Hiring a moving company soon? Don’t waste your time by packing the wrong things. Be sure to keep these following ten things out of the moving van:
1. Plants
Long-distance movers never move plants. To transport plants distances over 150 miles, movers need to have a special license.
While this may seem unnecessary, this restriction is put in place to prevent the spread of certain predators and pests that often live on plants and can spread to other locations if you move them.
2. Hazardous materials
While getting ready for a big move, you may not realize certain things you’re hoping to take with you are considered hazardous materials. These include paint, chemicals like paint thinner, aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, and any similar items. Though these items can initially seem harmless, movers typically won’t ship them because of the danger that they pose.
For most of these items, movers recommended that you use them up as much as possible, making sure to dispose of them properly afterward.
3. Perishable food
When moving out of your home, you are likely trying to beat the clock. For this reason, you may find yourself trying to throw everything in any available box, hoping that it makes the trip safely. However, if you do this with perishable food, open containers, or frozen food, your movers have every right to refuse to take your belongings.
It’s best to eat all the food that you can and dispose of anything that may spoil. If possible, take your food with you in a cooler if you are traveling by car.
Freeze what you can beforehand and try to keep it frozen as long as possible on your journey to prevent it from spoiling.
4. Pets
No moving company will ever transport your pets for you. In addition to being a liability, this wouldn’t be a comfortable option for your pets. If you are driving yourself, take your pets with you in the car. If you are going by plane, have them come aboard.
If you are making multiple trips to transport your belongings, ask a friend to take care of your pets in the meantime.
5. Valuables
While a moving company will transport your precious belongings for you, if these include valuable documents like jewelry, passports, stock certificates, and the like, it’s a good idea to keep these close to you.
If you entrust them with the movers, you should be ready to risk losing them.
6. Power equipment that has fuel in the tank
Power equipment with fuel in the tank is another hazard for movers. When transporting lawn mowers, weed eaters, and motorcycles, movers will only accept those that have fuel reserves empty.
7. Special items
During your search to find the right moving company, you may realize that most companies have a rule about not transporting any specialty items. Often this includes heavier things like hot tubs, pool tables, grand pianos, and anything else that is notably bulky.
8. Corrosives
Any corrosive items like batteries with acid, nitric acid, muriatic acid, and similar chemicals shouldn’t be in your moving boxes. Movers refuse to move any corrosives as these items can quickly become a hazard.
9. Explosives
Have extra black powder, grenades or ammunition you need to take with you? Don’t send them in the moving van as these are on the list of things movers won’t transport.
10. Flammable objects
In addition to explosives, trying to transport flammable materials is also a no go with moving companies. It includes lighter fluid, paint remover, and anything that can catch on fire.
Moving isn’t easy, but don’t make it harder on yourself by packing the wrong things. Keep this list of ten items in mind to make sure you are prepared enough for the move.