While preparing for a local or long distance move it can be tempting to try and pack every single thing in your home. After all, if you own something you’ll likely want to take it with you to your new home. Packing early and thoroughly is certainly a good move for any commercial or residential move, but you must also remember that not all things can be easily packed.
Just because something belongs in your new home, doesn’t mean that throwing it in a box is the best way to get it there. There are laws and regulations for what moving companies can and cannot transport and most of them are in place for safety reasons. Even if you’re doing a DIY move, the safety of everyone involved is paramount. That’s why we’ve put together a list of items that require special attention when packing and moving.
Hazardous or Flammable Materials
Many moving companies will not transport hazardous or flammable material, either because of legal restrictions or because of their own policies. Things like oxygen tanks and corrosive chemicals don’t belong on a moving truck where they might fall or get bumped around. If you must transport hazardous or flammable materials, you can use online tools like MSDS.com to find safety information for hundreds of different types of hazardous materials.
Food
Honestly, the best things to do with the contents of your fridge and pantry is to eat as much of it as possible before you move and then to restock once you’re moved in. Perishable food can spoil much faster on a hot, dark moving truck so this rule goes double for long distance moves. If you would like to donate your canned goods that you won’t need when you move, My Guys Moving and Storage will take them to the Central Virginia Food Bank for you.
Firearms & Ammunition
Many states, and some counties, have laws regulating the transportation of firearms over state lines, so be sure to check out the laws for the area you’re moving to. Most moving companies will transport gun safes, but require that they be emptied first to ensure the safety of all involved in the move and to ensure that your firearms aren’t damaged. Transport guns and ammo in a separate vehicle while the movers take the safe. When you arrive at your new home, have the movers immediately place the safe in its new permanent spot and then put your firearms back in the safe.
Vital Documents
Documents such as birth certificates, social security information, banking information, or any important moving documents should be packed separately and mixed in with any other books or papers. Instead, transport these papers in a secure, fireproof, lockable document storage container. This will act as good way to permanently store these documents going forward as well, so there’s no need to unpack this container once you move in.
Valuables
Just like with important documents, these items should be transported separately in their own container. Also, be sure to ask you mover for the proper paperwork to indicate the transportation of high-value items.
Most items are fine to be packed normally and transported on the moving van or truck. However, as we’ve seen, there are some exceptions to that rule. If you follow these instructions for transporting these items, you’ll have a stress-free moving experience. For more moving tips and tricks, be sure to check our blog regularly.