Packing for a move can seem like a monumental task, but it's one of those things that can be simplified when you know what to do and what not to do. If you're looking into professional moving companies, you may be surprised to find out that many companies refuse to transport certain things. Some things you'll be responsible for moving yourself or disposing of before the big day. Here's what to avoid packing when using a moving company.
Hazardous Items
It's important to think about safety and what could happen, not just to your belongings but to the environment and those moving your things, if hazardous materials were to spill inside the truck.
So what's deemed hazardous? Anything that's considered corrosive, flammable, or explosive are a no-brainer. But there are a few other things you may not be aware of that should stay off the truck, including:
In addition, if you're moving equipment like lawn mowers and weed eaters that run on gasoline and oil, be sure they're completely empty before handing them over to the movers.
If you have items you don't want to part with, ask the moving company to recommend a safe way of transporting them to your new home. For example, guns may need to be relocated by a licensed firearms dealer, so contact one in your area for more information. Other items, like your favorite unopened liquor and selected cleaning supplies, can be packed in your own car without issue, as long as they are not exposed to excessive heat. Most other items should be donated to neighbors or disposed of properly.
Plants
Most moving companies won't allow plants on their trucks. The indoor temperatures and lack of water just make it an unfavorable environment. Also, plants carry potential parasites and other diseases that can be transferred and introduced to other parts of the country.
If it's a local move, you can bring the plants in your own car or truck. Otherwise, give them to a friend or neighbor, or donate them to a school, nursing home, or hospital.
Perishables
Most people know not to pack frozen or refrigerated foods for a long-distance move, but all perishables should be avoided. This includes anything that could spoil like bread, fresh fruit, opened cookies and crackers, etc.
When food spoils, it smells, grows mold, and attracts unwanted insects and critters that the movers don't want to deal with. If you have food that's considered non-perishable, like canned goods and dried pastas, be sure to let the movers know you've packed them up and make sure it's acceptable.
Animals
Pets definitely make the list of "what not to pack," whether your new home is 20 miles away or 100. This rule applies to both dogs, cats, birds, and other traditional pets, but it also includes your ant farm as well as your delightful pet tarantula that's locked up tight in an aquarium.
If there's no option of transporting the pet yourself, you can look into hiring a pet moving company that specializes in that sort of thing.
Extreme Valuables
Most of your belongings hold value. But there are certain valuables that moving companies don't want to risk moving. These include items that are considered irreplaceable or something that the company wouldn't be able to restore upon damage.
Examples include important documents, address books, cash money and credit cards, fur coats, heirlooms, one-of-a-kind pieces of art, collectibles (stamps, coins, etc.), sets of keys, certain original antique items, and extremely expensive jewelry.
Every moving company is a little different in what they allow. So if you have some things you're not sure about, ask them what they're willing to take and which things you should bring along in your own vehicle.
Share16 October 2017
While I lived in a small town my entire life, in my early 20s I decided to move to a big bustling city. Since the cost of living was so low in my hometown, I was able to afford a rental home. However, with my income, I realized I could only afford a studio apartment in my new city. I did not want to get rid of all of my furniture and belongings that would not fit into my new small apartment, especially my prized collection of antique dolls! I was worried my dolls would not fare well in storage, but I learned that any collectible can be kept in great condition when prepared properly for storage and kept in the right unit. I decided to share what I have learned about choosing storage units and keeping collectibles in great condition while in storage on my new blog!