Sometimes, one of the hardest parts of moving is deciding what you need to leave behind. For certain items, however, the decision isn't difficult, as there are many things that are unsafe and/or unlawful to move. Here are four types of items that moving companies won't move for you and that you may not want to move yourself.
Flammable and Toxic Household Items
There are many flammable and toxic chemicals that you get used to using around your house, and you may not realize the dangers of moving them. Moving companies are prohibited by law from moving any materials that are highly flammable, toxic, or that release toxic fumes that could build up in the back of the moving truck.
Examples of flammable and toxic chemicals that cannot be moved are paint, paint thinners, and aerosol cleaners. Car batteries can't be moved because the acid they contain could damage surrounding items if the battery gets knocked around or ruptured. Weed trimmers, lawnmowers, and other gas-powered machinery must be drained of gasoline before they can be moved.
Perishable Foods
Nobody likes to waste food, but it goes without saying that many perishable foods wouldn't survive the trip if you tried to take them with you. This doesn't mean you have to toss them before you move, however. If you and your family can't make use of the food you have in time, consider donating it to local food drives and charities, or even giving it away to friends and family.
An exception to the rule of leaving food behind is canned food, as these are designed to have a long shelf life and will keep just as well traveling from your old home to your new one. You may also be able to take some frozen foods with you in a personal cooler if you can ensure that it will stay cold for the duration of the trip.
Potted Plants
You wouldn't try to transport your dog or cat in the back of a moving truck. The same courtesy should be extended to potted plants. Just as you can't store living plants or animals in a self-storage unit, movers are not allowed to transport living things. Additionally, the lack of temperature control and fresh air in a moving van would likely cause your plants to wither by the time you reached your destination.
If you have room in your personal vehicle, you can prepare smaller plants for moving and maximize the chance that they will survive the trip. Water them two to three days before your move, and replant them in plastic pots with sterile potting soil. Be sure to transport them in the cab of your vehicle rather than the trunk so they can get plenty of air. Also, you will want to research USDA regulations for the state you are traveling to, as many have regulations that attempt to prevent importing of pests such as the gypsy moth.
Cash, Personal Documents, and Other Valuables
While there may not be specific laws against it, there are certain valuables that you just don't want to leave in the hands of movers or anyone else. Keep any cash you are moving on your person or store it in your bank account. Invest in a lightweight, locking file tote or fire safe to keep birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents safe during your move.
Knowing ahead of time what you can't take with you when you move will make it easier to organize the items that need to make the trip. Make a plan for these non-movable items so you don't have any unexpected problems on your moving day. For more tips, contact a company like Bekins Van Lines Inc.
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