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3 Things Never to Pack to Keep You and Your Mover Safe
When you plan what to pack, it’s also important to know what not to pack for a safe residential move. By law, there are many things a mover is not allowed to take. Know the rules ahead of time. Don’t pack these three types of things when hiring long-distance or local movers.
1. Hazardous materials
By law, the following hazardous materials can’t be taken by a mover. Check your local government for hazardous waste events where disposal is usually convenient and may be free of charge.
- Acid
- Aerosol cans
- Ammunition or loaded guns
- Antifreeze
- Any flammable liquid in any container
- Car batteries
- Charged scuba tanks
- Chemistry sets
- Darkroom chemicals
- Explosives
- Fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers
- Fireworks
- Household batteries
- Matches or candles
- Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish or polish remover
- Pesticides or weed killers
- Pool chemicals
- Road flares
- Starter infused briquettes
- Varnishes or paint thinners
2. Poisonous materials
Poison cannot be transported by your mover. This includes windshield washer fluids for your car, rodent poisons, bleach and hydrogen peroxide, as well as most home cleaning products. If you are using local movers, you may elect to transport these items yourself. For long-distance moving, it may be wise to give these products to friends or neighbors.
3. Perishables
Most perishables won’t be transported, even by local movers, and include all food (frozen, fresh and refrigerated) and beverages, open or not. Canned and unopened containers of stored food can usually be taken, but it’s a good idea to limit them. Stop grocery shopping no less than a week before the move. Plants are also perishable and are bound by agricultural rules which may or may not allow your plant to be brought into your destination state or country.