During a move, you are advised to separate your belongings into things that stay with you during the move, items to discard or donate, and things to pack. So, here’s a list of things to leave behind:
1. Furniture that won’t fit in your new home
Your pre-visit should give you a precise idea of what will fit in and what won’t find space in the new house. If you are downsizing your house, chances are some furniture won’t fit into your new space. You could sell or give them out and avoid carrying bulky furniture that you won’t use in your new house.
2. Perishables
There’s no point in transporting perishable food that may go bad along the way. You could donate the food or invest in a cooler large enough to store your ice cream and soft drinks for the long-distance move.
3. Flammables
Flammable or corrosive products can get hazardous when not stored appropriately. Products such as matches, gasoline, pesticides, and acid can combust under pressure or even leak. Consider disposing of these products instead of risking an issue. Also, this interstate moving service points out that movers will not transport these items!
4. Clutter
You might want to simplify your move and cut down the moving expenses by de-cluttering anything in your home that no longer serves its purpose. It could include old clothes, furniture, shoes, electronics, and art, among others. In a huge garbage bag, move from room to room, collecting any item that you no longer use. You could choose to either discard or donate the items.
5. Garage junk
The majority of homeowners make their garages a junkyard for things that don’t belong to the house. You should not load potentially dangerous materials in the moving truck such as paint, insecticides, fertilizer, etc. Dispose of the garage junk appropriately.
6. Certain cleaning supplies
Cleaning supplies such as bleach and ammonia become useless and potentially dangerous when exposed to sunlight and certain temperatures in the moving truck. Due to congestion, these are likely to spill and cause damage to adjacent items. You might want to leave the cleaning supplies behind and preserve your stuff in dry conditions.
7. Fire extinguishers
We know that you are striving hard to maintain the safety of your new home, which includes investing in a new fire extinguisher. Do not get funny ideas trying to sneak your old fire extinguisher in the moving truck. Like flammables, extinguishers may build up pressure, eventually blowing up. Leave them behind for the new tenants or donate them for charity.
8. Liquor
Typically, liquors are in highly fragile glass bottles. Secondly, alcohol is flammable when exposed to fires. Thirdly, it is a liquid that may stain or damage other belongings when spilled. Before you consider packing that entire cabinet of liquor, ask yourself if it’s worth the risk. You could throw a farewell party and minimize the likelihood of including the liquor stock in the moving truck.
Packing for a Move
Differentiating between what to pack and what not to pack can get confusing. This piece, in conjunction with some professional advice from your moving company, may help you straighten out the details for a safer and stress-free move.