When it comes to moving, you have enough to worry about in essentially relocating your entire life. Finding out your mover cannot move some of your belongings on moving day will leave you just short of ripping your hair out. To avoid the added stress of surprises like this, it’s best to do your research and be prepared for what’s to come. Follow this list of items your movers will not move so you can arrange what to do with them before moving day rolls around.
Hazardous Material
- Corrosives
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Nail polish remover
- Other chemicals
These items are dangerous for your movers to move. Hazardous materials create too many variables in the moving process. Luckily, most of these are household items that can be easily replaced when you arrive at your new home.
Combustible/Flammable Items
- Propane tanks
- Aerosols
- Paint
- Gasoline
- Lighter fluid and kerosene
- Charcoal
Similar to hazardous material, combustible items are simply too dangerous to transport in a moving van or truck. The tiny inconvenience of not being able to move these items is definitely better than a flaming alternative!
Pets
Even though your pets may be caged or extremely well-behaved, your movers simply will not move them. Moving trucks can get very hot or cold inside depending on the weather. This atmosphere definitely wouldn’t suit your furry friends.
Plants
You might not know this, but there are actually laws against moving certain plants certain distances. This is because some states are free of insects and diseases that afflict other states. Transporting plants may mean introducing such invaders to your new state. Because of laws like these, moving companies generally won’t move your plants across state lines. Even if they were allowed to move them, plants could soil or die in transit, potentially damaging your other belongings.
Explosives
- Ammunition
- Fireworks
This might seem pretty obvious, but you would be surprised at what some people try to move. Anything that puts your movers or your other belongings in danger definitely cannot be shipped.
Perishable Food
It’s important to check your movers’ policy on food. Some moving companies will not ship any kind of food, while others just won’t ship the perishable items. Anything that can soil in transit should definitely not be shipped. In addition to potentially damaging the other belongings that you shipped, food like this can attract insects, which both you and your movers definitely want to avoid.
Valuables
- Cash
- Financial and personal documents
- Jewelry
- Checkbooks and credit cards
- Medicine
While your moving company may not have a specific policy against transporting valuables such as these, its generally a good idea to keep these things with you as you move. Even if it’s a family photobook or another item of sentimental value, keep it close by as you move. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether that belonging can truly be replaced. If it can’t, don’t ship it.
If you’re ever unsure of what can and cannot be moved, don’t hesitate to consult your mover. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
