You’re moving cross-country, ready to pack your entire life into boxes and hit the road, but wait—some things are better left behind. In the hustle and bustle of packing, it’s easy to overlook items that might be more trouble than they’re worth bringing along. Learn what not to pack when moving cross-country with helpful tips and hacks to make your move smooth.
Food and Perishables: Say Goodbye to the Fridge Contents
Food can often be one of the most overlooked aspects of a move. Your fridge and pantry are usually the last places you look when figuring out what to pack, but they need careful attention. Perishables pose a unique challenge in cross-country moves, as they can quickly spoil or leak, causing a mess and attracting unwanted pests.
Keep the Essentials, Ditch the Rest
You might be tempted to pack that jar of organic almond butter or those exotic spices you bought on a whim, but perishables and open food containers are a no-go for long-distance travel.
Imagine your disappointment when you arrive at your new home only to find spoiled food or a box full of ants or other pests attracted to the leaked contents. It’s far better to use these items before the move, donate them, or give them to friends and family.
- Hacks and Tips
If you have unopened, non-perishable foods you want to avoid bringing along, donating them is a great solution. Food banks are always in need, and giving away your extra cans of beans or unopened pasta boxes can make a significant impact.
Not only are you lightening your load, but you’re also doing a good deed. Another tip is to plan meals around what you have left in your fridge and pantry leading up to the move, reducing waste and saving on grocery bills.
Hazardous Materials: A Risk You Don’t Need
When packing for moving, hazardous materials are often the elephant in the room. Many people don’t realize how many everyday household items are considered dangerous for transportation. Ignoring this can jeopardize the safety of your move and result in legal ramifications.
The Obvious and the Less Obvious
Items like aerosol cans, paint, and propane tanks are usually top-of-mind when considering hazardous materials. These are a clear no-no for long-distance moves due to their potential for combustion or leakage.
However, you should also consider less obvious items, such as nail polish and remover, cleaning supplies, and certain types of batteries. These may seem safe in everyday use, but can pose risks during a long-distance move.
- Hacks and Tips
Safely disposing of hazardous materials should be a priority. Look for local waste collection events, which often allow you to dispose of such items free of charge. Alternatively, you could use dedicated disposal facilities designed for hazardous waste. Never throw these materials into regular trash, as they can harm the environment and result in penalties for illegal disposal.
Oversized or High-Maintenance Items: The Bigger They Are, The Harder to Move
When planning a long-distance move, size and weight become critical factors. The urge to hold onto large furniture or high-maintenance items is understandable, especially if they have sentimental value. However, the logistics and costs of moving these across the country can quickly become a burden.
Reconsider Large Furniture and Appliances
Sure, that grand piano or oversized sectional sofa might be dear to you. Still, you must consider the complexities and costs of moving them. Unless an item has sentimental value or is a family heirloom, think twice about taking it.
Large items can significantly increase the cost of your move, not to mention the additional hassle and risks involved. Sometimes, selling or donating these items and buying new ones at your destination is more practical.
- Hacks and Tips
One way to offload these bulky items is to use online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even eBay if they have particular value. The benefits are twofold: you lighten your moving load and make money to offset some moving expenses. Additionally, donation centers often pick up large items for free, saving you the effort of hauling them away.
Sentimental Items: Are They Worth the Hassle?
One of the most emotionally challenging parts of moving involves dealing with sentimental items. Whether it’s an old letter, childhood toys, or heirloom furniture, these objects carry emotional weight that’s hard to quantify. However, balancing sentimentality with the logistical realities of moving is essential, especially when going cross-country.
The Emotional Load
Every square inch in your moving truck counts, and sentimental items can quickly take up a lot of room. Assess each sentimental item critically and decide whether it enriches your life or serves as emotional clutter.
- Hacks and Tips
In today’s digital age, you can carry memories without the physical baggage. Consider digitalizing photos, cards, and other small mementos. Use scanners or even smartphone apps designed for this purpose.
Once digitized, these memories are easy to take and share. If you’re not ready to part with the originals, consider storing them in a secure storage unit. This can be especially helpful if you’re undecided about keeping them long-term.
Where to Store Items You Decide to Keep
When moving across the country, the storage issue becomes more complex than expected. Whether there’s a delay in your move-in date or you don’t have space at the new home yet, a secure storage solution can provide much-needed peace of mind.
Use Professional Storage Services
Professional storage services are among the most convenient options, especially if you’re already using a moving company. Cross-country movers offer reliable and secure storage services that can keep your belongings safe during transition.
Whether you’ve got furniture, boxes of clothes, or even a vehicle, they have the facilities to accommodate your needs. Even better, they offer the first 30 days of storage free of charge, which can be a financial relief during an otherwise costly process.
Make Your Move Easier with Cross-Country Moving Services
You’ve made the tough decisions about what to leave behind. Now, choose wisely who will help you move and what remains. Cross-country movers specialize in long-distance moves and offer car shipping, packing, and storage services. With their reliability, efficiency, and experience, rest assured your move will go without a hitch.
