February 2, 2023 Posted in Moving Essentials
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

How Not to Forget the Most Commonly Forgotten Things to Pack?

Though it may seem like a no-brainer, many people forget the essentials when moving cross-country. By taking the time to explore the most commonly forgotten things to pack and making a list of items you use on a daily basis, you can be sure that you won’t leave anything behind when the time comes. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the items you must remember to bring.

Girl packing before moving cross country overlay
What did I forget to pack? If you don't want to end up asking yourself this question, we can help

Why Is It Important to Plan Ahead and Make a Packing List?

Relocating to a new state is a time-consuming and stressful process. However, one way to make your move easier and successfully deal with relocation stress is planning ahead and making a packing list.

For starters, it can help you avoid any last-minute surprises when the big day comes. It’s easy for things to slip through the cracks during such an intense period, so having everything written down somewhere ensures no item is forgotten or overlooked. On the other hand, your belongings will be organized. You will put them into categories such as “clothes,” “kitchen items,” “bathroom items,” and so on, which will help you be efficient while boxing up (if you don’t plan on getting packing services).

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What Did I Forget to Pack? Here Are the Most Commonly Forgotten Things to Pack

Packaging up all of your belongings and relocating to another city can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, even with the help of cross-country moving services. That is why, as you go through the process of boxing up, it’s easy to forget things, even those that are essential for your day-to-day life. To make sure you don’t forget anything important, here is a list of the most commonly forgotten items.

Toiletries Are Often Misplaced

Many people tend to forget about their everyday items, such as:

  • Toothpaste,
  • Toothbrush,
  • Shampoo,
  • Soap,
  • Other toiletries used on a daily basis.

Keep in mind that these are your relocation essentials – you’re going to need them as soon as you arrive at your new home, if not before. Make sure you have these items packed in an easily accessible place and keep them with you through the process.

Electronics Can Slip Under Your Fingers

With all the hustle and bustle of relocating to a new home, electronics can slip right under your nose and out of sight. Items such as your smartphones, laptops, and like will probably be used right until you leave your old place, which is why many people end up forgetting them. It would be best to pack electronics the morning of your move, right after you get them off their chargers. At the same time, before you relocate, make sure there are no forgotten chargers sticking out from outlets.

Clothing Accessories Tend to Get Lost While Moving Cross Country

Clothing accessories such as jewelry, belts, or, for example, tie clips are small and easily misplaced. During a long-distance relocation, with the disarray and chaos of packing and unpacking after the move, it’s easy for these items to get lost or mixed up with other things. Additionally, the transfer of boxes and items from one location to another increases the risk of small items falling out or getting left behind. To minimize the chance of losing clothing accessories during a move, it’s a good idea to box them up separately in clearly labeled and secure storage.

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Some jewelry pieces are highly valuable, so you must ensure you won't forget or lose them

Travel Documents Should Always Be by Your Side

There are so many things that need to be remembered and taken care of that it’s easy to overlook the important details you otherwise don’t think about, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, or other documents. However, in order to bring all important documents, you need to remember to gather and organize them before the packaging process even starts. Additionally, keep in mind that they shouldn’t go with cross-country movers since they contain your personal data.

Medications Are the Most Important Things Not to Forget When Packing

Whether you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs, they need to be with you all the time – so you must ensure you don’t forget them when the time to move comes. They need to be in their original containers with labels intact so that you can easily identify them. Additionally, bring enough medication to cover the length of your trip, and make sure that you also have copies of your prescriptions and instructions in case you need to buy more soon. If you need some advice on how to travel with medication, don’t miss watching the video below:

Here Are Some Tips for Remembering Essential Items

Now that you know what not to forget when packing, you must come up with a strategy that will help you remember everything without losing your mind in the process. We’ve gathered some ingenious relocation tips that will help you do just that when preparing for movers.

Make a Packing List and Check It Multiple Times

Making a household inventory list is the best way to make sure you don’t forget something important. It may take some time initially, but it will be well worth it in the long run. Start by writing down all the items that must be moved and divide them into separate categories. After that, make a plan on when you will pack each item and check off the list as you go along. Don’t forget you can use some of the best packing apps and facilitate this process even further.

It’s also important to do multiple checks of your inventory list before leaving, especially for items that are essential to you. Therefore, before long-distance movers come, check your list one last time and make sure you have all the items you can’t live without.

Pack Items in Clear Containers or Bags

When packaging items for a move, it is important to stay organized and label everything so that you don’t forget something. However, keep in mind that placing your items in clear containers or bags will make it easy to see exactly what’s inside. It will help you determine if everything important is packed.

A couple looking at plastic containers overlay
Plastic containers will allow you to quickly find whatever you need during the relocation process

Keep a Travel Essentials Kit Ready

The essential kit should include items such as toiletries, basic first aid supplies, snacks, drinks, and other necessary items. Having this kit on hand can help ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected needs or emergencies on the road, but also allow you to survive the first few days in your new home until the workers from a cross-country moving company come and bring the rest of your belongings.

Store a Digital Copy of Important Travel Documents

One way to make sure your paperwork is safe is by creating and storing a digital copy of your essential travel documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, visas, and other relevant paperwork. This will ensure that even if you misplace or damage the physical copies of these documents, you have a backup available. You can store these digital copies on your computer, on the cloud, or even on an external hard drive as an extra precaution.

Set Reminders on Your Phone

One way to help ensure that nothing gets left behind is by setting reminders on your phone for all of the tasks and items you need to remember. You can even set multiple reminders throughout the relocation day, so you don’t forget any of the important tasks that need to be completed before and during the relocation.

A man looking at a phone before long-distance moving overlay
Creating reminders will help you feel more organized and less stressed about forgetting something

Don’t Forget to Call Your Long-Distance Movers Either

Experienced cross-country moving companies such as our own have been providing long-distance moving services for years, so they know what to look out for. When you call a mover to help you with your relocation, they can recommend what items to bring with you. This can be especially helpful if you’re relocating to a different climate, as they will be able to suggest items and supplies that are suited for your new location.

In addition to providing advice on boxing up, your chosen long-distance moving company can also provide tips for preparing for the relocation itself. They can help you plan out a moving timeline, recommend packaging materials and tools, and so on. All of these are invaluable resources that can help you move safely and smoothly.

Ask For Help When Packing So You Always Have Backup

Packing for a move is no easy feat – but it’s doable with the right planning and mindset. To make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible, be sure to ask for help from friends and family members when boxing up. That way, you’ll always have an extra set of hands – and eyes – to help you move efficiently. And if you don’t want to deal with packing at all, give us a call – book a professional cross-country moving service and let our movers handle everything for you. Organizing a move may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of preparation (and help from others), it doesn’t have to be!

FAQ

What Are the Most Commonly Forgotten Items When Packing?

When boxing up, it’s common for people to forget about certain items due to the stress and excitement of the process. Some of the most commonly forgotten items include toiletries, kitchen items, bedding, electronics, tools, cleaning supplies, medications and first-aid items, personal documents, and so on.

How Can I Remember to Pack All My Essentials?

Write down all the essential items you want to keep when relocating and check them off. You should also identify the most important items. Additionally, there are many packaging apps available that can help you keep track of your belongings and ensure you don’t forget anything, so make use of them. Lastly, avoid leaving everything until the last minute to reduce stress and ensure you don’t forget anything important.

What Are Some Effective Packing Tips to Avoid Forgetting Things?

For starters, give yourself plenty of time to pack so that you don’t have to rush. Decide what you want to take with you and make a list of items you need to bring – check them off as you go. Prepare a separate bag with essentials that you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.

Is It Possible to Forget Important Travel Documents Such as Passports or IDs?

Yes, it is possible to forget important travel documents such as a passport or ID. These are essential items that you should always keep with you when traveling, so it’s important to double-check that you have them before leaving.

What Are Some Common Toiletries That People Forget to Pack?

Toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, shampoo and conditioner, soap and body wash, deodorant, hairbrush or comb, face wash, skin care products, contact lenses or glasses, shaving cream, and aftershave are some of the most common toiletries people forget to bring.

How Can I Ensure I Don't Forget My Electronics Chargers and Accessories?

Write down all the chargers and accessories you need for your electronics, and check them off as you go. Also, store all your chargers in a designated place, such as a charger organizer, to ensure that you don’t forget any. Label and pair each charger with the corresponding device to avoid losing them in the move. Before you leave, check for any forgotten chargers.

What Are Some Essential Clothing Items People Often Forget to Pack?

Here are some essential clothing items that people often forget to box up when moving:

  • Outerwear: jackets, coats, hats, gloves, scarves,
  • Sleepwear: pajamas, nightgowns, bathrobes,
  • Shoes: sneakers, boots, sandals, slippers,
  • Socks and underwear,
  • Workout clothing: gym clothes, running shoes,
  • Formal attire: suits, dresses, ties, shoes,
  • Accessories: belts, scarves, hats, jewelry, sunglasses,
  • Seasonal items: swimwear, heavy winter clothing, umbrellas.

Is It Necessary to Pack a Separate Kit for Travel Essentials?

It is a good idea to prepare a separate kit for travel essentials, especially if you are relocating long-distance and will be traveling by plane, train, or bus. A travel essentials kit should include items you will need during the journey and several days after the relocation.

How Can I Keep Track of My Packing List and Ensure I Don't Forget Anything?

The easiest way to keep track of your list is to check off items as you box them up for a move. Make sure you start boxing up well in advance of your relocation day so you have enough time to remember everything you need to package and create a well-organized list.

How Important Is It to Have a Packing List, and Why Is It Recommended?

Having an inventory list is an important part of any travel plan, as it helps to ensure that you have all the items you need before heading out. A packing list can help prevent last-minute panic and make it easier for you to stay organized. A well-planned list can save you time, money, and energy.

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