Moving to a new place can be an exciting adventure, but it also brings its own set of challenges. Packing, in particular, can feel overwhelming due to the sheer amount of belongings accumulated over the years. However, not everything needs to make the journey with you. Ready to lighten your load? Here’s what you should leave behind when moving.
Expired Or Unwanted Food Items
When considering what not to pack when moving, expired or unwanted food items should top the list. Packing perishable or expired food is a waste of time and space. Instead, go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer, and dispose of anything past its expiration date or items you no longer consume.
What to do instead:
- Donate Unopened Non-Perishables: If you have unopened, non-perishable food items that are still good, donate them to a local food bank. Many organizations will appreciate the contribution and it can be a great way to give back to the community.
- Plan Meals: Use up perishable items in the weeks leading up to your move. Create meal plans that incorporate the food you already have. This reduces waste and ensures you’re not throwing away good food.
- Dispose of Expired Items Properly: Make sure to dispose of expired food items in an environmentally friendly way. This often means composting where possible or following local guidelines for waste disposal.
Hazardous Materials And Chemicals
Hazardous materials and chemicals are among the items you should leave behind when moving. Many moving companies won’t transport these due to safety concerns.
What to leave behind when moving:
- Paint, Varnish, and Paint Thinner: These items are highly flammable and can pose a significant risk during transport.
- Propane Tanks and Gasoline: Like paint, these are dangerous to move due to their flammable nature.
- Pesticides and Fertilizers: These chemicals can be harmful if spilled and are often restricted by moving companies.
- Household Cleaners with Hazardous Chemicals: Many cleaners contain chemicals that can be dangerous if not handled properly.
What to do instead:
- Contact Local Waste Management: Reach out to your local waste management facility to find out how to dispose of these items safely. Many areas have specific days for hazardous waste disposal.
- Give Away Usable Items: If you have friends or neighbors who can use these items, consider giving them away. This way, they don’t go to waste.
- Community Hazardous Waste Events: Many communities host events where you can drop off hazardous materials for safe disposal. Check with your local government for upcoming dates.
Perishable Or Open Beauty Products
Packing perishable or open beauty products is not worth the effort. These items can easily spill or get damaged in transit, and they often have limited shelf life once opened.
Examples of what to skip:
- Half-Used Lotions and Creams: These can spill and create a mess in your moving boxes.
- Opened Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles: These items are prone to leaking and are usually replaceable.
- Old Makeup and Skincare Products: Makeup and skincare products have expiration dates and may not be usable by the time you unpack.
What to do instead:
- Use Up Products Before Moving: Try to use up as many of these products as possible before the move. This minimizes waste and ensures you’re not transporting unnecessary items.
- Dispose of Expired Products: Check the expiration dates on your beauty products and dispose of anything that is past its prime. This helps you start fresh in your new home with only what you need.
- Keep Essentials Handy: Pack a small bag with essential beauty items you’ll need during the move. This keeps them accessible and ensures you have what you need without digging through boxes.
Outdated Documents And Paperwork
Outdated documents and paperwork are another category of items not worth moving. This includes old bills, receipts, and any paperwork that no longer serves a purpose. Moving is a perfect time to declutter your files.
What to leave behind:
- Old Tax Returns: Keep only the last seven years of tax returns as recommended by the IRS. Older documents can be shredded.
- Receipts for Items You No Longer Own: There’s no need to keep receipts for items that you have already discarded or sold.
- Expired Warranties and Manuals: If the warranty is expired or the manual is for an appliance you no longer have, it’s time to let it go.
What to do instead:
- Shred Sensitive Documents: For any documents that contain personal information, make sure to shred them to prevent identity theft.
- Digitize Important Papers: Consider scanning important documents and storing them in a secure cloud service. This reduces physical clutter and makes accessing your documents easier.
- Recycle Non-Sensitive Paperwork: For documents that don’t contain personal information, recycling is a good option to dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.
Worn-Out Clothing And Accessories
Worn-out clothing and accessories don’t need to take up space in your moving boxes. If you haven’t worn an item in the past year, it might be time to say goodbye. Moving offers a fresh start, so only bring items that you love and wear regularly.
What to leave behind:
- Clothes That No Longer Fit
- Shoes That Are Worn Out
- Damaged Accessories
What to do instead:
- Donate Gently Used Items: Many charities and shelters accept gently used clothing and accessories. This is a great way to give back and declutter at the same time.
- Host a Garage Sale: A garage sale can be a fun way to get rid of unwanted items and make a little extra cash before your move.
- Recycle Textiles: Some communities have textile recycling programs for items that are too worn to be donated. Check local resources for more information.
Broken Or Damaged Furniture And Appliances
Broken or damaged furniture and appliances are not worth the hassle of moving. These items take up valuable space and may not survive the move intact. Instead, focus on bringing only items in good condition.
What to skip:
- Furniture with Broken Parts: Broken chairs, tables, and other furniture pieces are not worth moving. They may fall apart further during transport.
- Non-Functional Appliances: Appliances that no longer work properly should be left behind. They take up space and may not be worth repairing.
- Items Needing Extensive Repairs: If an item needs significant repairs, consider whether it’s worth the effort and expense to move it.
What to do instead:
- Sell to a Scrap Dealer: Items in poor condition can sometimes be sold for parts or scrap, providing a little extra cash.
- Donate Usable Parts: Charities or thrift stores might accept items that can be repaired or used for parts.
- Properly Dispose of Non-Functional Items: Make sure to follow local guidelines for disposing of large items like furniture and appliances.
Excessive Amounts Of Decor And Knick-Knacks
Excessive decor and knick-knacks can clutter your new home before you even get settled. While sentimental items are important, it’s easy to accumulate too many decorative pieces over the years. Decide what truly adds value to your home and what can be left behind.
What to leave behind:
- Duplicate or Similar Items: There’s no need to move multiple similar items. Choose your favorites and leave the rest.
- Decor That No Longer Fits Your Style: If an item doesn’t match your current decor style, it’s probably best to leave it behind.
- Items Without Sentimental Value: Focus on keeping items that hold special meaning to you, rather than keeping everything.
What to do instead:
- Gift Items to Friends or Family: If you have items that friends or family members would appreciate, consider giving them as gifts.
- Sell Online or at a Garage Sale: Selling decorative items can help you make some extra money and lighten your load.
- Donate to Thrift Stores: Many thrift stores will accept decor and knick-knacks. This can be a great way to declutter while helping others.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By focusing on what not to pack when moving, you can save time, space, and effort and make the transition to your new home more enjoyable.
To make the process even easier, consider enlisting professional moving help. Neptune Movers, offer packing services that can be invaluable. They bring expertise in handling and packing items safely, ensuring that your essentials are managed with utmost care.
This can be particularly beneficial for fragile or valuable possessions. They also provide the right packing materials and equipment, which can save you the hassle of sourcing these on your own.