When you’re gearing up for a move, whether across town or across the country, packing is the most time-consuming part of the process. Although you might be tempted to put everything into boxes and sort it out on the other end, that could cause serious problems. Certain items should not, or cannot, be packed, and your moving company may refuse to transport them. So as you plan your move, remember that you’ll need to make different arrangements to move particular items.

5 Items That Cannot Be Packed for a Move

1. Hazardous Items

Hazardous items include anything flammable or items that have the potential of causing a health hazard or damage to people or property. This includes chemicals like household cleaners, paint, aerosol cans, bleach, lawn chemicals, nail polish, and nail polish remover. Your moving company will provide a full list of prohibited items, but if it’s potentially dangerous, it shouldn’t be packed. 

2. Perishable Food

Before you leave town, clean out the fridge and have a frozen food party, or donate unopened items to a local food bank. Moving companies will not transport perishable food items, as they can attract insects and other pests. Houseplants and flowers are also on the prohibited list for the same reason. 

3. Valuables

Another broad category, valuables, refer to anything irreplaceable, or anything that would be inconvenient to lose. For instance, transport expensive jewelry and watches, cash, and essential paperwork (birth certificates, passports, stocks, and bonds) yourself instead of packing them in a carton. Valuable collections, like coins or stamps, should also be moved separately, even if their value is mostly sentimental.

4. Medication

Before you move, request to have your prescription medications, and any for your family and pets, transferred to a pharmacy near your new home, so you can get refills until you are established with a new provider. In the meantime, carry your prescriptions with you, and don’t pack them away. It may be several days or longer before you have access to your belongings, and you don't want to run out in the meantime. 

5. Firearms

Moving firearms, especially across state lines, can be tricky. Check with law enforcement to determine the documentation you’ll need to bring your guns into your new city or state, and be prepared to carry your guns and ammunition separately in locked, inaccessible containers, like a locked case in your vehicle’s trunk. Even if your moving company allows firearms, you will need to carry the ammunition yourself and comply with their regulations. 

If you’re on the move and feel overwhelmed by the process, the professionals of Carlton Movers can help make the process easier. This moving company is known for its efficient, affordable service throughout the greater Cincinnati, OH, area, and will pack and transport your belongings safely via their clean fleet of moving trucks. They also sell packing supplies. Visit them online for a full list of services or call (513) 579-0007 today to request an estimate.