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You may only realise you have so many household items once you start packing for a move. You may also discover that some things cannot go into moving vans. Other items may need specialised transportation. It also makes sense not to pack some items. Read on to learn what items not to pack when moving, expert packing and moving tips, and tips for long-distance moves.
Items to Not Pack When Moving
You should know what items to not take along when moving. Read on for a mention of these items:
Hazardous chemicals
Your moving company will likely inform you about dangerous chemical items they do not transport in their moving vans. Indeed, certain household items are hazardous and are best kept sealed and safe.
That is why laws and regulations exist on the transportation of dangerous materials. You may refer to your municipality's website for guidelines on disposing of or transporting certain items.
Here is a list of some dangerous household chemicals:
- Beauty products like nail polish remover and aerosols.
- Cleaning chemicals such as liquid bleach and ammonia.
- Garden chemicals like weed killers, propane tanks, pool chemicals, and pesticides.
- Chemicals from the garage, such as motor oil, gasoline, and paint thinner.
- Other household items such as fire extinguishers, lamp oils, lighter fluids, and batteries.
Perishable food items
First, you can save some moving costs by avoiding moving perishable food. Just think about the extra expenses of long-distance moves. Besides, buying food in your new place may be cheaper than moving pre-bought food in.
You can send extra perishable food to your local food bank to avoid having to pack and transport them. If you can pack some food items, you may protect glass jars with bubble wrap. Examples of perishable food items that you shouldn't pack when moving include milk, ice cream, and fresh produce.
Irreplaceable and valuable items
Even if your moving company protects the moving process with insurance, you should avoid packing valuable items into moving trucks. This will help prevent regrets of losses or damages on move day. You may use special coverage for valuable items or keep irreplaceable items with family members.
Valuable documents
First, keep important documents safe as you prepare to pack when moving. You may use a folder with separating tabs to keep documents such as birth certificates and social security cards. You can then keep the moving documents with you on move day.
Scuba equipment
One of the possible items that movers won't move is scuba gear. This includes scuba tanks that contain highly pressurised oxygen and gas mixtures. This is understandable as there is the risk of explosion when moving such items in trucks.
Family heirlooms
Moving companies may advise you to make alternate arrangements to move family heirlooms. You may pack and take them with you because they prefer not to transport them. This is because they do not want to risk damages or loss of valuable items of sentimental value.
Plants
You should know that certain plants may not be allowed for interstate moves. However, you can pack and transport plants yourself if performing a local move.
Firearms and ammunition
It makes sense that moving companies will not allow the transport of firearms and ammunition. Besides, there are state regulations to follow on this. Instead, you can get a federally licensed firearm dealer to ship the guns and ammunition to you.
Alcoholic liquid
Your moving company will likely refuse to transport alcoholic liquids. Again, different states have restrictions and liquor laws on bringing in alcohol. Meanwhile, the explosive nature of alcohol makes it risky to transport in moving trucks. Instead, you may get a wine relocation company to move your wine collection. You can also pay for a climate-controlled truck.
Chemistry sets
The components of chemistry sets can cause undesirable chemical reactions and explosions. As such, movers prefer not to include it in moving trucks.
Expert Packing and Moving Tips
Here are some essential tips for moving that you can apply when packing and moving house:
- Use a moving supplies checklist to get packing and moving items well ahead of the move date.
- Do not overload moving boxes.
- Use safety tape to properly secure the cartons' sides, top, and bottom.
- Pad sharp items so they do not extend out of boxes.
- Do not pack flammable items such as petrol and thinners.
Expert Move Day Tips
Moving house is not merely about packing boxes and loading and organising them onto a moving truck. You can use the following move-day tips for your upcoming move:
- Be sure you have clear access and exit before moving house. Remove all safety hazards.
- Get help from friends, family members, and professional movers.
- Do not try to move heavy boxes and furniture on your own.
- A primary moving house safety tip is to wear protective clothing, proper footwear, and work gloves.
- Prioritise clear communication and signals when moving, and do not be in a rush.
- Leave early so you do not have to combat too much morning traffic and keep an eye on the weather.
Packing and Moving Checklist
Here is a moving guide and checklist that you can make use of for packing and moving:
Sort out packing supplies
One way to cut moving costs is to get free moving boxes. You can check local businesses and stores for empty boxes. Your family and friends can also help you pack and move supplies such as packing tape and bubble wrap.
Make plans for loading and unloading the truck
Consider renting equipment that eases your loading and unloading process. For example, you can rent hand trucks, lifting straps, and furniture pads.
Consider items that won't be moved
This includes valuable, sentimental items, perishable foods, flammable liquids, and plants. Your moving company will likely have these items on the list of things that they won't move.
Make arrangements for storage
Long-distance moves may take some time. You can ease much of the stress by storing certain belongings until you are settled. You may use a portable storage container, storage centres, or self-storage units.
Tips for Long-Distance Moves
You can use the following tips for an easier long-distance move:
Sort out belongings
You can give away belongings that you do not need. This can save a lot of packing and moving costs.
Pack your kitchen well ahead of time
This will give you enough time to pack appliances properly, breakable dishes, and glassware.
Pack an essential moving box for move day
This box can contain valuables and essentials that you need for long-distance moves. For example, you may include valuable items, documents, and prescriptions.
Keep an inventory and label your boxes
Keeping an inventory of your belongings in a notebook or using pictures can have future benefits. You can use them for insurance claims if there are losses or damages.
Book ahead
One advantage of booking ahead is that you can choose move dates that fall within off-peak periods. You can save money by moving when moving companies reduce the cost of moving.
Use a partial service
If you have budget constraints, you may handle aspects such as packing and unpacking yourself. This can reduce the cost of moving.
Find out items your mover won't move
Movers will likely refuse to pack and move hazardous items as per their moving checklist. That is why you should confirm these items to make alternate arrangements.
Choosing a Good Moving Company
An excellent moving company can provide several services to ease your moving process. They can make shipping container arrangements and special moving boxes if needed.
Be sure to perform good research to estimate moving costs. You may make use of moving cost calculators. Also, include cost factors such as moving insurance. Finally, compare online reputations and credibility and compare several estimates.
Pack for Moving with Confidence
After reading this piece, you can better understand what items you should not pack when moving. Whether you are doing a house move or office move, getting a professional moving company to help can be very worthwhile. You can relieve yourself of so much stress and be more confident of a pleasant moving experience.
