Packing may be the most daunting relocation task there is. But, you know what’s even worse? When you’ve packed everything up and have it all boxed up on the move day, only to be told that some of the items inside of your boxes are among items movers won’t move. Then you have to go on a scavenger hunt for each one of them, and who knows in what box they may be by now.
So, be proactive and think ahead – familiarize yourself with what movers won’t move before you start boxing your stuff up. And, who better to turn to for this information than professional Philadelphia movers? We’ve got you covered, and we bring the pro tips on what you shouldn’t pack when relocating.
Do Movers Move Everything?
Some people seem to think that you can just box anything up and pack it on a truck, regardless of the fact what it is, and whether it will be staying in storage and for how long. Luckily, there are people who think about everything, and most professional movers in Philadelphia and pretty much anywhere else are responsible enough to know better. That’s why most moving companies in Philadelphia (and anywhere else) have lists of objects they refuse to move.
Some company rules may be more strict than others, and these lists vary depending on whether you’re in for a local or long-distance move. But these rules are there for a reason, and it’s for everyone’s good (mostly your own), so don’t hold it against us moving companies in Philadelphia. Instead, try to understand the importance of these rules and get to know them before you start packing in order to move efficiently to a new home.
Why Won’t Movers Move Some Things?
There are several reasons why companies don’t accept particular objects and refuse to move them. Even though there are several factors involved – it all boils down to everyone’s safety and wellbeing. So, whether you are relocating to a home in one of West Philadelphia neighborhoods or South Philadelphia neighborhoods – put learning about these rules on your to-do list. If you want to learn more about the reasons behind such rules and regulations, here are the top three:
- Safety – As we said, it all boils down to safety. The truck driver’s safety, that of your belongings, your own, and anyone involved in the process is the essential thing when relocating.
- Law – Relocating some of these objects is also against the law, so in this instance, your Philly movers may simply be abiding by the law and following rules and regulations.
- Liability – Another aspect is a liability. Those offering storage and moving services in Philadelphia don’t want to be held responsible if something of value goes missing in this process.
This is the reasoning and different factors behind why relocators don’t want to accept certain objects. It is in your best interest to follow the guidelines given to you by your relocators.
Will Movers Move Things Not in Boxes?
The most convenient way to pack your objects is to use boxes. But, you can use other alternatives like containers, dresser drawers, and even suitcases as well. You can even pack clothes and other smaller objects in garbage bags. But some things can’t fit into boxes, so you can pack them otherwise, and it is perfectly acceptable. For local moves, you don’t have to pack everything in boxes. Relocators will accept and transport items that are not in boxes.
What Items Will Movers Not Move? Pets Are High on This List
One would like to think that people view their pets as family members and wouldn’t just load them up in a truck along with their belongings. But, we do get some surprises here and there. That’s why pets have made their way to the official list of non-allowables. Not all pets are dogs, people have animals like parrots or even snakes, and while these are kept in cages or tanks, they will not be able to go inside the truck.
No matter the distance of the move or type of the pet – it is not allowed, and it is for the better. So, if you are moving with pets, even to one of the Philadelphia neighborhoods nearby, don’t ask your Philadelphia moving company if they can transport your pet. Arrange for the pet to ride in the car with you, or ask one of your friends to drive it if you don’t have a car.
Hazardous Material Is a Big No-No
The first on most relocating companies’ list are hazardous and flammable materials. This comes as no surprise and is usually pretty understandable to most people, as these materials pose a threat to the people handling them and the environment. They can’t be kept in boxes or storage for prolonged periods of time because they can become highly explosive under the right circumstances (or wrong ones, if you’d like).
What does come as a surprise to most people is just what objects are considered hazardous materials. For example, we bet you didn’t know that your nail polish and your nail polish remover, as well, fall under this category. So, don’t pack these up along with your cosmetics – you would have to take them out. Some other objects that are considered hazardous are:
- Paints,
- Cleaning supplies and bleach,
- Deodorants and hair spray,
- Weapons and ammunition,
- Batteries,
- Lamp oil,
- Acids and ammonia,
- Fertilizer and pesticides.
We bet some other things on the list were a shocker to you, as well. That’s why it is always good to check this out with your mover before you start packing.
What to Do With Hazardous Materials?
There are different ways you can approach this issue. You can choose to take some of these with you in your car to your new home if there’s enough room. Just be careful not to place them in a closed box. Keep the lids of the box open, put them in a secure place in your car, and drive safely. If you don’t want to bother, check if you can give them away to someone who lives nearby.
If you want to get rid of them, check with the city or county where the drop-off locations for this kind of waste are located and what’s the best way to dispose of them. Don’t just drop them off along with the rest of the garbage – remember, safety is paramount when handling these kinds of objects. Another thing that’s important to mention is that you should drain your lawnmower, chainsaw, and other equipment of gasoline before you hand them over to be put on a truck.
What Won’t Movers Move? Live Plants Are Also Banned
Plants have deserved their place on the list of non-allowable items as well. Why won’t companies transport plants, so may ask? There are several reasons for that. The first one is mostly connected to long-distance and interstate moves – plants aren’t allowed to be transported to other states without a permit. The National Plant Board doesn’t allow it because some states have insects, pests, and diseases that others don’t, and the authorities don’t want these to spread. That’s why it’s advisable to check with the National Plant Board and require the necessary permits if needs be.
As per local moves – some relocators will transport your plants if you ask them. The law regarding this says that vegetation can be transported without a permit if it’s less than 150 miles. So, check the mileage, and check with your relocators. But, you should also be aware that the temperature and conditions in the truck are not great for your leafy friends and that they can harm them during transit. That’s why it’s simply better to transport them yourself, if possible. Take a look at how this girl did it.
Food Is Also Among Items Movers Won’t Move
When you are packing dishes and packing plates for moving, you may be tempted to pack up your perishable food, too. Well, don’t! It’s not allowed. Some relocators will not accept any kind of food, while others don’t move perishable food like fresh produce, yogurt, milk, butter, or anything that’s been open. Why? The conditions of the truck are not suitable for perishable food. It can go to waste, and it can also attract rats or bacteria or cause mold to develop.
That’s why most relocators don’t even want to deal with food at all. So, edibles are not allowed, and it’s better if you find a way to deal with them before the move day. The good news is that you will be able to transport unopened non-perishables like rice, pasta, and others from your pantry. So you can pack those up and any dry food along with the kitchen objects. And don’t forget about them, as they tend to be some of the most commonly forgotten things to pack.
What to Do With Perishable Items When Moving?
As you won’t be able to get them in that truck, you need to get rid of them. There are different ways to make sure you don’t have any foodstuff in your fridge when the relocation crew arrives. We advise you to eat up all perishable foods from your fridge in the days leading up to your relocation. Or you can donate it to a food bank. If you want to donate, you should know that most donation centers don’t accept any edibles that have been opened, either. Throwing it away is another option, but most people don’t like to throw away food.
Things of Sentimental or Monetary Value
You will want to pack and keep the precious family heirloom with you on your way to a new home. Whether they are very expensive or simply hold sentimental value to you – make sure you take care of them instead of your relocators. This issue falls under the ‘liability’ category that we’ve mentioned. Some relocators will straight up ask you to sign off liability for any valuables or simply refuse to take them on board.
This is because there are so many people going in and out of your home on move day, and if something goes missing, people usually point the finger at relocators. Relocating companies typically reimburse the object’s current value, not the amount you got it for, and you don’t want to add more expenses on your expenses checklist. Other objects simply can’t be replaced like those of sentimental value. So, hold your grandmother’s earrings and family photos with you when relocating.
Can You Hire Movers to Move One Item?
The answer is – yes. Some relocators have made a business of transporting only one item. These are called single-item relocators, and they are usually very experienced with these kinds of moves. Some other professional moving companies in Philadelphia will also take on small moves – all you have to do is ask. These types of moves are usually done if you want to move a piano or something else of the kind. Not only are these objects large and heavy – but they are also delicate and often expensive. So, make sure you hire someone professional if you don’t want to end up in even more relocation stress and, possibly even, debt.
Hire Professional Movers in Philadelphia, PA for Your Upcoming Local Moving Adventure
If you are interested in our list of non-allowables, contact us, and our representatives will be more than happy to provide you with such information. And if you require local moving services or packing assistance, you know who to call. Our relocators are professionals that are well-trained and well-versed in all relocation tasks, and they’ve got all the relocation hacks. We can handle everything that relates to your move if you would like us to, and you can deal with planning that moving-away party you wanted to throw.