Read this section before doing your own packing and loading. It is important that you understand which items you can and cannot ship. There are rules and regulations that govern all movers to help ensure safety. There are also items you should not pack yourself, for example, you may need professionals to pack up your exercise equipment correctly. The following list serves as a guide only on what not to pack. If you have any specific questions contact your mover.

When you move, not only are there many things that you have to remember to pack, but there are also a lot of things that you have to remember NOT to pack. If you’re responsible for packing your belongings during your relocation, you need to keep your safety and the safety of the moving truck and personnel in mind.

Here are eleven items that you shouldn’t pack when moving. Although some of these tips might sound obvious, plenty of people have had to learn what not to pack the hard way. This advice will prevent you from making the same mistakes.

1. Household cleaners

When mixed with other chemicals in the back of the moving truck, household cleaners such as bleach can give off dangerous fumes and even cause fires. Keep in mind that temperatures in the back of a moving truck can get very high in a short period of time. Such high temperatures can lead chemicals to turn into harmful or even fatal gasses.

2. Lighter fluid

You should avoid packing lighter fluid because it is highly flammable. In the back of a hot moving truck, it could combust and burn.

3. Fertilizer and Weed Killer

Got a green thumb? If you’re planning on packing away your gardening tools to have them loaded into the back of the moving truck, don’t include the fertilizer or weed killer. Just like the substances listed above, fertilizers and weed killers are highly flammable and cannot be kept in hot conditions, particularly over the course of a long trip.

4. Perishables (moving the kitchen)

Food, plants, and living things should not be packed away and transported in a moving truck because they can die or get spoiled. Foods that you shouldn’t pack include frozen foods, produce, opened packages of food, and refrigerated food. Sealed packages of dry foods are probably fine.

5. Ammunition

This might sound obvious but you shouldn’t have ammunition transported in the back of a moving truck. A deadly situation will arise if the ammunition gets hot. If you need to pack and transport ammunition, only do so in a cool, air-conditioned vehicle. Also, be sure to keep the ammunition separate from your firearms.

6. Car Batteries

Car batteries are not suitable to transport in the back of a moving truck because they can leak and become a fire hazard. Furthermore, car batteries can cause injuries and burns to move personnel if they leak.

7. Moving Documents

You may need to refer to your moving documents at some point during your move, but there is no way you will find them if they are packed away among dozens of boxes. In case a problem arises or you have a disagreement with your mover, it will be convenient for you to have your moving documents on hand.

8. Cash, Wills, Deeds, Jewelry, and Other Valuables

Don’t pack any of your valuables away in boxes that the moving truck will be transporting. There’s simply no guarantee that they won’t get lost or stolen so to be on the safe side, carry them with you.

9. Flammable, corrosive, or explosive items:

  • Acid
  • Gasoline Poisons
  • Charcoal
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Fertilizer
  • Paint
  • Car Battery
  • Matches
  • Nail Polish
  • Nail Remover
  • Bleach
  • Aerosols
  • Kerosene
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Chemistry Sets
  • Fireworks
  • Motor Oil
  • Thinners
  • Weapons
  • Ammonia
  • Propane

10. Dispose of perishables

Such as food and plants that may die or spoil in transit. You should empty your refrigerator and freezers for at least 24 hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor.

11. Articles not accepted for transportation

Movers assume no responsibility should these items come into his/her possession without his/her knowledge. Although these articles do not create a physical threat, they can create problems if your shipment is delayed or items are lost.

This can be avoided if all irreplaceable, sentimental items are carried with you. For example:

  • Address Books
  • Files
  • Personal Video Tapes
  • Air Line Tickets
  • Accounting Statements
  • Photos
  • Albums
  • Car Keys
  • Research Projects
  • Tax Records
  • School Records
  • Check Books
  • Jewelry and Sterling Silver
  • Coin collection
  • Market Stocks
  • Stamp Collection
  • Computer Disks
  • Medicine
Categories: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)