Non-Allowable Items: What Removals Will Not Pack and Move

It’s time to pack and move again.

Whether you like it or not, the time for changes has come once more. The transitional period you’ll find yourself into soon can be rather tough for everyone in the family – after all, leaving the place you’ve lived in for years is never easy.

But don’t worry – you’re not alone: qualified removal assistance is just a phone call away. There are plenty of reputable removal companies who will be willing to give you a helping hand whenever you need it the most.

And regardless of the type of assistance you require – packing, lifting heavy furniture and kitchen appliances, loading all your household items into the removal van and their actual transportation to your new residence, unloading and unpacking, professional removals will be there to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

However, you should know that there are specific things which removal companies will not pack and transport, despite their readiness to help you any way they can, due to safety reasons.

And in case you will be the one packing for a move, packing those prohibited items will end up costing you time, efforts, and consequently money, simply because you cannot have them relocated by removals.

So, read on to learn what those non-allowable items are and what options you have regarding their safe transportation and/or proper disposal.

What Things Not To Pack When Moving

All non-transportable items can be classified into 4 major categories:

Dangerous Materials

Safety is crucial when performing a move, so the removal company of your choice will refuse to transport any items that are flammable, corrosive, explosive or simply viewed as hazardous for any other reason.

Such household items include, but are not limited to: aerosol cans, weapons and ammunition, acids, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline or kerosene, pesticides, fertilizers, propane tanks or yard equipment with fuel, fire extinguishers, car batteries, cleaning supplies, fireworks, liquor, paint and paint thinners, etc.

Perishable Foods

Perishable foods can go bad quickly, tend to attract insects and rodents and will most likely damage your or your removal company’s property. Such perishables include frozen, refrigerated and fresh foods, plus any open containers with non-perishable foods.

Read further to learn what you can do about relocating any of your remaining food supplies to your new home.

Pets And Plants

The temperature inside the removal van can rapidly reach life-threatening readings, so pets are not allowed to be placed inside the removal vehicle under no circumstances. Therefore, the relocation of your loved ones rests with you. The same is true for your plants as well because they are very fragile and usually have trouble surviving the relocation trip.

Valuable Items

Every household has items of great monetary or sentimental value. Such valuables include but are not limited to: personal documents (marriage licenses, passports, insurance documents, birth certificates, financial statements, tax records, medical records, etc.), cash, bank cards, keys, valuable collections (stamp, coins, etc.), medication, photos, jewelry, expensive electronic devices and so on.

What To Do When Removals Say “No, Thanks”

Hazardous Items

Regardless of whether you’re moving locally or long distance, you could actually move some of the abovementioned items on your own. Sift carefully through the seemingly dangerous goods and decide which ones you will definitely be taking with you to your new house or apartment, and which ones are not worth the trouble.

When you’re done with the sorting process, use up, give away or dispose of all the hazardous stuff you’ve decided to leave behind. Sometimes it makes more sense to buy new supplies when you reach your destination than to use your energy and resources to relocate old goods. So, once you’re left only with the dangerous items that you’re willing to move inside your own vehicle, make sure they are safely packed for transportation.

Important: Do not expose any of your hazardous household items to extreme heat during the trip to your new residence.

Perishables

Make sure you have used most, if not all of your food supplies a few days before Moving day because you’ll need to clean thoroughly your refrigerator at least one full day before the actual relocation takes place. Any food that you fail to utilize you can give away to friends and neighbours, or donate to charity, for throwing away food is not the right thing to do.

If your move is short distance, you can take most of the perishable food with you in your own car – just be sure to pack it well for problem-free transportation.

Pets And Plants

It’s your responsibility to safely transport your pets, so if you’re driving to your new house or apartment, discuss with your family vet if any precautionary measures will be necessary so that your loved ones can have a stress-free moving experience. If you’re flying to your destination, contact the airline carrier and request additional information on any specific requirements they may have regarding the preparation of your pets.

In any way, in case you’re not sure how to prepare your dogs, cats, fish, birds or some other type of pets for the move, don’t hesitate to seek professional help either from your veterinarian or from your removal company.

Also, stop for a second and think about the well-being of your plants – if you conclude that, despite the extensive pre-move preparations, they will probably not make it during the relocation, then consider giving them to friends, family members, coworkers or neighbours, or even donating them to local schools, hospitals or nursing homes.

How to move with cats and dogs

How to move with birds, fish, reptiles, and rodents

How to move home with plants

Irreplaceable Possessions

You have no business handing your most valuable items to your removals in the first place – simply make sure you have packed them separately from your other possessions and that they stay by your side throughout the entire relocation process. Remember that some items are priceless and irreplaceable, and do your best to ensure their secure transportation.

Each removal company has a list of the non-allowable items which they will not pack and transport for you. Be one step ahead in your relocation adventure and request that special list from your removals before you start packing. If you find yourself unsure whether a certain item is safe for transportation or not, simply contact your chosen removal company and ask the relocation experts.

Good luck with your move.

How to move valuables to a new home

Also Read

How To Tell Your Landlord You’re Moving Out

It is really important that when it comes to the end of your lease, or you want to leave the rental property that... Read More

11 Invaluable Tips for People Who Move Home Frequently

Moving home multiple times in a short space of time is exhausting, exciting, and takes some serious... Read More