What Movers Won’t Pack and Why

When it’s time to pack up for your house move, there’s a lot to do. Not only do you have to purchase all the proper moving supplies, such as tape, boxes, and bubble wrap, you have to create a packing schedule, sort through your belongings, pack everything up, and label it. A time-saving alternative is to hire your movers to pack your stuff for you. However, there are some things movers won’t pack for you, either because they are dangerous, perishable or illegal. Here’s a look at some of those items.

Potentially Dangerous Items

Your movers won’t pack or transport hazardous items such as:

Gasoline
Oxygen tanks
Lighter fluid
Matches
Propane cylinders
Nail polish remover
Fireworks
Paints and paint thinners

Basically, if it is dangerous for moving companies to move or pack these items, it’s dangerous for you too, so think twice about transporting these altogether. You can replace most of these items when you move into your new place. It’s not worth the risk to take them with you.

Food

Movers will pack most food for you, but is it really a good idea? Before moving, you should just throw out any food in glass jars and anything that is perishable, rather than transporting them to your new home. They can easily crack, leak or grow mold before they even make it to your place. That being said, non-perishables such as boxed or canned items, spices, dried fruits, or oils typically transport well. Have doubts about what food items the movers will touch? Call and ask.

Valuables and Documents

Your moving company may have a policy about transporting customers’ valuables, but even if they don’t, consider keeping any valuables with you at all times. Even if movers could reimburse you for those items, they are usually things that can’t be replaced because of the sentimental value. Valuables include:

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

Take all of these with you in your own vehicle if you can. If you can’t, consider taking out extra insurance to cover the financial value at the very least.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you consider what items you want the movers to pack up and move for you, ask yourself these questions:

Can I repurchase this item once I arrive in the new home?
Would I be devastated and upset to lose this item?
What would I need while traveling (moving documents, passports, etc.)?

Once you answer those questions, you will have a better idea of what you’d be willing to let them move for you.

Contact Moving Proz

For a free moving and packing quote, contact us in Overland Park, Lawrence or Kansas City.