June 3, 2025
What Not to Pack When Moving Long Distance
Moving long distances can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful planning and decision-making. With so many items vying for limited space in your moving truck, it’s crucial to identify what should stay and what needs to go. Not everything is worth the hassle, cost, or effort of transporting over hundreds or thousands of miles.
This guide will walk you through what not to pack when moving long distances, saving you time, money, and stress. From decluttering unnecessary items to knowing what’s best left behind, this blog equips you with the tools you need to make your long distance move smoother and brighter.
Why It Matters What You Pack
Packing for a local move is one thing, but when you’re moving long distances, the stakes are higher. Every box you pack adds to the moving cost and complexity. Plus, carrying unnecessary items can make unpacking at your new home overwhelming. By eliminating unnecessary items, you’ll reduce costs, simplify logistics, and start fresh in your new space without the clutter.
1. Items You Haven’t Used in Ages
Before you start tossing everything into boxes, pause and ask yourself a critical question for each item: “When was the last time I used this?” If the answer is over a year ago, it’s time to say goodbye.
Examples of items to leave behind:
- Old gym equipment gathering dust in the garage
- Seasonal décor you haven’t used in years
- Forgotten kitchen gadgets (Does that donut maker even work?)
- Clothing you haven’t worn in over a year
Pro Tip: Decluttering isn’t just practical; it’s therapeutic! You’re starting a new chapter, so why not clear out anything that no longer serves you? Donate these items to local charities or host a garage sale to bid them farewell!
2. Bulky Furniture You Don’t Love
Furniture takes up a lot of space (and weight), which means it’s expensive to transport. Before deciding to bring those old armchairs or an oversized sectional, take a hard look at your pieces and evaluate whether they fit your new home and lifestyle.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it worth the cost of shipping?
- Does it fit the style or layout of my new space?
- Would it be cheaper or easier to sell and replace it later?
What to leave behind:
- Worn-out couches or torn-up recliners
- IKEA furniture that’s seen better days
- Outdated or oversized pieces that don’t suit your needs
Alternative: Sell unwanted furniture online via platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or apps like OfferUp. If selling isn’t an option, check if your local thrift store offers free furniture pickups.
3. Items That Are Easily Replaceable
Not everything is worth dragging cross-country. Everyday household items that can be replaced for cheap include toiletries, pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and disposable goods. Save the space in your moving truck for high-value or unique belongings instead!
Here are examples of items you don’t need to pack:
- Perishables: Dump the expired spices, condiments, and half-empty cereal boxes that won’t survive the trip.
- Cleaning Supplies: These are heavy, bulky, and easily repurchased at your destination.
- Basic Toiletries: Skip-packing full-size shampoo bottles and toothpaste unless you’re travelling by car.
Pro Tip: Instead of moving everyday essentials, make a shopping list and restock once you arrive. You’ll save on space and moving costs!
4. Hazardous and Prohibited Items
Did you know certain items can’t be shipped due to safety regulations? From cleaning chemicals to flammable materials, these are best left behind or disposed of responsibly.
Items typically not allowed include:
- Paint, fuel, or oil
- Fireworks or explosives
- Batteries (car batteries especially)
- Household chemicals and pesticides
What to do with these items: Check your local government’s guidelines for safely disposing of hazardous materials. Many communities offer drop-off programs for items such as paint and electronics.
5. Duplicate Items
We’ve all been guilty of holding onto duplicate items, whether it’s five different bottle openers, a dozen coffee mugs, or three identical toolkits. While duplicates might seem handy for day-to-day life, they can be a waste of precious space during a long-distance move.
Examples of duplicate items to skip packing:
- Extra sets of linens and towels
- Multiple kitchen utensils (you probably don’t need three spatulas!)
- Extra dishes, glassware, or mismatched Tupperware
Pro Tip: Keep only your favourites or the highest-quality items and donate the rest.
6. Sentimental Clutter
One of the hardest categories to downsize is sentimental items. It’s easy to hold onto things like old yearbooks, childhood toys, or random souvenirs, but carrying loads of emotional baggage (literally!) can make your move more stressful.
How to make tough decisions about keepsakes:
- Ask yourself if the item sparks joy or is just taking up space.
- Digitize photos, documents, and letters rather than packing boxes of fragile memorabilia.
- Select one or two items per category (such as childhood artwork) to keep, and donate or discard the rest.
Pro Tip: Running out of time to sort sentimental items? Pack them in a “maybe” box and decide later.
7. Appliances That Won’t Work Elsewhere
If you’re moving internationally or to a place with different power requirements, large or small appliances may be better off staying behind. Similarly, if you’re upgrading your home, consider saying goodbye to older appliances you no longer need.
Here’s what to reconsider packing:
- Refrigerators and washing machines (especially old or energy-inefficient models)
- Kitchen gadgets that aren’t worth shipping (like your old coffee maker)
- Appliances that don’t match your new space (i.e., a gas stove that won’t work with your electric kitchen setup)
Alternative: Consider selling or donating appliances to local organizations or friends in need.
Moving Made Easy
Making a long-distance move an adventure rather than a chore starts with careful planning. By decluttering and focusing on what not to pack, you’ll save money, lighten your load, and make unpacking a breeze in your new home.
Looking for a more detailed moving checklist? Bookmark our comprehensive Moving Checklist for Long Distance Moves to keep you on track (link).
Start your long-distance move with confidence! Clean out the clutter, leave unnecessary items behind, and focus on what truly matters for your exciting new chapter ahead.
Why Choose Arctic Sunshine Movers for Your Long-Distance Move?
When it comes to long-distance moves, Arctic Sunshine Movers are your trusted Langley movers to make the process smooth and worry-free! With years of experience, we specialize in handling every detail—big or small—so you can focus on the exciting new chapter ahead. Our team of dedicated professionals goes above and beyond to ensure that your belongings are transported safely and efficiently.
From customized moving plans to exceptional customer service, Arctic Sunshine Movers provides everything you need for a stress-free transition. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and reliable timelines, so there are no surprises along the way. Trust Arctic Sunshine Movers to make your long-distance move an experience you’ll look back on with a smile!
Get your free moving quote today!
