What Are Items Movers Won’t Move?

Feb 25, 2022 | Moving Mistakes, Moving Tips

Did you know that there are items that even the most luxurious, well-insured moving companies won’t move either long-distance or local?

Yes, our teams put safety for our employees, you, and your items first. So, when it comes to the following belongings, be prepared to make room in your vehicle or ask a friend to help.

Here’s an inside look at 6 items that no reliable moving company would move and why they are each a massive threat to the moving process.

Plants

This one may seem silly to many first-time movers, but the truth is that plants really are a threat when left alone in a moving truck. In fact, there are federal laws that regulate the shipment of nursery and greenhouse stock.

Not only can mismanaged plants die or become damaged en route to your new home, but they can also spill and spread insects, pests, and potentially, diseases to any of your other belongings in their vicinity.

If you absolutely need to pack your plants up, secure them tightly so they won’t spill, and be prepared to move them in your own vehicle.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials and items that are flammable are things that no mover will move. Although some items like chemistry sets, matches, darkroom chemicals, and propane tanks may be obvious items you’ll either have to move on your own or replace, there are many other hazardous materials that moving families take for granted.

For example, that big box of nail polish and nail polish remover? Be prepared to pack it in your car during the move. Both of these items are highly flammable and not a risk that smart movers are willing to take.

Food

If your move is coming up, our best advice is to eat at home until the big day and use up whatever is left in your refrigerator and freezer. Anything perishable in your food collection is something a mover won’t be able to keep cool during any move.

So, if you absolutely need to take that milk, yogurt, or fresh produce, make sure you pack your own cooler and keep their temperature regulated on your own. In reality, though, it’s usually always best to start from scratch when it comes to perishable foods.

Items of Extraordinary Value

Other items that movers don’t want to be held liable for are items that have extremely high sentimental value or involve highly sensitive personal information. If these items are lost or damaged, they can cost a mover a lot of money, despite insurance.

When getting ready for your move, plan on moving the following items yourself, even if you’ve already established valuation coverage with your moving company:

  • Family heirloom items
  • Jewelry
  • Cash
  • Work documents
  • Medical records
  • Passports
  • Identification cards, and other items of extraordinary value

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies not only fall under the chemical and highly flammable category of a move, but they can also cause damage to your belongings if they spill.

In order to avoid any mishaps, our recommendation is to use up everything you can before your move and restock once you’ve arrived at your new home.

Ammunition

Ammunition is another item that is hazardous during a move. Remember if it can get hot and combust, your movers cannot legally move it.

Although the risk is too high for a moving company, as long as you unload ammo from your weapons and pack it safely, you can move ammo in the cab of your own vehicle with mitigated risk.

Move the Rest of Your Belongings Safely With Element Moving & Storage

If you’ve gone through this checklist and have a plan for your belongings a mover shouldn’t move, it’s time to reach out to a reliable moving company to gather up the remainder of your property.

From standard furniture to antique collections, wine collections, and pianos, the team at Element Moving & Storage can help you with everything else you need to move. We are Dallas – Fort Worth’s most trusted mover and can get your family relocated locally or long-distance.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or start organizing your next move with our professionals.