You are viewing

Items Not To Pack When Moving


In addition how to pack your household items for upcoming move, it is also very important to be aware of items that should not be packed. There are some items in your home that require proper packaging and handling, but there are also some items should not be packed up at all. There are some things movers will not move because of rules and regulations. Contact your moving company before the moving day if you have any specific questions about any particular item.

For the items that require special disassembly or crating, such as grand pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, exercise equipment, grandfather clocks or large glass table tops are best to hire licensed and insured movers. The professional moving companies have the experience and right equipment to move those items safely.

Prior to your move drain oil and fuel from garden tools and other machinery equipment.

Battery operated equipment should be disconnected from the battery. The battery is also non-allowable item and should be discarded in an appropriate way according to local regulations. Propane tanks need to be disconnected and returned to collection centers for that purpose. Leave partially used cans of paint, oil or other substances that might leak for the new residents of your home.

Dangerous Items
All items that are considered flammable, hazardous, corrosive or explosive are dangerous and illegal for movers to transport. If you have dangerous items give them to your neighbors or friends if they could use them, or call your local recycling company, fire station, the closest Environmental Protection Agency Office to find out how you can properly dispose of these items.

The following is a list of items that should not be packed or moved for safety reasons. These items are non-allowable because they are flammable, corrosive or explosive.

Acid, aerosol, batteries, lamp oil, car oil, charcoal, gasoline, matches, fertilizer, weed killer, cleaning fluids, ammunition, bleach, nail polish and remover, chemistry sets, kerosene, fireworks, poisons, propane tanks, loaded weapons.

Perishable Items
Refrigerators and freezers should be emptied and cleaned for at least 24 hours before moving day. Keep the appliance doors open, so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor. Food, animals and live plants are perishable; they can easily spoil, die or suffer damages if not properly packed. If you are moving locally, some movers may agree to move perishable items (no animals of course) if they are properly packed and require no servicing, but they will not be responsible for any damages.

If it is a long distance move, dispose of all perishables products and find a new home for your household and outdoor plants. If you're going to move your plants, make sure they are properly packed and stored. Check with US Department of Agriculture to find out about regulations before driving out of state, there may be restrictions about moving perishable food or plants across a state border. A few agricultural states have strict laws and rules about bringing plants.

Irreplaceable Items
Some items do not create a threat and can be moved by your hired movers, but there is a possibility that your load may be delayed or lost. It is a good idea to carry your irreplaceable items such as personal files, address books, photos, car and house keys, financial statements, check books, bonds, stocks, software, medicine and etc.

Moving companies do not usually transport jewelry, cash and other valuable items. It is recommended that the customer takes all those items with them.



Local Real Estate Pros    see all