Relocating to a new home is always an exciting chapter in life, but amidst all the packing lists and moving boxes, it’s easy to overlook some surprisingly important items. Even the most organised homeowners can forget to pack a few essentials in the hustle of relocation day. Whether you’re moving across the island or just a few blocks away, being prepared makes all the difference.
To make your move smoother, here are five commonly forgotten items during home relocations that you should double-check before the big day.
1. Things hidden in storage spaces
Out-of-sight, out-of-mind items are often left behind. These include belongings tucked away in bomb shelters, built-in cupboards, lofts, or storage boxes at the top of wardrobes.
Before the move, allocate time to thoroughly check every nook and cranny of your home. Open every drawer, cupboard, and high shelf. Items like festive decorations, old documents, suitcases with unused belongings, or even childhood keepsakes can be easily overlooked. It’s also common for people to forget what they’ve stashed under beds or behind large furniture.
2. Important documents and valuables
Amid the rush of packing household items, essentials like passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and jewellery often end up misplaced. Many assume these items are already safely stored, only to realise they’re missing when urgently needed.
To avoid this, prepare a personal bag or folder for all important documents and valuables. Keep this with you at all times instead of sending it with the rest of the packed boxes. It’s best to treat these items like hand-carry luggage on a flight. Even if you’re engaging house movers in Singapore, such as a reliable team, documents and valuables are best kept close for peace of mind.
3. Daily essentials for the first day or night
When you finally arrive at your new home, the last thing you want is to rummage through dozens of boxes looking for a toothbrush or your child’s school uniform. Items like toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, chargers, toilet paper, snacks, and basic kitchenware are often packed deep within boxes that won’t be opened until much later.
To avoid this stress, prepare a ‘first night’ or ‘essentials’ bag or box for each family member. Include everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home. This little step makes settling in far more comfortable, especially after a long and tiring move.
4. Items scheduled for donation or disposal
During the decluttering phase before moving, many people set aside items to donate, sell, or discard. However, in the chaos of moving day, these items are sometimes left behind unintentionally. It could be a bag of clothes meant for donation, old furniture arranged for disposal, or a bundle of books earmarked for recycling.
To stay organised, label these items clearly and separate them from your main belongings. You might even want to move them out of the house a day or two before the official relocation to avoid confusion. If you’re using moving and storage services, check if they offer support with donation drop-offs or temporary storage of items you’re unsure about.
5. Kitchen contents, especially perishables
It’s very common to forget about the contents of the fridge, freezer, or kitchen cabinets until the last minute. Condiments, frozen food, or even full Tupperware sets can get left behind, especially if your move happens quickly. Many movers will not transport perishables, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
A few days before the move, make it a point to consume or give away your perishables. Take stock of what’s in the fridge and avoid doing big grocery runs leading up to the move. Pack your non-perishables early and use coolers or ice boxes to transport whatever cold items you do want to bring along.
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming
With a bit of planning and a detailed checklist, you can avoid these common packing oversights. Start your packing process early and go room by room. Don’t forget to involve the whole family so nothing slips through the cracks.
If you’re still feeling unsure, let Buddy Mover & Storage take the stress off your shoulders. We offer tailored solutions that make the entire process seamless, so you can focus on settling into your new space. Visit Buddy Mover & Storage to learn how we can support your next move.
