BROOKLINE MOVING COMPANY BLOG

Moving: What to Pack and What to Leave Behind

Posted by Patrick Lundgren on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 @ 10:26 AM

There are two types of boston movers: the planners and the postponed. Whichever you are don't make the mistake that both tend not to get — packing everything; instead, determine what can stay and what can go:

Take

  • Identifying documentation: Important personal papers like deeds, wills, bonds, certificates, etc should be kept with you during the move.
  • Valuables: Jewelry, family heirlooms, pictures and money should be kept with you instead of in the moving van.
  • Necessities: It's possible you'll arrive a day earlier or later than your moving van, and you don't need to be stuck without a change of clothes, medication, makeup and toilet paper. Pack a bag of overnight necessities and keep it with you until you're all settled in.

Leave

  • Appliances: They may be outdated, and a hassle to carry or they may be part of your sales contract. Either way leave appliances behind. Especially if, your new home already has a dishwasher, refrigerator and washer and dryer, you aren't going to get much use out of putting your old one in the garage.
  • Manuals: You'll have no need for them and the new homeowners will appreciate not having to look online or figure out on their own how to use household systems and appliances.
  • Household accessories: This includes everything that's required but easily replaceable such as hangers, window blinds, cleaning supplies and welcome mats. You can find all these items online or at department stores in your new city.
  • Extra keys: Leave any additional keys you have, preferably with labels, for the new owners. While they will probably change the front door locks, they'll appreciate any copies you have for the garage, gate, shed, windows and bathroom doors.
  • Warranty information: Dig through your files and leave any warranties that apply to the house and items you're leaving behind.
  • Security alarm and garage door codes: Compile any access codes you have and leave them in a folder for new homeowners.
  • Service contracts: Gather any contact details you have for lawn care, pool service and repair people and leave it as recommendations for the new homeowner.

Donate, Sell or Trash

  • Furniture: Granted you'll need to take some things with you, just remember you don't have to take it all. If your mattress is more than 10 years old or your sofa has seen better days, offer them to a local shelter before trashing them. Or, if the furniture is in good shape, consider selling it, so you don't have to move it. When you go to your new city, use that money to buy furniture that fits comfortably in your new space.
  • Junk: We all have it. As you're sorting, indicate items you haven't used in years. Though all your camping gear or that barbecue grill you never use may come in handy some day, it isn't worth it to lug it around and keep it. Take this opportunity to declutter your life, including getting rid of clothes, knick-knacks and holiday decorations you never use. Unless it has sentimental value, you'll probably forget about it soon anyway.
  • Hazardous Materials and the like: Some items shouldn't be moved because it can be dangerous to do so. That list includes (but isn't limited to) fireworks, paints and paint thinners, nail polish remover, maintenance chemicals, lighter fluid, oxygen bottles and gasoline.

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