When the time comes to move house, most people count on a reliable moving company to handle the job. However, professional moving companies have a specific list of items and materials they can't (or won't) transport. The list includes food or dangerous chemicals, but there are some more innocuous items on the list. Here's a list of things not to pack for moving companies.
Any hazardous or reactive materials
While some listed items are straightforward, the complete guide includes items homeowners wouldn't consider dangerous.
Aerosol cans and pressurized tanks (scuba gear, propane tanks, fire extinguishers);
Charcoal, ammonia;
Lighter fluid, Sterno fuel, gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, and other fuels or oils;
Acids, paints, varnishes, primers, paint thinners, or nail polish removers;
Cleaning chemicals, bleach, pool chemicals;
Fertilizer, weed killer, pesticides, and other poisons;
Fireworks, ammunition, and weapons;
Car or household batteries and antifreeze.
As a rule of thumb, most chemicals used as cleaning supplies or maintenance are dangerous to transfer across the country in a hot van. Consider giving these away to family or relatives, or using them up, or disposing of them before the moving day.
Ammunition, fireworks, and weapons are extreme safety hazards. The laws on moving them differ from state to state, but most companies won't allow these items in their vehicles.
Check the company's updated non-allowed list of items. You can also contact them directly before moving day to get a detailed list of additional chemicals and materials they won't transport.
Food and liquor
Alcohol is highly flammable, and most states don't allow moving companies to transport liquor and other drinks. Food items should be a no-brainer. Moving can take quite a while, and food is one of the perishable items that don't have a place in a hot van. Imagine the smell of rotten food pouring from the back of the truck after a long haul. Nobody wants that.
If you're moving appliances that store food, such as fridges, empty them, clean them, and leave them to vent for at least 24 hours before loading them into the truck.
Livestock, pets, and plants
Living things don't fare well in the confines of a moving van or truck. Plants are too delicate to endure the journey, especially if they don't have enough room or sunlight for the trips' duration. Animals will find the process too claustrophobic and stressful. If you're moving animals, it's usually better to keep them with you, separate from the moving company.
Heat-sensitive and sentimental items
Check with the moving company for any requirements on packing or moving heat-sensitive or valuable items. Some companies may refuse to move these items to avoid any liability. Things such as medical or school records can easily get lost in transport, so we recommend moving them separately. Here are other things moving companies might consider sensitive or valuable:
CDs, tapes, and other recordings;
Laptops, PCs, or parts;
Certificates, records, and diplomas;
Jewelry, sterling silver.
Do you need to move?
Moving companies may agree to move some of the usually non-allowed perishable items if the distance isn't too great and the moving times are relatively short. Contact a professional moving company for more information or to schedule a move.
Aardvark Movers Inc. is a reliable name whether you need packing services, piano moving, or load or unload services. Call today to learn more about our hourly moving rates.
