Did you know there are certain items that you should never pack when moving? Yes, it is true. It is also true that your movers may refuse to transport certain items. Thus, you must not waste your precious time and effort in packing everything that your current home contains. If you pack everything, you are going to invite trouble. Deliberately packing and transporting non-allowable items and unnecessary things can cause several complications, including legal complications, safety hazards, inflated moving costs, and unnecessary clutter in your new home. So, it does not make sense to pack all the items when moving. It will be a wise decision if you take your time to figure out those items that you should never pack when moving.
If you are not sure about what items you should pack and what to leave behind, do not worry. In this blog post, I will talk about the 10 things you should never pack when moving.
1. Hazardous Materials You Should Never Pack When Moving
Hazardous materials are any items that can create safety hazards. These items can inflammable things, explosives, or potentially dangerous things. You know the fact that most packers and movers in India do not transport such items due to safety regulations. If you deliberately pack these items, you will be breaching the safety regulations. This can put your belongings, and everyone involved in the shifting process at risk. So, avoid packing hazardous materials to make your move safe and secure.
List of common hazardous items not to pack when moving
- Petrol, kerosine, and lubricants
- Oxygen bottles (tanks), fire extinguishers, and aerosol cans and sprays
- Paints, paint thinners, and varnishes
- Explosives, such as ammunition, weapons, fireworks, lighter fluid, and matches
- Cleaning supplies like acid, ammonia, bleach, detergent, stain remover, and floor cleaner
- Beauty products, such as nail polish, nail polish remover, hairspray, aerosol deodorant, perfume, and makeup setting spray
- Gardening chemicals, such as fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides
- Home UPS batteries and car batteries
What to do instead:
If you cannot pack and move these hazardous things, what should you do then? The best decision? Safely dispose of them before the moving date. You can also give them away to someone who can use them. Additionally, you can consider giving them to local waste management companies if available in your city.
2. Perishable Food
Unfortunately, professional packers and movers will never suggest you pack perishable food when moving. Although some movers may pack food items for moving, you need to consider whether it is a good idea. No way. Moving perishable food is not a good idea at all. So, it is better to consume them or donate the rest to your neighbors or relatives.
List of perishable items not to pack when moving
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products, such as milk, curd, butter, and paneer
- Meat, fish, and eggs
- Frozen food
- Open or half-used canned food
- Cooked leftover food
Why you should avoid packing perishables:
- Perishable foods can rot and create unpleasant odors.
- They can spoil quickly and attract pests.
- Liquids like milk, juice, and oil may leak and damage other items.
What to do instead:
Start consuming up your perishable food by the day of your move. If you still have perishables, consider donating them.
3. Plants
Are you a nature enthusiast? Do you love balcony gardening? If so, you are more likely to have houseplants. Even though you hold sentimental value with your beloved houseplants, it is not a good idea to move them to your new home, especially when moving a long distance. Due to the long journey, your plants can be exposed to extreme temperatures, lack of water, and even physical damage. This is why you should not pack your plants when moving. However, you can use the services of a moving company that specializes in plant relocation.
What to do instead:
Gift your plants to your neighbors, friends, or relatives who can care for them. If you are obsessed with your beloved houseplants, consider transporting them yourself in your car. Plus, make sure that they have adequate water and protection from the elements. Additionally, you can also consider hiring a mover that specializes in plant transportation.
4. Important Personal Documents
Packing important documents and putting them onto the moving truck with general household items is a bad idea. These documents are often irreplaceable. If you put these documents onto the truck, they may easily get lost, misplaced, or damaged during the mess of moving. And I can understand well how painful it can be if your passports and educational certificates get lost. Obviously, this can cause frustration and regret. So, do not pack your important documents and do not put them on the moving vehicle.
List of common documents not to pack when moving
- Passports, Voter IDs, PANs, and Aadhaar Cards
- Birth and marriage certificates
- School/college certificates
- Tax records, insurance paper, and housing paper
- Debit/credit cards, and checkbooks
- Moving paperwork, especially bill of lading
- Medical records and health insurance policies
What to do instead:
Keep these important documents in a secure, portable folder. And carry it with you during the move. Never commit the mistake of putting it onto the moving truck.
5. Valuables and Sentimental Items
When moving to a new home, you may have valuables and sentimental items. While it is not possible to leave them behind, it is always a good decision not to pack them with the rest of the moving items. Remember that you can somehow manage to regenerate documents, you cannot restore valuables and sentimental items once they are damaged or lost. So, be wise and do not pack these irreplaceable items when moving.
List of valuables and sentimental items not to pack when moving
- Jewelry
- Heirlooms
- Expensive electronics
- Smartphones and gadgets
- Collectibles (coins, stamps, etc)
- Cash
- Family photos
- Keys for cars
What to do instead:
Of course, pack valuables and sentimental items but carry them with you in your car. It is essential because movers will never take responsibility for these things if you put them onto the truck.
6. Medicine and Medical Supplies
These are the things you should also not pack for moving with the rest of the items. It is essential because medicine or medical supplies are life-saving or can be time-sensitive. If you pack them with general household items, you may find difficulty in accessing them. Also, they can be damaged or lost in transit. So, keep medication and related supplies on hand during the move.
List of common medical things you should not pack when moving
- Medications
- Prescriptions
- Medical records
- Medical supplies
What to do instead:
Pack all necessary medications, prescriptions, and medical supplies in a clearly labeled. Make sure they are easily accessible during the move. Double-check expiration dates and discard anything you no longer need.
7. Items That Are Illegal to Transport
Some items are prohibited by law from being transported across state or country lines. These restrictions often apply to firearms, certain types of plants, and exotic animals. If you are moving internationally, there may also be customs restrictions to consider. So, consider not to pack items that are prohibited by law.
What to do instead:
Research the specific laws and regulations for your destination. If you own items that are illegal to transport, consult professionals or look into legal ways to transfer or sell them before the move.
8. Clutter and Unused Items
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. Packing everything, including unused or broken items, will only increase moving costs and clutter your new home.
Clutter to avoid packing:
- Clothes you haven’t worn in years
- Broken appliances or electronics
- Old magazines and newspapers
- Duplicate kitchen tools or utensils
What to do instead:
Sort through your belongings and create separate piles for items to donate, recycle, sell, or toss. By lightening your load, you’ll save time and money.
9. Heavy or Bulky Items You Don’t Need
Some items are simply not worth the hassle or cost of moving, especially if they are heavy or cumbersome. Moving large, outdated furniture or gym equipment can be expensive and may not fit well in your new space.
What to do instead:
Sell or donate large items before the move. Platforms like Olx, Quicker, or Facebook Marketplace can help you quickly find buyers. Alternatively, arrange for a junk removal service to haul away items you no longer need.
10. Sentimental Items That Aren’t Practical
While it is tempting to hold onto every keepsake, packing unnecessary sentimental items can add to the emotional and physical burden of moving. Items like old school projects, greeting cards, or childhood toys often end up taking space without being used or appreciated.
What to do instead:
Take a moment to evaluate the sentimental value of each item. Consider taking photos of items you want to remember but don’t have space for. This way, you can preserve the memory without cluttering your new home.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a move can feel overwhelming but knowing what not to pack can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. By avoiding hazardous materials, perishables, and unnecessary clutter, you’ll ensure a safer, more efficient move. Remember, a well-planned move is the key to starting fresh in your new home with fewer headaches and more excitement.
By the way, if you are looking for the best packers and movers in Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, or anywhere else in India for shifting the rest of your items, bank on Moving Solutions. Through this portal, you can quickly book the best moving company near you at an affordable price. You can save up to 25% on the overall costs of shifting by comparing three quotes.
Have you recently moved and discovered other items that should never be packed? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
A copywriter, blogger, content strategist by profession, and an information junkie by heart. I have a penchant for reading, researching, writing, and anything related to creating persuasive content. For me, writing is something that ignites my creativity and helps in keeping me on cloud nine. I have been working in the content writing domain since 2006. Be it blogging or copywriting, I create better content that fuels conversations and skyrockets search traffic.
