If you don’t know what movers can’t (or won’t) take care of for you when you’re moving, here are eight categories of household items to avoid loading on the moving truck:
1. Hazardous materials
This website has a long list, as does this website based on the federal law. It includes charcoal, chemicals, propane tanks, nail polish, fire extinguishers, fireworks, and ammunition. Moving companies can not transport anything flammable, corrosive or explosive. You’ll have to move them yourself. This means anything that could go boom especially firearms of any type and ammunition.
2. Perishables
Movers generally will not touch anything in the fridge or freezer. This is also because, if these perishables become damaged in the move, it would cost them. And we all know how easy it is to ruin frozen pizza in a hot van. An article on moving notes that you should transport anything in glass jars as well. Perishables include plants and opened containers of food.
3. Personal/Sentimental Items
You want to pack these things in your own car because movers usually won’t even touch them. This includes photos, birth certificates, personal and financial documents, CDs, computers, and cell phones. Plan to move anything on the fireplace and lockbox yourself.
4. Liquor
Most moving companies will not deal with liquor, especially if it’s an open container. You should move it yourself anyway if it’s in a glass bottle. Do yourself a favor by making sure all the liquor that leaves your old place arrives at your new place.
5. Pets
It’s pretty obvious that movers will not put your pets into boxes. They also will not transport them. The back of a moving van has no air circulation and could kill an animal, which is bad for both parties. For the safety of your pet, plan to transport them yourself. There are also articles on how to move pets over long distances.
6. Power Tools and Yard Equipment
Keep in mind that long distance movers will not take any equipment which has fuel or batteries in it at the time of moving. Nor will they move the batteries. If you have nowhere to store the fuel or batteries, give it away, sell it, or dispose of it properly before the move.
7. Money or Valuables
Movers will not take care of cash or cards, nor should you leave your jewelry for them to take care of. Often they will not move it because of the liability, but you also take the chance of them getting lost or stolen. Plan for anything of substantial value to go with you. You could also have these items be mailed to your new place (with insurance!).
8. Unintended Companions
As stated by this moving company, some states require all moved items to pass a check for any insects or moth eggs. Not that you’d pack them on purpose, but you may want to check out ways to prevent anything you have from becoming infested before or during the move. Otherwise, your movers might not be able to help you after all.
