Packing can seem like the most daunting part of moving. It requires emptying every drawer, kitchen cabinet and closet – some of which you might not have touched since you moved in. Instead of thinking about what you have to pack, why not focus on what not to pack?
Need some help? Here are a few tips on what not to pack when moving.
Daily Use Items
Before you really begin packing, the first thing to do is pack a bag as if you were carrying it on a plane for a short vacation. This should include:
A few easy change of clothes options
- Plenty of underwear
- Hair and skin care items
- Makeup or shaving items
- Phone and computer chargers
Why do this first? As you get closer to the move, you may have to live out of a suitcase for a few days. Most of your clothes and belongings will be packed away, and unless you want to keep packing and unpacking boxes, it’s better to have just a suitcase worth of clothes and hygiene products all ready for you. Pack these first so you can pack everything else without worrying if you packed something you shouldn’t have.
Perishable Food and Plants
Although you may think that you’re not moving very far, there’s no real way to tell if your produce and other perishables will make the move. If you’re doing a long-distance move, then you definitely don’t want to pack perishable foods or plants. Perishable foods include:
- Produce
- Refrigerated or frozen foods
- Open food items
- Flowers
- Plants and herbs
Flowers are tricky to move, especially if you’re doing a long-distance move. Your Maryland movers are not your gardeners. They can’t be taking care of your plants while you’re moving. Either take them with you in your car or give them to a friend or family member.
Check with your Maryland moving company for a list of foods they will not allow you to pack. Most moving companies have their own lists, so make sure you check them so you don’t have to throw away a box of perfectly good food.
Irreplaceable Items
Some possessions you know you could never replace. Maybe you own a fur coat, necklace or watch that belonged to a grandparent. You probably have a folder or file cabinet in your home that has all your important documents – social security cards, birth certificates, diplomas and insurance forms. Items with extreme importance shouldn’t be packed. Keep these items with you as you move from one home to the next. This will ensure that these items arrive safely and do not get lost or damaged in the move.
Miscellaneous Items
Some items are not made for a long-distance move. Most moving companies will not move the following items:
- Aerosol cans
- Alcohol
- Ammunition
- Batteries
- Fire extinguishers
- Flammable items
- Gases in bottles (oxygen or propane)
- Household cleaning items
- Paints
- Pesticides and fertilizers
Check with your Maryland moving company to see what their guidelines are.
If you’re still having trouble packing all of your belongings, try using a packing service from your Maryland moving company. With a packing service, all the boxes and tape will be provided, and your belongings will be packed for you. This is a great way to save time and take one less stressful thing off your plate.
So tell us, will you consider a packing service or pack by yourself? Share with us!