In an effort to save time, it’s natural to consider throwing all household items in bags and boxes when preparing for a move. But doing so will not only damage belongings, but could also potentially create hazardous conditions in the back of a moving truck while driving. To ensure your possessions get to the new home intact and everyone stays safe in the process, below is a guide to what you should and shouldn’t pack. 

Do:

Throw out perishables before packing.

When you clean out the refrigerator, throw out any items that will expire without cold storage. Packing meat, fruits, vegetables, or dairy products in the back of a moving truck for long distance relocation could attract insects, which will damage anything else inside the truck. The smell of rotting food could also leave a stench on the rest of your possessions. 

Carry all important documents with you.

It might be difficult to keep an eye on all of your household items during the moving process, so never leave insurance documents, banking records, drivers licenses, or any other important materials unattended. If anything from the moving truck is lost, you at least won’t need to worry about your personal information getting into the wrong hands. To safeguard against potential threats, keep these items in the trunk or glove box of your locked personal vehicle.

Don’t:

Pack chemicals in boxes. 

If you have household cleaners, lawn pesticides, motor oil, and any other chemical solutions in the home or garage, don’t pack them in boxes and place them in the moving truck. They could topple over in transit and discolor or corrode other belongings. Toxic fumes could also get inside the truck cabin and make passengers sick. 

Put explosives and flammable items in the moving truck. 

If you have firearms, follow best practices for transporting the items. Putting them in storage or the back of a truck rental could be dangerous, as guns could go off during a bumpy ride. Consult the local fire department regarding compressed gas handling, as materials in tanks could expand if the containers are disturbed or the temperature rises. When this happens, pressure in the tanks could increase and cause an explosion or fire.

If you are moving in or out of Hawaii, the team at M. Dyer & Sons in Pearl City will make the entire process as efficient as possible. A fixture on the island of Oahu for the past 50 years, this local moving company will take extra care with your property, so everything gets to your new home safe and sound. To learn more about how the movers will make your relocation easier, call (808) 456-4200. You can also visit them online for service details, and follow the team on Facebook for additional advice to help with your move.