Your moving company will help you as much as possible during your move. However, there are some items that movers simply aren’t allowed to touch. As you prepare for your move, it’s important to understand what movers won’t pack and how you can prep and transport those items.
Moving companies are restricted from moving some hazardous, flammable, and perishable items—and even certain valuables—by state and federal law. The regulations will likely be a bit different depending on whether you’re moving locally or across state lines. Either way, you should familiarize yourself with the prohibited items.
A Look at What Movers Won’t Pack
There will probably be some items you want to keep with you during your move. Most people getting ready for a local or long-distance relocation will pack and transport things like their laptops, medication, and their most sentimental possessions on their own.
It might seem annoying, but there are items you’ll want your moving crew to take on their truck that they aren’t allowed to transport due to safety reasons. Hazardous and flammable materials top the list of what movers won’t pack or move.
Hazardous or Flammable Materials
The term “hazardous materials” might conjure up images of a horror movie in your mind. But hazardous materials in the moving industry can apply to what many of us consider pretty standard household items. Here are examples of what movers won’t pack because they’re considered hazardous or flammable:
- Gas grill propane tanks
- Paint and paint thinner
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Nail polish and nail polish remover
- Some cleaning solutions, especially aerosols
Additionally, your movers will not be able to pack or move your medication, gas cans, firearms, or ammunition. Think of it this way: you’ll need to dispose of or transport any flammable, explosive, or pressurized items by yourself.
Perishable Food
Before your move, get ready to eat up all of the perishable food in your fridge and freezer…or pack it in a cooler and bring it to your new home in your own vehicle.
Movers can’t move perishable food items even for a short relocation across town due to the potential for spoilage and pests. If you’re moving to a new state, there might even be transportation regulations that prohibit you from bringing some perishable food into a different area.
Pets
You’re most likely already planning on bringing your dog or cat to your new home in your personal car. Maybe you even have a sitter lined up for your move day to keep your fur baby safe and away from the move, removing them altogether from a situation that could stress them out.
This holds true if you’re moving animals like fish or snakes. You’ll have to learn how to pack and move your aquarium safely, because animals are certainly on the list of what movers won’t pack.
Live Plants
Sometimes, local movers will be able to transport your houseplants. If you’re bringing particularly delicate or large, unwieldy flora to your new home, though, it might be best to put them in your own vehicle.
Interstate moves pose a different challenge. Although a lot of plants are widely accepted across the U.S., agricultural laws prohibit bringing some species into certain states. If you have an impressive collection of plants you want to bring to your new zip code, check the local regulations to make sure you’re following the rules.
Currency, Valuables, and Personal Documents
Like many districts across the United States, the state of Illinois restricts what movers can and can’t touch—and that includes currency, coin collections, and fine jewelry. The list of what movers won’t pack also includes documents like passports, birth certificates, and the title for your house, condo, or vehicle.
Just about everyone has some of these items inside their homes. As your move date approaches, don’t be afraid to ask your moving company about the best practices for packing, protecting, and transporting your currency, valuables, and personal documents.
Antiques, Fine Art, and Items of Extraordinary Value
The best movers in Chicago will take great care to wrap, box, and protect all of your possessions. When it comes to items with a particularly high monetary value, you might need extra insurance or a specialty moving company.
In particular, one-of-a-kind fine art, antiques (anything 100 years old or more), and items of extraordinary value (a piece worth over $100 per pound) require special care. You might want to consider a third-party insurance policy from your auto, homeowner’s, or renter’s insurance broker in addition to the moving coverage you get through your moving company.
To ensure a smooth move for all of your most prized possessions, tell your movers about any items that fall into the antique, fine art, or extraordinary value categories. If they feel your belongings need custom packaging or crating from a specialized mover, they’ll likely be able to provide a recommendation on a company that can help.
How to Prepare and Transport What Movers Won’t Pack
Now that you have an idea of what movers won’t pack, you can dive in and start prepping them for the big relocation. Start with these steps:
- Grab a handy moving checklist that helps you prepare beginning one month before your move date.
- Create a thorough inventory of your home. Send the list and pictures of any items you’re not sure how to handle to your moving company.
- Ask anything that comes to mind! Your Chicago movers are here to help you set up a great relocation, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Clean out your personal vehicle so it’s ready to transport what movers won’t pack. You might also want to ask your family and friends if they can bring their cars to help schlep smaller items your moving crew can’t take.
- Use up or safely dispose of your hazardous, flammable, and perishable materials so you don’t have to worry about them during your move.
Finally, be sure to work with a legitimate, professional moving company for your local or long-distance move. Check out their website and online reviews so you know that you and your possessions are in good hands.
Not Sure What Movers Won’t Pack? We’ll be Here to Help Every Step of the Way.
It’s true that there are some items we’re not allowed to pack and move. But we’ve been movin’ and groovin’ since 2008, and we’re happy to share the tips, advice, and guidance about what movers won’t pack and how you can best prepare those items for transport.
Ready to get started? Tell us about your move today and we’ll help you plan a smooth and stress-free relocation!