Moving? What NOT To Pack

Finally closing the deal on a new house is often euphoric. After running through all the hoops, covering your tracks and tying up all the loose ends associated with buying a new home, having everything finalized is an enormous weight off your shoulders. Simultaneously, the excitement of relocating to a new environment comes flooding in. These two factors are what precipitate the euphoria. Shortly after, a third factor comes into play and hits you like a wall; the task of moving.

Moving is regarded as one of the most stressful tasks a person can experience. That’s quite the departure from the euphoric buzz that’s now wearing off. However, like anything life, there exists a duality; nothing is all peaches and cream.

There comes the point, however, when the day is approaching and you acquire a laser focus and become militant about packing: This is what we refer to as ‘The Zone’. Once we’re in the zone, it’s hard to shake our concentration, we just pack, label and seal until everything is done. While in this zone we have to be careful not to pack everything. There are certain things you will need easy access to immediately upon moving into your home and searching through a sea of boxes for it is unproductive. Make sure you keep these things handy on moving day and transport them yourself:

1) Jewelry & Valuables

Jewelry isn’t something you need handy for unpacking purposes, however, it’s still not something you want out of sight on the moving truck, for obvious reasons. The good thing is, jewelry is compact and can be easily transported in your car. Valuables you shouldn’t pack include cash, important documentation, personal identification, stocks, bonds, and securities.

2) Toiletries

One thing you’re going to need immediate access to when you move is toiletries, including, toilet paper, toothbrushes and all medication. The last thing you want to do is shuffle through your packing list and hunt down boxes when you have to go to the bathroom

3) Disposable Plates, Cups & Cutlery

You never know when you’re going to get to your kitchen wares unpacked, odds are you’ll be ordering in the first few days while you’re getting organized. Make sure you have your disposable plates, cups, and cutlery handy so that you can nourish yourselves in the interim.

4) Tool Box

Having tools handy is vital for the first tasks you’ll be performing in your new home on moving day, namely, re-assembling furniture and minor repairs. Make sure you include your utility knife, you’re going to need it immediately for opening boxes and other various tasks.

5) Cleaning Supplies

No matter how clean your new house is prior to the move, a bunch of movers stomping through your home and all the garbage associated with unpacking is going to mean regular cleaning and decluttering. Don’t forget a broom or vacuum, multi-surface cleaner and plenty of paper towels, these are the essential items you will need.

6) Pet Essentials

You can eat take-out, your pet can’t. Make sure you have pet food, bowls, a pet bed and any necessary medication or supplements handy. Moving is extremely chaotic for pets too, we at least have the benefit of knowing what’s going on.

For more moving tips, check out the 5 Things You Need To Do Before Moving.