Items You Shouldn’t Pack Up to Move

Packing to move is a tedious process, but eliminating the belongings you don’t want or need before moving can simplify your planning. Fewer boxes will save your move costs. Don’t wait until you arrive in your new home to discard items. Do it before you start packing. Here are the top things people often bring to their new homes, only to donate, discard, or give away later.

Unused Furniture

Look around your home, basement, and attic to see if you have any excess furniture you’ve been stowing but don’t need. Make a plan to donate or give away any furniture pieces in decent shape but you no longer want them. Likewise, if you have any worn furniture you are using, why not consider leaving that behind? You can save money on transporting furniture you’re likely to replace anyway, and it’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh in your new home and save yourself the expense of transporting it.

Old Clothing and Shoes

Clothing takes up more space than you’d think. So before packing up household clothing, ask everyone to comb through the closets and dressers and plan to pull out items they don’t wear or like. You’d be surprised at the pile of clothing and shoes you’ll probably come up with that can be donated before you move.

Dusty Books, DVDs, and CDs

Today, most people opt for streaming movies and music, and still, others read their books digitally. So if you have shelves of dusty books, DVDs, and CDs (or even VHS), no one will likely use them anymore; plan to donate them and only keep the collectibles, first editions, or hard-to-replace items.

Custom Blinds and Curtains

Unless you’ve already measured and your new windows are the exact size as your old home, you won’t need your blinds and curtains. However, these make great donation items, and you can start redecorating with new blinds and curtains after you get settled in. Alternatively, you can simply see if the new owners are interested in keeping them.

Food

When packing up the pantry, discard any expired items. Don’t bother to bring them because they’re likely to be tossed in the weeks after arriving. 

Try to eat your perishables before moving. And donate nonperishable items to local food pantries.

Old Toiletries

Weed out almost empty soaps, shampoos, conditioners, old toothbrushes, loofahs, and razors. Then plan to restock your bathroom with fresh, new items when you arrive.

Items Usually Prohibited By Movers

If you’re hiring professional movers to help you transport your belongings, it’s essential to find out from them which items are restricted and unable to go on the moving truck. Generally, these are items movers are not allowed to pack.

  • Household cleaners
  • Lighter fluid
  • Houseplants
  • Fertilizer and weed killer
  • Car batteries
  • Ammunition
  • Any other flammable substance

Remember that you shouldn’t bring these in your private vehicle either because of their flammability or volatility.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Are you getting ready to move? Contact us for a free quote. We’re also happy to answer any questions about items you shouldn’t pack up to move.