

Before you move, try using up all the used personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotions. If they are close to being empty or replaceable, it is a good idea to use them up before the move to prevent any leaks in your boxes.

Otherwise, you can always give these toiletries to friends and family, in case you would not like to use them. For any items in question, donate them to a shelter or give them to your friends.

10. Memorabilia

This might sound odd, but some very special, usually very delicate or irreplaceable items, are better kept out of a moving truck in the first place. Heirlooms, albums, and keepsakes are such items, and the risk of damage is too great for them to be moved from the original place at any cost.

Pack sentimental items personally in your car, where they can still be within your view. Virtually, the same are the things that are packed very carefully and broken. These are the ones you must consider to be professionally packed or put away safely until such time that you have already settled in your new home.

Conclusion

Indeed, being able to find out what not to pack when moving will definitely streamline everything. Here are the top 10 things which you could, without guilt, leave behind to save some space, reduce stress, and ensure that only the things which are of utmost importance and value to you make it to your new house. In fact, moving is the best time to clean up and start anew with life, so take this as your chance to decide on what to bring with you and on what, with all your discretion, you would prefer to leave behind.

Preparation in advance and a little bit of thought will go a long way towards making this process go smoothly, seamlessly—or perhaps even pleasantly. Just keep in mind the concept that less is more, and it will make the move into your new place that much easier; and, eventually, from that new place to the next great thing in life.

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Your trusted moving support is only a few clicks away from your hand. Contact the Asian Tigers office near your origin or destination for your next move. You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions resource, AI-powered by Tiger Move Bot.