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What Items Not to Pack When Moving: Expert Tips and Advice

info • June 17, 2024

When planning a move, you may realize just how many household items you have accumulated. However, some items cannot go into moving vans, while others may require specialized transportation. Additionally, there are items you might not want to pack at all. Read on to learn what items not to pack when moving, expert packing and moving tips, and tips for long-distance moves.

Items to Not Pack When Moving

Hazardous Chemicals

Your moving company will likely inform you about hazardous chemical items they do not transport in their moving vans. Certain household items are hazardous and are best kept sealed and safe. Laws and regulations exist on the transportation of dangerous materials, so refer to your municipality’s website for guidelines on disposing of or transporting certain items.


Here is a list of some dangerous household chemicals:

– Beauty products like nail polish remover and aerosols.

– Cleaning chemicals such as liquid bleach and ammonia.

– Garden chemicals like weed killers, propane tanks, pool chemicals, and pesticides.

– Chemicals from the garage, such as motor oil, gasoline, and paint thinner.

– Other household items such as fire extinguishers, lamp oils, lighter fluids, and batteries.

Perishable Food Items

You can save moving costs by avoiding the transportation of perishable food. Additionally, it may be cheaper to buy food at your new location rather than moving pre-bought food. Consider donating extra perishable food to a local food bank. If you must pack some food items, protect glass jars with bubble wrap. Examples of perishable food items you shouldn’t pack when moving include milk, ice cream, and fresh produce.

Irreplaceable and Valuable Items

Even if your moving company provides insurance, avoid packing valuable items into moving trucks to prevent potential regrets over losses or damages on move day. Use special coverage for valuable items or keep irreplaceable items with family members.

Valuable Documents

Keep important documents safe as you prepare to pack for your move. Use a folder with separating tabs for documents such as birth certificates and social security cards. Keep the moving documents with you on move day.

Scuba Equipment

Scuba gear, including scuba tanks containing highly pressurized oxygen and gas mixtures, is often not moved by professional movers due to the risk of explosion during transportation.

Family Heirlooms

Moving companies may advise making alternate arrangements for moving family heirlooms due to their sentimental value and the risk of damage or loss.

Plants

Certain plants may not be allowed for interstate moves. However, you can pack and transport plants yourself if you are performing a local move.

Firearms and Ammunition

Moving companies will not transport firearms and ammunition due to state regulations. Instead, get a federally licensed firearm dealer to ship the guns and ammunition to you.

Alcoholic Liquid

Moving companies often refuse to transport alcoholic liquids due to state restrictions and liquor laws. The explosive nature of alcohol also makes it risky to transport. Consider using a wine relocation company or a climate-controlled truck for your wine collection.

Chemistry Sets

Chemistry sets can cause undesirable chemical reactions and explosions, so movers prefer not to include them in moving trucks.

Expert Packing and Moving Tips

Here are some essential tips for packing and moving house:

– Use a moving supplies checklist to get packing and moving items well ahead of the move date.

– Do not overload moving boxes.

– Use safety tape to properly secure the sides, top, and bottom of cartons.

– Pad sharp items so they do not extend out of boxes.

– Do not pack flammable items such as petrol and thinners.

Expert Move Day Tips

Moving house is not merely about packing boxes and loading them onto a moving truck. Use the following move-day tips for your upcoming move:

– Ensure clear access and exit before moving. Remove all safety hazards.

– Get help from friends, family members, and professional movers.

– Do not try to move heavy boxes and furniture on your own.

– Wear protective clothing, proper footwear, and work gloves.

– Prioritize clear communication and signals when moving, and avoid rushing.

– Leave early to avoid morning traffic and keep an eye on the weather.

Choosing A Good Moving Company

An excellent moving company provides various services to ease your moving process, including shipping container arrangements and special moving boxes if needed. Research to estimate moving costs using moving cost calculators, including moving insurance. Compare online reputations, credibility, and several estimates to choose the best option.

Pack for Moving with Confidence

After reading this piece, you can better understand what items you should not pack when moving. Whether you are doing a house move or office move, hiring a professional moving company like Peak Movers can be very worthwhile. We offer services in Wausau and nearby areas, ensuring a smooth moving process.


Whether you need local movers, long-distance movers, or are searching for movers in Wausau, movers near me, or a moving company in Wausau, we are here to help. Relieve yourself of stress and enjoy a pleasant moving experience with Peak Movers. Contact us today to start your stress-free moving journey!

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