Moving long distances involves tough decisions about what to take and what to leave behind. Certain items aren’t worth the cost and effort of transporting them across the country. Understanding which items to skip can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in moving expenses while making your relocation much easier. This guide helps you identify items that are better sold, donated, or replaced rather than moved, advice that applies to anyone working with local movers or handling the move themselves.
Bulky Furniture
Large, heavy furniture pieces often cost more to move than they’re worth, especially when moving across the country. Oversized couches, heavy dining tables, and massive wardrobes are difficult to maneuver through doorways, upstairs, and into elevators. The weight and size of these items make them expensive to transport and increase the risk of damage during the move. Moving companies charge by weight and space, so bulky furniture can significantly increase your moving bill. Consider selling or donating large furniture pieces before your move and buying new ones at your destination. This approach often saves money and allows you to select furniture that better suits the layout and style of your new home.
Outdated Electronics
Old electronics are heavy, fragile, and often incompatible with current technology standards. Moving these items long distance can be expensive due to their weight, and they require special packing to prevent damage. Many outdated electronics no longer work efficiently and lack features found in newer models. Old tube TVs, ancient computers, and obsolete gaming systems take up valuable space in moving trucks without providing much value. Consider selling or donating these items before your move and upgrading to newer, more efficient models at your destination. This approach reduces moving costs and ensures you have modern technology that works better and uses less energy in your new home.
Perishable Items
Avoid packing perishable items, such as food, plants, and open liquids, for long-distance moves. These items can spoil during transport, creating messes and potentially damaging your other belongings. Food items expire and may not survive the journey, especially if there are delays. Plants can die during long moves due to temperature fluctuations, insufficient light, and inadequate water. Open liquids can leak and damage boxes and other items. Instead, use up perishable foods before moving day, give plants to friends or neighbors, and properly dispose of open liquids. This prevents problems during transport and reduces the overall weight of your move, saving money on moving costs.
Cheap or Worn Out Clothes
Low-quality or worn-out clothing isn’t worth the expense of moving long distances. These items can easily be replaced at your new location, and moving them adds unnecessary weight and takes up valuable space in moving trucks. Clothes that you rarely wear, whether they don’t fit properly or are in poor condition, add to your moving costs without providing real value. Use your move as an opportunity to declutter your wardrobe and start fresh. Donate clothes in decent condition to charity and discard items that are too worn out. This lightens your load, reduces moving costs, and provides space to purchase new clothes that better suit your style and needs.
Household Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials require special handling and often cannot be transported by regular moving companies. These items need proper disposal before your move to protect everyone’s safety:
- Paints and solvents can leak during transport, potentially damaging other belongings and creating hazardous fumes in enclosed moving trucks.
- Batteries: Old batteries can leak harmful chemicals and create fire hazards if they’re damaged or exposed to extreme temperatures during the move.
- Cleaning Chemicals: Different chemicals can accidentally mix during transport, creating toxic fumes and dangerous reactions that put everyone at risk.
Contact your local waste management facility for safe disposal options. Properly disposing of these items protects your family, the moving crew, and the environment while ensuring your move complies with transportation regulations.
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