Moving day often means digging through your attic to decide what goes and what stays. Since attics are kind of a catch-all space, you might be storing things that won’t hold up well during the move or once unpacked.
Knowing which items in your attic are unlikely to survive a move can save you time, money, and stress. This article helps you spot those things so you can make smarter choices before the big day.
Old Photographs
Old photographs in your attic can be tricky to deal with when moving. They might be fragile and prone to damage if not packed carefully.
You should take time to sort through them before the move. Decide which ones are meaningful and worth keeping.
If some photos feel odd or unimportant, consider letting them go. This helps reduce clutter and makes packing easier.
Paint Cans
You might think old paint cans are harmless, but they rarely survive a move well. Paint tends to separate, dry out, or even harden over time, making it useless.
Carrying them can be heavy and messy, especially if the cans are rusty or leaking. It’s safer to dispose of leftover paint properly before your move. This keeps your new place cleaner and lighter to pack.
Wooden Musical Instruments
If you have wooden musical instruments stored in your attic, they probably won’t survive the move in one piece. Wood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause cracking or warping. You’ll want to pack these carefully with plenty of padding. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme cold during the move.
It’s a good idea to check for any loose parts before packing, so nothing gets lost or damaged. Treat these instruments like fragile items.
Candles
If you store candles in your attic, be ready for some surprises. Heat and temperature changes can cause them to melt, warp, or lose their shape.
Your scented candles might also lose their fragrance over time, making them less enjoyable.
It’s better to keep candles in a cooler, more stable place during a move. That way, they’ll stay intact and smell just right when you unpack.
Important Documents
You don’t want to stow important papers in the attic when moving. Heat and humidity can damage them beyond repair.
Old tax returns, birth certificates, and legal documents are especially at risk. Instead, keep these in a sturdy, waterproof container or take them with you. If you store documents in the attic, they could fade, curl, or get eaten by pests during the move. It’s safer to sort and protect them beforehand.
Cardboard Boxes
You probably have more cardboard boxes in your attic than you need. These boxes attract moisture and pests, which can damage anything stored inside.
If you’re not moving soon, it’s best to get rid of empty boxes. They take up space and are often just clutter. Keep only the boxes you will definitely reuse or recycle the rest right away. Your attic will feel less cramped without them.
Crayons
If you stash crayons in your attic, they probably won’t like the temperature swings. Heat can cause them to melt or get soft, making a mess when you move.
Cold can make crayons brittle, so they might break easily during the move. It’s better to pack them in a climate-controlled space. Keep your crayons in a cooler spot to avoid damage and save yourself cleanup later.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are pretty delicate, especially when you’re moving. Heat and humidity can warp them easily, so keep them away from hot or damp spots in your attic.
Make sure you pack them upright to avoid bending. Also, watch out for pests that might damage the covers. A dehumidifier can help if your attic is humid, but never store records in extreme temperatures.
Winter Clothes in Poor Packaging
If your winter clothes are stuffed in thin plastic bags or cardboard boxes, they probably won’t survive the move well. Moisture can get in, causing mold or mildew, especially if the attic is humid.
Pests like moths love to chew through fabrics stored without proper protection. Use sealed, sturdy containers or vacuum bags to keep your clothes safe. Otherwise, you might unpack a musty, damaged pile instead of cozy sweaters and coats.
Worn Towels
If you have a pile of old, threadbare towels in your attic, now’s the time to let them go. They don’t hold up well during moves and take up space you could use better.
Instead of just tossing them, consider donating worn towels to places like animal shelters. They can put them to good use, which is a nicer option than hauling them around again.
Dated Electronics Cables
If you find old cables tangled in your attic, chances are they won’t be useful anymore. Technology moves fast, and those thick, bulky cords probably don’t fit your current devices.
Also, cables stored in attics can get brittle or damaged from heat and dust. It’s better to recycle or replace them than to hold on to something that might cause connection problems later.
Unsorted Memory Boxes
You probably have boxes filled with old photos, cards, and random keepsakes in your attic. These piles can quickly become overwhelming if left unorganized. If you don’t sort through them before moving, you risk losing or damaging some items.
Take time to go through these boxes. Decide what’s truly important and what can be tossed or digitized. It’ll make your move easier and less cluttered.
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