Don’t Pack Any Of These On Moving Day

Featured image CC 2.0 (no changes made), by Philip Wilson, via Flickr

If you’re anything like me, the looming moving day sends you into a state of near panic. You forget about purging what you don’t need, and you switch into ‘if it’s not nailed to the floor, it gets packed’ mode. You might want to pause for a moment and read this list, though. There are some things you don’t want to pack, and you don’t want the movers to move.

Cleaning Supplies

If you want your security deposit back, or if you don’t want the new homeowners to think you’re a slob, you’ll want to do at least some cleaning. Hang on to your broom, vacuum, sponges, rags, paper towels, and your favorite cleaning supplies. Leave soap and hand towels in each bathroom. In fact, hang on to all your cleaning solutions, since movers shouldn’t move your liquid items. There’s too much chance for leakage.

Bedding

Moving day is long. Unless you pay for unpacking services (the ultimate luxury, and so worth the relatively nominal cost), the last thing you want to do is start sifting through boxes so you can make the beds. Take your bedding with you, so you can make your beds right away. Don’t forget pajamas.

Shower and Bathroom Supplies

Before you jump into that newly made bed, you might want to take a shower. If you need a shower curtain, buy one in advance and take it with you. Take a towel and washcloth for each member of the household, along with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. You might also want to take your blow dryer and other night-time essentials, like moisturizers, and of course, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Don’t forget toilet paper.

Tools

You don’t need to hold back your entire tool kit, but screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, and pliers might come in handy.

Labeling Supplies

The best strategy for a smooth moving experience is to label everything well. Arm yourself with Sharpies, sticky notes, paper, and pens. A floor plan could be very helpful to the movers. Color code certain rooms with sticky notes and Sharpies. For example, the living room could be purple, the master bedroom blue, and the kids’ rooms, green and yellow. Make lists of things you might forget.

Food

No, you aren’t going to want to cook, but have some snackables on hand. Don’t forget water and people’s favorite drinks. If you’re a coffee drinker, take your coffee and your coffee maker with you. One item you might want to unpack right away is your microwave. It might come in handy.

Electronics and Chargers

You know why.