Moving state to state or across the county is a daunting task and can be very stressful. Figuring out how to pack everything neatly into little boxes without stuff breaking, downsizing, deciding what is worth taking and what you should throw out. This can all be a real science, thankfully you have a friend in the moving business that can take a lot of this stress off of your shoulders! While figuring out what should go where, there are a few key things to remember, not everything can be taken on the moving truck. Any reputable moving company should provide you with a list of what can not be transported on their truck. This is not to make matters more difficult. It simply serves as a way to protect your valuables as well as protecting our drivers while adhering to the U.S. Department of Transportations statue 49 CFR 100-185. This section explains all there is to know about hazardous materials that cannot be transported commercially. However, not all of the items on that list are hazardous, they simply won’t cope well on a long trip. Want more info so you may better plan for your move? Excalibur Moving & Storage lists a few of the items you will need to leave behind, properly dispose of, or give away to a neighbor in need before the big move!
Chemicals, Flammables, Corrosives, Compressed Gas & Other Hazardous Materials
Anything that has the potential to be flammable or anything that contains chemicals can not be moved in a commercial moving truck. Anything with a gas tank that you plan to move with you should have the gas emptied out completely before the big move. So, any lawn gardening equipment such as leaf blowers, weed whackers, lawn mowers or even motorized scooters or motorcycles will need to have the gas properly disposed of 24 hours prior to the truck arriving. Fertilizers, batteries, aerosol cans, charcoal, paint, paint thinner etc. will need to be left behind to avoid devastating accidents from occurring. If it requires special means to be disposed of, it can’t go on a moving truck.
Potted Plants, House Plants & Insects
This may come as a surprise to some, but you will need to leave your plants behind when moving cross county. If you plan to travel more than 150 miles, certain laws require you to have a special license to move certain plants across state lines. Each state has their own indigenous plant species and are therefore sensitive to foreign vegetation. Plants also tend to harbor worms, aphids or other bugs that like to hitch a ride to wherever you may take them, which has the potential of introducing a new pest to a new area, therefore contaminating your new home, the truck or your new environment.
Perishable Food Items
When it comes time to pack your kitchen, only plan to take items that are unopened, have a long shelf life and are unperishable. It makes total sense to say that you probably shouldn’t move food that is likely to spoil such as frozen foods, food that has been opened or refrigerated items. Eat what you can before the move, whatever is left over will need to be disposed of before the move.
Pets
Believe it or not, this has been asked before. Movers will not take your pets on the truck with them. Either fly them with you on the plane or let them ride in the car. Moves are stressful for pets as well and they will be best suited in the comfort of their own space with you.
Valuables
Personal valuable items such as cash, jewelry, important documents, family heirlooms, stock certificates etc. will be safest riding with you. If you fear losing an item, don’t risk it! It would be best suited to stay with you at all times, so it doesn’t get misplaced.
Local & Long Distance, Residential & Commercial Moving in Los Angeles County, CA & Beyond
Excalibur Moving & Storage can help you with all aspects of you move to make this transition in your life a smooth one. We hope this list helped you to better prepare for your big move. Call us today.
