What Not to Pack When Moving?

While you need to pack everything you own when moving, there are some things that you need to be careful about. Especially if you are hiring full-service movers for your relocation. There is a list of forbidden items that movers will not move. It is not that they do not want to, it is that they cannot guarantee that the items will not get damaged during the relocation. And, of course, if you are moving internationally, you need to abide by the laws of the country you are moving to. We will now see what items it is better not to pack when moving.

What not to pack when moving?

Plants and animals

Plants and animals are the first `items` that you should not pack when moving. Moving companies Brooklyn do not allow moving and storing of these living organisms, as they cannot survive the conditions of the relocation. If you want to move your pets and plants, you need to do it on your own. Plants are quite ungrateful for moving internationally because they are usually forbidden in other states. The reason for this is that various pests and diseases can be transported in this way. Instead of moving them, we advise that you give them as a present to a plant or pet lover among your friends and family members.

Perishable items

By perishable items we mostly mean food. No mover is going to accept transporting frozen, or fresh food. Sometimes they may accept canned food, though. Make sure to ask them about the food moving policy before the moving day comes. The reason why food is not desirable when moving is that it can quickly spoil and develop odors that attract insects. So, in order to avoid damaging adjacent items and any other problem, don`t pack food when moving. Instead, try to use up all of your food supplies before the moving day. This will save you tons of money, as well, as many people start ordering food in the days before relocation.

Highly valuable items

While you may hire the most reputable movers on Earth, the most valuable items you own are the safest with you. Items such as jewelry, expensive electronics, not to mention money and credit cards, must always be within your hand reach. You can add family heirlooms to the list as they have a sentimental value that must be respected. If you want to transport the items worth more than $100 per pound, you need to inform your movers about it. There is a special form that needs to be filled out in this case, and you will need to pay a premium for insurance. However, we highly advise you to keep the most valuable items next to you at all times.

Hazardous materials, or simply Hazmat items

There are some items that we use on an everyday basis in our households which are considered Hazmat. You would never guess that a tiny thing such as nail polish is forbidden from transporting. Hazardous items are items that can explode, corrode, or are flammable under certain conditions. That is why you should definitely not pack them when moving. Here is a brief list of Hazardous items that you should not pack:

• Corrosives
• Ammonia 
• Nail polish remover
• Bleach
• Aerosols
• Gasoline
• Paint
• Charcoal
• Lighters

Ammunition and firework, etc.

For a complete list of items that your movers will not move, we recommend that you speak to your movers. They will give you exact information on which items they do not accept.

You should not pack items that you no longer use when moving

The total weight of your items directly impacts the final bill of relocation. In other words, the more items you have, the pricier the relocation will be. So, if you declutter your items a few weeks before the relocation, you will save a lot of money, and get rid of the items you don`t need. It is a win-win situation, so don`t be too sentimental when deciding what to leave behind.

If you have duplicate items such as toasters, hairdryers, and other appliances, just leave the ones in better condition. Don`t bother relocating broken and useless items that cannot be fixed. Furthermore, you should think at least twice before relocating your furniture. If the price of the item surpasses the price of the relocation, then it is better to leave the item behind.

What to do with items that you cannot pack for relocation?

There are several ways in which you can deal with the items that you will not relocate. Whichever way you choose, it is perfectly fine.

• Donate the items – There are so many people in need and a lot of charities that you can donate to. Most of them will organize a pick up of the items, so you really do not have to lift a finger. It is a noble way to say goodbye to your items.
• Give them to your friends and families – Plants, and family heirlooms are perfect for this occasion. If you know that some members of your family would be delighted to have something of yours, feel free to give it to them as a gift.
• Sell the items – Organize a yard sale, or sell the items online. Whatever you choose, make sure to be positive, and ready to bargain. This is a great way to earn a few bucks before relocating.
• Throw the items away – Sometimes the only solution is to throw the items into the garbage bin. If you cannot fix something, or the items cannot be transported, just throw it away and don`t think about it anymore.

What items should you pack when moving?

We have seen what items are forbidden, and what items you should not pack when moving. On the other hand, you should pack all the items that you love and use on an everyday basis. You are relocating your entire life, so this is a perfect opportunity to only take what you love with you. Good luck!