4 Things Not to Pack When Moving

March 27, 2021
Admin
Moving Tips

Moving is a time most people commit to getting rid of a lot of clutter. But there is also a lot of stuff they plan to bring with them.

It makes sense to pack as much as you reasonably can to avoid having to buy a stack of new stuff when you arrive. It just doesn’t apply to everything.

Check with your moving company to see what their policies and restrictions are on moving specific items.

Here are a few things that you might have to donate or discard properly, so you don’t have to worry about packing them.

1. Perishable Food

Assess the contents of your pantry and refrigerator. Make a note of all perishable vs. non-perishable food that you have on hand. Then make a plan to use as much as you can before moving day.

Some moving companies will not transport food of any kind, while other movers just won’t transport perishable items. Anything that can spoil in transit should not be moved. Not only can this kind of food potentially damage the other belongings that you are moving, but it can also attract insects and other pests, which you certainly want to avoid.

Any unopened non-perishable, non-expired items, such as canned goods, pasta, and rice that you don’t want to bring to your new home, donate to a local food bank. Check with your moving company to see if they partner with Move for Hunger which facilitates picking up good, unused food items from people moving to deliver them to local food banks.

2. Flammable Items

Safety is paramount when professional movers handle your belongings; that’s why flammable items are prohibited on moving trucks. Flammables include things like fuel, burners, lighters, nail polish, polish remover, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, fertilizer, and candles, just to name a few.

Again, ask your moving company for their specific list of prohibited items so that you can plan and pack accordingly.

3. Household Cleaners

You’ll probably use cleaning supplies until your last day in the home. Once you finish, you should prepare to safely throw them away or, better yet, give them to a neighbor. Household cleaners often contain poisons that can release toxic gases, which can be dangerous. It’s even worse to imagine it happening in an unventilated trailer. There is also a risk of liquids spilling, causing damage to your other belongings on the truck.

4. Plants

If you’re moving to a new house that’s far away, your best option is to give your house plants to neighbors, friends, or others who will appreciate the joy they bring.

Some plants are invasive species that wipe out native ones. Others carry pests that can spread to other species and wipe out crops or endanger trees. That’s why many states have laws regulating plant transportation across state lines.

If you are moving a short distance, you can ask your moving company about their policies, but generally, movers won’t accept the responsibility since plants are so fragile. In this case, if you are not moving far, like across state lines, you might be able to move them in your own vehicle. Be aware, though, that potted plants require a lot of preparation before moving day to survive the trip.

It’s hard to let go of your beloved household plants. And yet, it may be for the best.

Packing Up

Packing may feel like one box after the other. With preparation, you can easily leave these prohibited items out of the plan. For more information about how you can simplify your move, contact us for a quote.