How to Move Things You’re Worried the Movers Won’t Touch
When planning a big move, you’ll likely find yourself talking to several moving companies to figure out which one’s policies, pricing, and availability will best suit your needs. During this process, you may be surprised to learn that there are some things movers won’t touch, although the exact types of items they won’t move vary from company to company.
It’s not their way of punishing you during a vulnerable time, although it may seem that way. Rather, says Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co. , “it’s a matter of respect and risk.”
What transport companies usually don’t touch
Rimeris says his company will not transport weapons, open liquids, or valuables like ID cards or heirlooms. That matches what I’ve heard from a number of other professionals, who also mention jewelry, cash, documents, passports, medications, anything “irreplaceable,” anything flammable, cleaning supplies, fire extinguishers, paint, and fireworks. Some companies won’t even transport your plants or perishables. And they certainly won’t transport your dog or other pets.
Many professionals have told me that you should contact your moving company with a detailed list of what you want to move in advance. Your company may be able to move some of these items, and they will let you know. Get it in writing.
So what do you do with what they don’t want to bear?
First, ask the moving companies to provide you with a written list of what they will not transport so you have an idea of what is your responsibility and can avoid unexpected refusals or extra charges when they arrive.
Values
Keep valuables with you when moving, especially things like identification cards, prescriptions, birth certificates, and Social Security cards. It’s a good idea to transport these items yourself in your personal vehicle from one home to the other.
Because these items are so important, consider investing in a portable safe (around $30). It’s small enough to carry around, but it will keep everything organized and secure.
Hazardous Materials
As for any hazardous materials, don’t move them yourself — for the same reasons movers don’t want to. Chris Kay, director of operations at UNITS Moving and Portable Storage , warns that you should contact local recycling centers for proper handling of items like gas or propane tanks. Thiam Behdarvandan, CEO and founder of Let’s Get Moving , says even a small leak can lead to a dangerous situation. Anything old or half-used can be disposed of at a local hazardous waste facility. If you have full gas cans or other hazardous materials and don’t want to dispose of them, contact your local recycling center for specific transportation recommendations.
Pets
If you’re moving within your city limits, Shainaiqua D’Sa, head of content marketing at Attic Self Storage , warns that “children and pets can inadvertently slow down the moving process,” so you’ll want to arrange for someone to watch them on moving day.
You should also let your vet know in advance about your move. For example, Alex Girard, who recently moved across the country, was surprised to find that his cat needed a “health certificate” before it could fly commercial to a new city. Your vet can also prescribe medication to calm your pet if you have to fly or travel long distances with it. Ask your vet for specific advice on all travel-related issues, such as what size your carry-on suitcase should be, and contact your airline if you’re flying for information on their pet policy.
Just like your valuables, you need to keep pet supplies with you. From food to poop bags, you’ll need to take all of these items with you personally, and you should pack more than you think you’ll need in case of any problems. Pet IDs, medications, accessories, and a favorite item that smells like you should also be included.
Plants
Plants are tricky things. Start by watering them well a few days before you move, then find a box slightly larger than the pot and fill it with packing materials so that it’s soft inside. (As with valuables and fragile items, you can use T-shirts, towels, or other soft things for this.) Then cover the plant itself with a large plastic bag, like a trash bag. You should transport the plant in a sturdy, temperature-controlled environment, like your personal vehicle.
If you need to fly, things are a little more complicated. The TSA allows plants in both carry-on and checked baggage, but you’ll need to contact your airline directly to find out their policy.
Perishable products
A few weeks in advance, obviously, try to eat them if you can. Decluttering is the best way to save time, space, and money before you move. Consider donating to a food kitchen, especially if you’re moving a long distance. Otherwise, you’ll need to pack them up and take them with you, whether in your car or on a plane. Depending on how far you’ll be traveling, consider buying a cooler bag. Travel-safe versions with carrying straps can cost as little as $15.
Less simple objects
There are some items that movers will transport (or may refuse to transport on a case-by-case basis), but it is also important to mention them in advance.
“Like most movers, we do not handle hazardous or prohibited materials such as gas cylinders, explosives, or chemicals,” says Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage . “If you have something unusual to move, such as a piano, safe, or antique, be sure to let us know in advance as they require special handling and planning.”
Several different professionals I spoke with mentioned things like pianos and aquariums, and while they usually move them, they need to know about them in advance. You may have to pay an extra fee for certain items, depending on what they are and what company you go with, so find out this information in advance to avoid budget surprises on moving day. If possible, try to move them yourself, but keep in mind that the fee may be worth it if the other option is literally moving the piano yourself.
If you don’t declare these items in advance, packing won’t be your only problem. Without prior knowledge of complex, heavy items, movers may not show up with the right tools and materials, meaning they won’t be able to move them, and there’s nothing either of you can do about it. At best, they’ll have to spend extra time going out to get the right tools, which could cost you an hourly rate and valuable time. At worst, they won’t be able to do it, and you’ll be stuck with something huge that doesn’t have the tools to move it.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to move a piano, safe, aquarium, or other bulky item, you’ll need moving blankets. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers , says, “If you’re doing your own move, be sure to wrap the blankets around the furniture pieces. This will protect the items themselves while they’re being moved, and it will also reduce the chance of the edges of the bulky items scratching your walls and doorways.” A 12-pack costs about $60 . Secure them around the item with heavy-duty tape and place sliders under the legs or corners.
Even if you are doing the move yourself, it would be a good idea to contact moving companies to find out how much it would cost to help you remove those bulky items from your space and load them into a U-Haul. Again, in most cases, movers will handle heavier items, but you will need to let them know in advance.