Moving locally or across the country requires home and business owners to organize their belongings. Hiring a professional moving company is the best way to transport furniture, decor and kitchenware, but there are things movers can’t move. Companies such as David McCarthy Moving will provide you with a list of non-allowable items for packing.

What Movers Won’t Pack 

Residential and commercial moving crews watch for the safety of workers and your family, which means we’ll let you know what items you should transport yourself. By following the guidelines on our list, you can better prepare yourself for the relocation process.

Related: Packing Tips for Your Next Move: A Room-by-Room Checklist

1. Potentially Hazardous Items

Professional moving companies should communicate their policies before they begin moving your things. In some cases, moving non-allowable items is illegal as they can start fires, release harmful chemicals and change consistencies if exposed to sunlight. Some potentially hazardous items are self-explanatory, but other household belongings might come as a surprise.

These are common items movers cannot pack:

  • Gasoline and propane
  • Bleach
  • Pool chemicals
  • Fireworks and explosives
  • Aerosol cans and paint thinners
  • Oxygen tanks
  • Batteries
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fertilizers
  • Pesticides

Are you unsure if your mover will handle a particular item? Consider if the object would be allowed in your weekly trash collection. If the answer is no, it’s probably not something movers will pack.

2. Valuables and Personal Items

Anything compact that you cherish is your responsibility. Most moving companies will reimburse you if a valuable item is lost or damaged, but it is impossible to replace something that is one of a kind. If you are a collector or have small objects that hold sentimental value, keep them out of the loading truck.

Think about wall hangings, photographs and pieces that have been passed down for generations. You’re better off keeping the following in your personal vehicle:

  • Money and collector coins
  • Laptops
  • Address books
  • Airline tickets
  • Briefcases
  • Documents and certificates, such as car titles, deeds and social security cards
  • Watches and jewelry
  • Medications

3. Perishable Foods and Plants

Pests are a family’s worst nightmare. Speak to your moving crew about policies regarding long-distance travel and food. Your movers will let you know if canned goods and boxed snacks are permitted on the loading truck. Perishable foods that are frozen, refrigerated or stored in jars are susceptible to temperature changes, so discard or consume these items before moving out.

Additionally, indoor and outdoor plants are considered non-allowable moving items. Soils and leaves stand as breeding grounds for insects you want to stay out of your new residence.

4. Household Pets

Dogs, cats, hamsters and fish belong in the car with you. Moving companies want to see your pets safe and sound throughout the moving process, so we recommend clearing a space in your cargo area for crates, aquariums and cages. When moving with your pets always remember to stop while on the road, and movers will meet you at the end destination.

Trust David McCarthy Moving for Relocation Services Near Tampa Bay

David McCarthy Moving helps customers in Bradenton, FL, with residential and commercial relocation services. With 30 years of hands-on experience, we are your go-to source for packing, shipping and delivering belongings within Tampa Bay across the United States. For more information about what our movers will pack, contact us online today.

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