What Not To Pack First When You are Moving

Moving is all about being organized. Part of that organizational mindset is knowing what to pack first, what to pack last, what not to pack at all, finding storage services, choosing the right long distance movers, and getting packing help when you need it. Most of the better, highly reputable moving companies, like Arpin Van Lines, offer moving guides so their customers can make a logical, realistic plan for a big move.

Of all the questions that people face once they decide to move is this: what should you definitely avoid packing in those first few boxes? Or, to put it another way, what items should be placed in the "pack these things last" category? Closely related is the concept of what not to pack.

Here's a brief overview covering those two questions, aimed particularly at people who have already decided to make a move and are not quite sure where to begin:

What Not To Pack First

Consult any moving FAQ you can find, and you'll soon realize that there is a right way and wrong way of packing things for a major move. Packing and unpacking can be a monotonous, challenging task for anyone, with or without packing help or a detailed moving FAQ. But you have to start somewhere, and that means knowing what not to put in those first few boxes.

You can see the logic as to why most of these items are on the list, but it's hard to generate a quick "cheat sheet" while you're in the midst of a big move. Here's what most experts say you should never put in your first boxes, but instead keep until the latter part of your packing chores:

An assortment of batteries

A small, basic set of tools

An assortment of light bulbs

A working flashlight with fresh batteries

A box of garbage bags

Extension cords

A step ladder

Paper towels

A set of basic cleaning supplies

A mini-vacuum cleaner

Several kinds of tape

Box cutters, a pocket knife, and a pair of scissors

Blank paper and several pens and pencils

Toilet paper and a small box of basic toiletry items

A shower curtain with attaching rings

Several bath towels

A full set of bedding

Supplies for making coffee

A corkscrew and a few bottle openers

Several sets of convenient snack items

A set of basic dishware

A fully stocked first-aid kit

Pet food and toys

An extra phone charger

Here's a pro tip that many people know about but few put into practice: Meticulously label every box you pack with clear, bold markers. Also, do your best to group similar items so that when you arrive at your destination, all the "bathroom,' "living room," "kitchen," and "bedroom" goods will be able to go directly to their new location. Detailed labels will eliminate guesswork when you begin unpacking.

What Not To Pack At All

What about items that should not be packed at all? These are the things you want to keep close by, on your person, in your car, or someplace where you can get to them at all times. Remember, even if you move yourself, your family, and all your worldly possessions from one side of the country to the other, it's smart planning to keep the following things nearby. In other words, don't pack the following:

Any medications you are currently taking, in their original prescription containers

One complete clothing change for each family member

Essential documents, like Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, financial or tax records, legal documents, marriage licenses, wills

Water and snacks for adults, children, and pets

Laptops, phones, and their chargers

Cash, checkbooks, jewelry, ATM cards, credit cards

A tape measure, tape, and a couple of markers

Keys, spare keys

An "important" blanket or toy that a young child cannot part with

Irreplaceable things, heirlooms, and other valuables

In most cases, you'll be able to put these "do not pack" items into a single, small suitcase, except for the ones that you'll carry on your person, like wallet, keys, smartphones, etc. If you fly to your destination while your goods are on the road, remember to bring important documents, small valuables, spare keys, and other essential items in a carry on. Don't check a suitcase full of these important items. The main thing is to always have them so that they are within close proximity to your body and easy to gain access to.

Getting the Best Help

Arpin Van Lines has been helping people move for more than a century. As the family-owned long distance movers of choice for those in the know, Arpin makes sure that every one of their customers gets they exact kind of assistance they need, like packing and unpacking help, moving guides, storage services, and more. The company's core philosophy is focused on creating customers for life by offering the very best in service for people who face the task of moving from one city to another.