common things people forget to pack when moving

Common Things People Forget To Pack When Moving

Don’t forget to pack these items when preparing for your move

cross country movers

Common Things People Forget To Pack When Moving


One of the most important things about preparing for a move is to remain organized throughout the process. To ensure you take everything that you need, here is a list of common items that are often forgotten when the time comes to pack for the move.

Personal records and documents – If you need to obtain any records or documents such as: birth or marriage certificates, medical, dental records, veterinarian records for any pets, educational records, household, financial, or auto documents, these should all be ready for each family member before packing begins.

Valuables – If any jewelry or other items of value have been hidden or placed around your current home, or in a safety box at a different location, make sure you gather each item and have them packed securely ready for moving day. Professional moving companies cannot transport valuables. They are considered Non Allowable Items and need to be kept with you throughout the duration of the move.

Medicine – Any medication that is required to be taken regularly should be packed ahead of time, so that it cannot be forgotten. Medication, like valuables and documents should remain with you throughout the duration of the move. If you or a family member relies on prescription medication, make sure to have these filled ahead of time.

Chargers and other electrical must haves – Make sure to remove any chargers from the plug sockets before you leave. These items might still be attached as you work on laptops or charge cell phones. Having a second cable and charger just in case, is a good idea. If you will be moving internationally, make sure you have an adapter for any countries you will be traveling through, until you reach your country of destination.

Library books – Library books often get forgotten, regardless of a move and can rack up quite an amount in late overdue fees. If you’re moving to another state or country, make sure to return any borrowed library books.

Dry cleaning – Like library books, items are often left or forgotten at the dry cleaners. If you use the dry cleaners frequently, before you start packing, check if you have any tickets or receipts for any of your items, or call your local dry cleaners to see if they have anything of yours.

Toiletries and bathroom essentials – There are a few basics that are needed during the first few days in your new home. It is advised to pack a First Day Essentials box, so that some of your basic needs are met. Usually these items are being used right until moving day. If you want your box packed prior to moving day, purchase a few basics, such as: shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bathroom tissue and a shower curtain. This way, if any of these bathroom essentials are forgotten, you’ll be prepared.

Tools – Having some tools on hand can be a great help, on both moving day and delivery day. Having a small tool box with some basic tools is a good idea. There are also some great compact multi tools available.

Miscellaneous items – Some additional items not to forget about packing are things such as: flashlight, candles, keys, trash bags and garage door openers.

Adding all these things to either your Moving Checklist or Moving Timeline will ensure that you’ll remember to pack everything needed for your move.

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 102
San Francisco
745 85th Ave
Suite L. Oakland, CA 94621
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 135
New York
210 Meadowlands Pkwy d,
Secaucus, NJ 07094
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 131

Business Hours(PST)

Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

Back to top