When moving into a new home, everyone has a list of items they don’t want to put in the moving van. There are always several things you’d rather transport yourself.
But did you know there are some things that movers can’t move, even if you ask them to?
Below is a list of the common item categories that most movers don’t allow in the van. Although, the full list of prohibited items varies between moving companies. For this info, contact your mover.
Perishables
Unless you arrange for it specifically, movers will not transport perishable items such as refrigerated or frozen food. Standard moving trucks are not designed to maintain the delicate conditions necessary to keep these items from spoiling.
You may move canned and dry goods as long as they are appropriately packed.
Consider if it’s cost-effective to move your canned goods since they are typically inexpensive to replace but tend to be heavy when packed together. You may end up paying more to transport them than to replace them.
Foods like cereals, pasta, herbs, and grains can all be moved safely ─ even if the boxes are open. Make sure to seal all open packages with tape.
Living Things
Live plants and animals are also perishable. Therefore, movers won’t transport them for the same reasons they won’t transport food. Plus, in most cases, it’s illegal for them to move such things without a special license.
Of course, most people would never think of stowing their pets in a moving van, anyway. Pet owners generally have arrangements for pet transport planned out far in advance.
On the other hand, people are far less likely to make such arrangements for plants. Any houseplants will have to be discarded unless you can transport them yourself.
If you can’t take them with you, consider gifting your household plants to neighbors or friends.
Hazardous Materials
Another risk movers avoid is the danger of transporting hazardous materials. Some of the more obvious items in this category are combustibles, such as fireworks, ammunition, gasoline, and other dangerous materials.
Yet there are some combustibles you may overlook, including aerosol cans, nail polish, polish remover, paint thinner, matches, and charcoal. You’ll also have to empty combustible fluids from items like lawnmowers for movers to transport them.
Corrosive items like batteries and toxic chemicals like pesticides are also prohibited. Other chemicals, like bleach and ammonia, are also banned.
Personal/Sentimental/High-Value Items
Cash, jewelry, and other such valuables are too high of a risk for movers to transport. Personal, invaluable, irreplaceable items, like urns with a loved one’s ashes, are prohibited for the same reason.
Essential documents and devices with sensitive, personal information are also considered too significant a risk. This even includes items as simple as address books and CDs/DVDs with personal photos/videos.
Be Prepared When the Movers Arrive
Don’t be caught off-guard when the movers show up. Make arrangements to transport or discard the items on this list before moving day.For more help with moving, read these 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company.