8 Items You Should Never Pack When Moving (And What to Do Instead)

Moving in Boston or across Massachusetts? Packing the wrong items can cause delays, damage, or even safety risks. As a trusted Greater Boston moving company, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you avoid the biggest mistakes.

Here are 8 items you should never pack when moving — plus smarter alternatives to keep your relocation smooth and stress-free.

🚫 1. Perishable Foods

Why not pack them: Fresh produce, dairy, and leftovers spoil fast, especially during Boston’s hot summers or freezing winters. They can leak and attract pests.
What to do instead:

• Donate unopened canned goods to the Greater Boston Food Bank

• Use up groceries the week before your move

• Pack a small cooler for short-distance moves

🔥 2. Flammable or Hazardous Materials

Why not pack them: Propane tanks, lighter fluid, paint, aerosols, and cleaning chemicals are unsafe and restricted by movers (Massachusetts DPU rules).
What to do instead:

• Drop them at your city’s hazardous waste facility (Boston, Cambridge, Quincy)

• Give away what neighbors can safely use

🌱 3. Houseplants

Why not pack them: Plants suffer in dark, hot trucks and soil can spill everywhere.
What to do instead:

• Carry small plants in your car

• Gift larger ones to friends

• Donate to local schools or senior centers

📂 4. Important Documents

Why not pack them: Passports, IDs, and financial records are too valuable to risk.
What to do instead:

• Keep them in a folder you carry with you

• Scan digital backups for extra security

💍 5. Valuables & Sentimental Items

Why not pack them: Jewelry, heirlooms, and small electronics can get lost or damaged.
What to do instead:

• Carry them yourself in a lockbox

• Review insurance coverage for high-value items

🗑 6. Excessive Clutter & Junk

Why not pack them: Unwanted items waste space and increase costs.
What to do instead:

• Donate gently used items

• Sell online before moving day

• Recycle or discard broken items

🛋 7. Bulky or Unnecessary Furniture

Why not pack them: Oversized pieces may not fit in your new Boston home or apartment.
What to do instead:

• Measure your new space in advance

• Donate, sell, or recycle pieces that won’t work

🧴 8. Open Liquids & Toiletries

Why not pack them: Shampoo, soap, or detergents can leak and ruin boxes.
What to do instead:

• Use up before moving

• Keep only sealed, travel-size items with you

✅ Final Tip: Moving Made Easy in Boston

Packing smart means moving smarter. By leaving these items out, you’ll:

• Save money on moving costs

• Protect your belongings

• Move safer and faster

At Better Call Moving, we help families, seniors, and businesses relocate across Boston, the North Shore, and beyond — always with transparency, care, and professionalism.

👉 Need expert help with your Boston move? Contact Better Call Moving today for a stress-free relocation.