Arguably the most challenging part of any move, packing can send even the most organized control freak into a tailspin. Not only do you have to get every room packed up completely, you have to do it the right way. But on top of that, you have to remember that many movers have a list of prohibited items they won’t deal with.
Most professionals won’t move hazardous items, perishable food, plants, pets, and items of high sentimental value. The main reason has a lot to do with safety. Here’s why, according to The Moving Blog:
- Dangerous items can damage other items in the truck or the truck itself.
- Hazardous items can pose a health risk to home owners as well as movers.
- Hazardous goods hurt the environment.
- Perishable items such as food can spoil on long trips, causing quite a mess, not to mention smell.
- Living things like plants and pets may not survive the stress and length of the trip.
What NOT to Pack
You can probably use common sense on most of these, but some may shed a light on items you may have assumed were OK. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, so be sure to ask your mover specifically what they allow and don’t allow. Here’s a general list:
- Guns and ammo
- Fireworks
- Lighter fluid
- Matches
- Acid and ammonia
- Gas, kerosene, petroleum
- Lawn mowers and other yard equipment with fuel inside
- Motor oil
- Anti-freeze
- Disinfectants
- Pesticides and fertilizer
- Rat poison
- Paint and paint thinners
- Aerosol cans
- Charcoal
- Pool chemicals
- Fire extinguishers
- Propane tanks
- Car batteries
- Cleaning supplies and bleach
- Liquor
You may ask yourself: how can I possibly get these things out of my old house and into the new one if the movers won’t take them? Well, you can transport them yourself, properly dispose of them, or, in the case of firearms and ammunition, you can contact a licensed firearms dealer and arrange shipment through them. Just be sure to research gun laws in the new state if you’re crossing state lines. Many movers will indeed move yard equipment provided the fuel has been drained from them.
Perishable Foods
Perishable foods should not be included in a long-distance move due to the possibility of spoiling. This can result in a foul odor and a big mess, plus mold can develop over several days on the roadway. Eat, throw out, donate or give away to neighbors any food you have left on moving day. Ask your movers if they will take canned foods on the trip. Some will.
Plants
It’s against the law for movers to transport plants more than 150 miles. This is due to the risk of plant parasite transfers between various areas of the nation. Leave your plants for the new owners to tend to, entrust them to a neighbor, or donate them to local schools, nursing homes or hospitals.
Pets
This is a no-brainer but it has to be mentioned. Movers won’t take your pets in their trucks, so you’ll have to transport them in your personal vehicle for a stress-free relocation. Alternatively, you could fly with your pet to your new home if it’s far enough away, or hire a specialty pet mover that can safely move your dog, cat, bird or other small animal.
Sentimental Items
Anything that holds a high sentimental value that cannot be replaced if broken is best making the trip in your own car. Movers won’t generally handle these types of items because they can’t replace, fix or restore them if lost or broken. These items include:
- Personal documents such as passports, birth certificates and Social Security cards
- Money
- Credit/debit cards
- Keys
- Stamp, coin and baseball card collections
- Original artwork
- Family heirlooms
- Photo albums
- Jewelry
- Electronics such as phones, laptops, e-book readers and tablets
Contact Around the Clock Moving & Storage
With 25 years of experience in the Dallas area, Around the Clock Movers & Storage would be happy to provide you with a free estimate. Just contact us today at 469-853-0045.
