Moving can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to deciding what items should and shouldn’t be packed. Keep reading to learn more about what you should and shouldn’t pack when moving.
Pack the Essentials: Chargers and spare batteries, a basic first-aid kit, ready-to-eat food and important documents.
Ensure that you have all your chargers and spare batteries. This includes any chargers for your cell phone, laptop, tablet, camera, and any other electronics you may have. It is also important to have spare batteries for any items that require them. You don’t want to be without power for any of your devices during the move. Bringing spare cords and cables for your electronics is also a good idea, as these can easily be misplaced during a move.
A basic first-aid kit should be packed when moving so that you are ready for any potential medical emergencies. Supplies like bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, antihistamine tablets, aspirin, and other over-the-counter medicines should be included in the first-aid kit.
Ready-to-eat food is important because it allows you to have something to snack on or to eat quickly between meals. It also helps to ensure that you are not spending too much money on eating out.
Make sure important documents are stored in a secure place, away from any potential damage or theft. If you are using a professional moving company, make sure that they are aware of your documents and take extra care to protect them during the move. Having all of your important documents in one place also makes it easier to find them when you need them.
What you Shouldn’t Pack: Flammables, garden chemicals and cleaning solvents
When moving, packing flammables is a dangerous decision that could put you, your family, and your belongings at risk. Flammable materials can ignite very easily and can cause a great deal of damage and destruction in a very short amount of time. They can also create toxic fumes that can be dangerous to breathe in.
If garden chemicals aren’t handled properly, they can be extremely dangerous and pose serious health risks. Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers are some of these chemicals. These chemicals can become unstable and explode if they are exposed to extremely high temperatures, so don’t pack them.
Cleaning solvents are highly flammable, which makes them a significant fire risk when being shipped and packaged. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to both human and animal health when released into the air during transportation, are another component of many cleaning solvents. In some cases, the fumes from these solvents can even corrode and weaken plastic or metal storage containers, leading to leakage, contamination, and potential damage to your belongings.
When in doubt speak with a professional moving company. They will be the best resource to help make your relocation successful.
Karen Mantzouranis, owner of Main Street Movers, spent 30 years working in prominent NYC ad agencies until 2010 when she transferred her expertise to Main Street. Serving as VP on the board of directors for NJ Warehouse and Movers Association, she is currently working with other associations throughout the U.S. and Canada on informational campaigns intended to protect consumers. Karen lives in Chester, NJ.
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