There’s all sorts of things to pack and move and while professional packing and moving services can go a long way to ease up the process, there are certain things that your movers won’t move. These non-allowable items are not packed or moved by professionals to help guarantee the safety of movers and to prevent customers from incurring damage to their valuable belongings.
Even if you think you have a good idea what item constitutes a non-movable item, it never hurts to review. There are always some unexpected items that are not meant to go in a box or a truck. Luckily, there are always alternative solutions to getting these items where they need to be.
What Will Movers Not Pack
Perishable Foods
Perishable foods must not be packed because they can and most likely will go bad in moving boxes! Prime examples are meat, dairy, produce, yogurt, and basically anything that goes in the fridge. It’s best to come up with a way to use up your perishables before the move, from making a food plan to cook them all, making them your moving meal, or seeing if any of your nearby friends or family want the items.
If you really want to bring your perishable foods with you (which you might be able to do for a more local move), you can transport them using a cooler.
Non-perishable foods are okay to pack, such as soups, pasta, rice, and other items that go in the pantry.
Valuables and Irreplaceables
Some of your belongings are incredibly valuable and irreplaceable. These range from family heirlooms to your checkbook to a rare baseball card collection. Some moving companies even have a policy against moving these items at the risk of them breaking or becoming lost. Even if there is liability coverage, you will only be paid back the current market price of the item, not what you paid for it. Then there’s sentimental value, which is priceless. Additionally, movers would be responsible for these expensive items, which they likely cannot afford to pay back. So it’s best to pack these valuable items yourself.
Documents
You must pack important documents, such as birth certificates, yourself. It’s not worth taking the risk of such important documents being lost during a move and it’s best that you always know where these documents are.
Firearms and ammunition
Regardless of size or if it’s just ammunition, firearms will not be packed or moved by movers. If you want to transport these items, try a federally licensed firearm dealer, who can also likely affordably ship your item. Remember that safety is always a priority during moves.
Nail polish and remover
Nail polish and removers are often highly flammable during certain conditions, so they should not be packed and put in moving trucks. When it comes to nail polish and remover, you can toss them out and replace them at your new location.
Cleaning supplies
Cleaning supplies such as bleach and windex should not be packed because they contain flammable materials and could cause damage to your other items if they leak. They should be set aside to travel with you or be donated to friends and family.
Anything you need to take with you
There will be items you need during the moving process, be it some changes of clothes until you unpack the clothes box, some cash, or medicine that you need to take daily. These items should not be packed and kept on hand.
Anything else with potentially hazardous materials
Most items are non-movables because they consist of potentially hazardous items that can cause harm during the move. Even if the chances are unlikely, it’s best not to take the risk at all. If anything is flammable or potentially hazardous, best not to put it in a box. Some more items that make up this list include chemistry sets, paint, laptops, matches, and more.
What Movers Won’t Move
Pets
Your movers will not move your pets under any circumstances, even if they are in a cage or a tank. Trucks are not temperature controlled and the move can be bumpy, making it a danger to any living organisms inside.
Plants
The US Department of Agriculture has laws to help regulate and restrict the movement of plants, especially across state and international lines, to limit the threat of invasive species. Because of these regulations, movers often won’t move plants. If you want to bring plants into a state, best to check a State Plant Regulatory Official. For local moves, you can pack and move plants yourself to prevent truck damage.
Unsafe grill, smoker, and barbeque related equipment
Grills, smokers, and barbeques can be moved if left to cool for a few days. However, charcoal and lighter fluid will not be accepted by your movers due to risk of fire. Propane tanks must be completely emptied before transport.
Outdoor equipment
Some outdoor items should not be moved due to having acids and treatment chemicals that can be hazardous, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and pool treatments.
If you want to move your lawn mower or generator, make sure there are no contents of any sort in it. When it comes to pesticides and motor oil, you can opt to leave them behind for the new homeowners. Disposing of these items must be done in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Scuba tanks
While some scuba gear might be able to be packed (such as suits and fins), having movers move scuba tanks is potentially dangerous due to the pressurized gas that can cause injuries or explosions. It’s recommended to empty the tanks and move them yourself.
Fireworks
Fireworks contain charcoal and other hazardous materials, so they won’t be accepted by your movers.
Movers with Trucks
If you’re looking for friendly, professional movers, look no further than Pack-Men Movers. With our fleet of trucks and experienced movers offering services in all parts of the moving process, we can help you with all your moves, from offices to homes. Get a free quote today and once the non-movables have been taken care of, you can rest easy knowing that we can take care of the rest!
