Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but let’s be honest—it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Between packing boxes, hiring Flyttfirma i Sverige, changing addresses, and juggling countless checklists, it’s easy to let some things slip through the cracks.
Even the most organized people often forget small but important details that can make moving day more chaotic than it needs to be. To help you avoid those last-minute headaches, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things people forget when moving homes—along with tips to make sure you don’t.
1. Important Documents
One of the most commonly forgotten items during a move is important paperwork. Birth certificates, passports, medical records, insurance documents, and financial paperwork often get packed in random boxes—or worse, misplaced altogether. A proper relocation guide can help you track these essentials.
Why it’s important: These documents are often difficult and time-consuming to replace. You may also need them immediately after your move, especially if you’re relocating for work or enrolling children in a new school.
Tip: Keep all important documents in a dedicated folder or fireproof box and carry it with you personally instead of packing it with household items.
2. Valuables and Sentimental Items
Small but valuable items—such as jewelry, family heirlooms, or keepsakes—are often overlooked. Because they’re small, they may get lost in the shuffle or accidentally thrown in with other belongings.
Why it’s important: Losing a necklace or watch is frustrating, but losing irreplaceable sentimental items like old photographs or handwritten letters can be heartbreaking.
Tip: Pack valuables separately in a clearly labeled box that you keep in your personal vehicle rather than the moving truck.
3. Everyday Essentials
When you’re focused on boxing up your whole house, it’s easy to forget about day-to-day essentials like toiletries, medications, chargers, and even snacks for moving day.
Why it’s important: The last thing you want is to spend your first night in your new home digging through boxes just to find a toothbrush or your child’s favorite blanket.
Tip: Pack an “essentials bag” for each family member that includes toiletries, medications, a few days’ worth of clothes, and must-have electronics. Think of it as packing for a short trip.
4. Items in Storage Spaces
Most people remember the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms—but storage spaces like attics, basements, garages, sheds, and crawlspaces are often forgotten until it’s too late.
Why it’s important: Seasonal items like holiday decorations, camping gear, or power tools are expensive to replace if left behind.
Tip: Create a checklist of all your storage areas and inspect each one thoroughly before moving day. A flashlight can help spot items tucked away in dark corners.
5. Cleaning Supplies
Ironically, cleaning supplies often get forgotten right when you need them most—on moving day. After all the boxes are out, most landlords (and even some buyers) expect the home to be left clean.
Why it’s important: Forgetting cleaning supplies may cost you a rental deposit or cause tension with the new owners of your old home.
Tip: Pack a small cleaning kit that includes wipes, trash bags, paper towels, and a broom. Keep it accessible so you can do a quick final sweep before handing over the keys.
6. Items Left in Appliances
Another commonly forgotten category is items left inside appliances. Freezers, ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines often hide food, dishes, or clothes that people overlook during the rush.
Why it’s important: Spoiled food or moldy laundry can create an unpleasant mess if left behind. Worse, you might not notice until after you’ve already moved.
Tip: Do a final walk-through and open every appliance. Defrost your freezer a day or two before the move to prevent leaks in the moving truck.
7. Spare Keys, Remotes, and Garage Openers
Tiny items like spare house keys, garage door openers, and TV remotes often go missing when moving. Either they get packed in a random box, or they’re forgotten in drawers.
Why it’s important: Movers or the new residents may need these right away. Plus, losing a garage door opener or spare key can be a security risk.
Tip: Collect all keys, remotes, and openers in a small container. Clearly label them and hand them directly to the new homeowner, landlord, or keep them in your essentials bag if you’ll need them yourself.
8. Hidden Cash or Valuables
Many people stash money or small valuables in drawers, safes, or “secret” spots around the house. Unfortunately, in the chaos of moving, these hiding places are often forgotten.
Why it’s important: Once movers are gone and keys are handed over, anything left behind is likely lost forever.
Tip: A week before your move, do a thorough check of all hiding spots. Common ones include the back of closets, under mattresses, or in old jars or boxes.
9. Outdoor Items
It’s easy to forget about patio furniture, grills, gardening tools, or children’s play equipment. These outdoor items don’t always stand out when you’re focused on packing the inside of your home.
Why it’s important: Outdoor equipment is expensive to replace and can leave your yard looking incomplete for the next owner.
Tip: Add outdoor areas to your moving checklist. Clean and disassemble items like grills or swing sets ahead of time so they’re ready to load on moving day.
10. Address Changes and Utilities
While not a physical item, one of the most overlooked tasks is updating your address and utilities. Many people forget to notify banks, subscription services, or even friends and family until after the move.
Why it’s important: Unforwarded mail can cause missed bills, service disruptions, or even identity risks.
Tip: Submit a change of address form to the post office at least two weeks before moving. Also, schedule utility disconnections and new service setups in advance so you’re not stuck without electricity or internet in your new home.
Final Thoughts
Moving is a massive undertaking, and it’s no surprise that things sometimes get forgotten in the process. By keeping these 10 commonly overlooked items in mind, you’ll be able to avoid last-minute surprises and settle into your new home with less stress.
Remember: planning ahead is your best friend when moving. Create checklists, pack essentials separately, and do a final walkthrough of every room—including storage areas and the outdoors. A little extra preparation goes a long way in making your move smooth and worry-free.
