Planning a big move can be overwhelming when deciding what to bring along and leave behind. This crucial task often brings about significant confusion and stress. While many rely on professional moving services to help ease this process, it's important to understand what you shouldn't pack.
In this article, we will guide you through the items that are typically best left unpacked and how professional moving services can aid you in making your moving experience hassle-free and efficient.
Things to Leave Behind When Moving
Last-minute snags can cause you to lose your schedule and fray your nerves. This is often due to deciding what to pack and what not. You may find it difficult to part with items you've owned for years, but making decisions ahead will help you avoid much more hassle during the move. Selling unwanted stuff is another way to get money to aid with relocation expenses.
Move Clutter? Here's How to Get Rid of It
You can sell all your belongings and simplify the move. However, with some tips on prioritization, you can reduce moving costs, minimize clutter and make moving more convenient before and after you arrive. You can give your expensive antiques or heirlooms to family and friends as a present.
Plan a garage or yard sale for everything you can sell. Hold your sale over several days if you can. Weekends are a time when most families have the opportunity to visit, so make your home welcoming to encourage more visitors. You can achieve the best results if you are part of a neighborhood or homeowner's association.
You can also sell your items on the Internet. You can sell your items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, by creating Facebook posts or ads for family and friends. You can make a big difference by using great photography and detailed descriptions. You can also choose to offer in-person pickup or mail your items.
Donate the items you do not wish to sell. Many items, such as coats, blankets, and gently used clothing, can be donated. Office equipment, kitchen appliances, furniture, and office supplies are also welcome. These donations can last a family year and can offer benefits at the end.
What Not to Pack When Moving
It may take work to decide which items to keep. However, you can list the things you want to keep based on their value to others, how easily they can be replaced, and how frequently you use them. Renting a dumpster for items unusable by others may be worth it if you plan to throw things away during your move.
Here are some ways to reduce your waste:
1. Clothing
When it comes to packing clothing, it is easy to go overboard. Donate or sell items that you don't wear often or love. You can reduce your clothing by considering the new location's season and weather.
2. Bulky Items
DVDs, books, and large electronic devices like laptops, desktop computers, and DVD players take up lots of space in your luggage. Donate or sell these items at a garage sale.
3. Papers
You'll need to move important documents, like your marriage certificate, birth certificates for family members, and financial records. Consider scanning or storing less important documents on your computer instead of bringing them with you.
4. Bathroom Items
Half of the items in your bathroom cabinets are likely outdated, unnecessary, or easily replaced. Do not throw away expired medication in a dangerous way.
5. Old Furniture
It is difficult to move bulky or heavy furniture. It may be the best time to remove some older pieces when moving to a new house. Many charitable organizations will take your furniture if it is still in good condition.
6. Garage Junk
As in your bathroom cabinet, you have many things around your garage. You will likely never use them. Be sure to dispose of these items safely if they contain insecticide, fertilizer, or other potentially hazardous chemicals.
7. Appliances
It is possible to upgrade your refrigerator, washer/dryer, or other appliances when you move into a new house. In this case, and if you still need to dispose of your old appliances, local charities will gladly take them – as long as they are in working order. It will help your movers get you ready and loaded much faster.
8. Household Items
Look at your house and note what you use. What is just collecting dust? Garage sales are a great place to sell household items.
9. Bedding
You may have old blankets and mattresses that you need to replace. The new bedding will be more comfortable and give you more space in your moving truck.
10. Vehicles
Consider selling your extra vehicle or truck if it is appropriate. This could reduce some of the costs associated with moving.
What to Keep When Moving: Tips From Moving Services
This list is more important than what you leave behind. It is also easier to make (and harder) to cut. It can help to consider the future value of items when deciding which ones to keep. You'll need to bring along some items, both common and uncommon.
1. Your First Night Bag
You'll be glad you packed your first night bag for the new home. This will make it easy to find clothes to change into and your toothbrush, bed, and other necessities for the first night.
2. You're Precious Memories
Heirlooms and gifts with sentimental value should always be considered. Convert analog photos and films to digital equivalents if possible. Ask your mover about special moving services if you have large, fragile, or expensive items.
3. Personal Records
You'll need to take important documents, like your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and financial records, with you. Consider scanning or storing less important documents on your computer instead of bringing them with you.
4. Difficult to Replace Items
You may have expensive art that is difficult to replace. Furniture that is unique or discontinued? Consider taking with you irreplaceable items that are important to you. Consider renting a U-Haul or PODS to keep your irreplaceable items in one secure place.
5. Pet Favorites
Pets may experience stress during a move. Getting comfortable in your new place might help. Toys, beds, and leashes familiar to your pet can help them adjust. Learn more about moving cross-country with your pet by checking out our moving guide!
Conclusion
Moving is no easy task, and deciding what to leave behind can be even more challenging. We hope this guide has shed some light on what not to pack during a move and how to declutter your things effectively. Remember, while it might be hard to part ways with certain items, the goal is to make your move as smooth and convenient as possible.
5 Star Movers Brooklyn is available for trustworthy and experienced moving services. We're experts at making your moving experience efficient and hassle-free. So, why wait? Contact 5 Star Movers Brooklyn today, and let us take the stress out of your next move.
FAQs
What is the most difficult room to pack?
Packing the bedroom and kitchen can be difficult, as they contain items you need during packing. Others may save the most important items for last and pack them in these rooms.
What are the things you take with you when you move out?
A rule of thumb says you should keep items such as the doorbell and light fixtures, plug sockets, curtains, and carpets where they are. You can move if your curtains will fit in your new home.
Which room should I pack first?
Start by packing the room where you store your items. Likely, these items only get used or needed sometimes. We've included the garage and guest room as our first recommended rooms to pack.
What can you put in drawers to be moved?
Make sure to leave drawers full of belongings. Before moving day, empty all drawers in your desk and dresser. However, it is natural to assume that drawers can be compared to “boxes,” moving heavy furniture when empty is much more difficult.
Kyran Wiley is a caring relocation specialist and an empowering mentor, renowned for her exceptional expertise in guiding individuals and families through successful relocations. With a genuine passion for helping others navigate the complexities of moving, Linda has become a trusted source of support, offering compassionate assistance and expert guidance during this transformative phase.
Linda's interest in the moving process was sparked during her own experiences of relocating to different cities due to her family's job transfers. These transitions exposed her to the challenges and opportunities that came with each move, igniting her curiosity about the logistics and emotional aspects of relocations. Inspired to make a positive impact in the lives of others during times of change, Linda pursued a career in the moving industry.