Ultimate Moving Guide: Items Movers Won't Pack

It’s time to pack for a move and there’s a lot to do! You have to buy moving supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc. Are you ready to setup a packing schedule? It's time to throw a packing party and sort through all your belongings.

An alternative is hiring local and long distance movers, like us, to pack your belongings for you. However, there are certain things we cannot – or shouldn’t – pack. Check out the following checklist to understand what these items are. Then we can figure out what to do with them before your moving company comes!

Non-Packable Hazardous Items Checklist

Cross country movers have a checklist with hazardous items they will not move – and will also refuse to pack them. These items can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Gasoline
• Oxygen bottles
• Lighter fluid
• Matches
• Propane or Gas Cylinders
• Nail polish remover
• Paints and paint thinners
• Fireworks

If it’s dangerous for moving companies to move these items, take note that it might be dangerous for you too. Many of these items can be easily replaced and repurchased when you arrive at your new home. It’s not worth the risk to transport them.

Food Items Movers Avoid Packing

In general, movers will pack most food for you. However, is it a good idea? At Budget, we suggest throwing out anything perishable in glass or plastic containers. Don't transport them to your new home, as they can crack, leak or mold before arrival. On the other hand, non-perishables like boxed or canned items, dried fruits, spices, or oils usually transport fine. Ask your movers for clarification if you have any concerns!

Protecting Your Valuables During a Move

Whether or not your moving company has a policy about transporting customers’ valuables, you should consider keeping small valuables with you at all times during the move. Even if movers could reimburse you for the items, items they fund are for things that can’t truly be replaced for sentimental reasons. Valuables include:

• Family photos
• Jewelry
• Heirlooms
• Collections (coins, stamps, etc.)
• Cash
• Important documents (deeds, wills, bonds, stocks, etc.)

Hopefully this moving checklist of items to not pack has been helpful to you. Before considering what to have movers pack, always ask yourself the following questions:

• Can this item be repurchased once we arrive?
• Would I be devastated to lose this item?
• What will I need while traveling (applies to moving documents, passports, etc.)?

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