What NOT to pack when movingHousehold cleaners. Cash, wills, deeds, jewelry and other valuables. Household cleaners should also not be packed in moving boxes because they are likely to contain ammonia or bleach. When moving truck chemicals are combined with these cleaners, they can emit dangerous fumes, cause a fire, or become fatal fumes.
You may not think that bathroom cleaners or nail polishes are dangerous items to move. After all, they are common household goods. However, they are dangerous when pressurized, in high temperature environments, or when stored near firearms or car batteries. You may not be able to move lawn and pool equipment either.
Acids and treatment chemicals qualify as hazardous materials and must be disposed of before moving day or left behind for new owners. The same applies to herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides. If you're not sure if you can move a product, be sure to ask your moving company. Add the moving company's policies on what they are going to move and what not, along with state laws on what can and cannot be transported across state lines, and you'll need a little help figuring out what to pack.
If packaged securely and possibly removed from breakable pots, indoor and outdoor plants can be easily moved around town. Certain valuables should always be kept close to you during a move, other items can be dangerous, and some items should simply be left to professionals to pack them to prevent injury and breakage. Sure, there are tons of recommendations on how to pack your house (like these tried-and-true moving and packing tips from the PODS blog), but what often gets less attention is what you shouldn't pack when you move in. Now that you have a solid list of what not to pack when you move, you're ready to put together everything you can carry on the moving truck.
For quick local moves around town, an insulated cold pack cooler safely carries frozen foods, meats, eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables to your new home. When you're deciding what not to pack when you move, you should consider carrying all personal documents and identification with you. To keep your most precious belongings safe, it's a good idea not to pack sentimental and valuable items in the moving truck. Don't try to pack anything fresh in your moving truck, even if it's only for a day or two and it's sealed in containers.
You should also not pack anything in the moving truck that you may need during the move or when you first arrive at your new home. People who move cross-country often have a moving checklist with dangerous goods they can't move, and they'll likely refuse to pack them as well. Once you've identified these items and packed them safely, plan to transport them yourself during or after the day of the move. Before you throw your everyday household items in new moving boxes, evaluate whether it's safe to pack them.
