The best thing about hiring a moving company is that they do all of the heavy work. But, as you are preparing for your move and planning for how to pack everything safely, keep in mind that there are some things that you won’t be able to load onto the moving truck. Here are ten items that you will need to make other arrangements for.
#1 Anything From Your Refrigerator or Freezer
Even for a short-distance move, it’s not worth the risk of trying to pack and transport perishable foods. There are just too many things that can happen and cause the food to go bad in a hot moving truck.
To avoid throwing food away, start planning your meals a few weeks out to get rid of everything in the freezer and refrigerator. Maybe even have a potluck party with your friends. If you aren’t able to consume everything by moving day, there are plenty of local food banks that would take it off of your hands.
#2 Alcohol
The laws vary from state to state as to whether or not moving companies can legally transport liquor, beer, and wine. But, even beyond that, the heat inside of a moving truck can ruin the quality of some types of alcohol. It’s better to either consume it before you move or transport it in your car if possible.
#3 Plants
Believe it or not, it’s illegal for some plants to cross certain state lines. And, of course, a hot, dark moving truck is not the environment that will keep your plants healthy.
#4 Animals
You wouldn’t even think about trying to transport your dog or cat in a moving truck, also if it was safely in a secure cage. The same goes for fish, rabbits, and other rodents. Keep your live critters near you throughout the move or find other suitable methods of transportation for them.
#5 Insured Items
If you have items of particular value that you have insured separately from your other possessions, you should always check with your insurance provider for your best options for moving them.
#6 Anything That is Flammable
Transporting flammable items in a moving truck isn’t safe for your possessions or for the truck itself. The air inside of the truck can reach temperatures that can cause the combustion of flammable items. Things like fireworks, charcoal, paint, oil, and gasoline cannot be moved in a truck. Lawnmowers and other lawn equipment are fine as long as the oil and gas is drained.
#7 Chemicals
The same goes for chemicals like cleaning supplies, weed killers, and fertilizer. Chemicals and extreme heat don’t mix.
#8 Aerosols
Aerosols, including fire extinguishers, are prohibited on moving trucks. Both the heat and the bouncing of the car can cause them to explode.
#9 Ammunition
While ammunition is prohibited because of the heat and other safety issues involved with the logistics of a moving truck, unloaded guns can sometimes be transported. Because there are both federal and state laws pertaining to transporting firearms, most moving companies do not allow either ammunition or firearms.
#10 Anything Illegal
This should probably go without saying. But, there have been attempts in the past to use moving trucks to transport laundered cash, drugs, stolen property, and other illegal items. Anything illegal is prohibited.