How to Move Items Your Removal Company Can’t: A DIY Guide

When moving house, whether across town or to another state, hiring a professional removal company or a man and van can alleviate much of the stress associated with transporting your belongings. Many removal companies provide specialised materials and services for moving items such as televisions, pianos, and wardrobes. However, it’s crucial to recognise that there are certain items that even removal companies that offer comprehensive removal services won’t handle. From hazardous materials to perishables and irreplaceable sentimental items, knowing how to pack and move these items yourself ensures they arrive safely at your new home.

Understanding Non-Allowable or Prohibited Items

Most man and van or removals companies have strict policies about items they can transport, primarily due to safety concerns, legal restrictions, and the risk of damage. Here’s a breakdown of common non-allowable categories:

1. Hazardous or Radioactive Materials: This category includes anything that might pose a risk during transport. Common examples are flammable substances (like gasoline and propane), corrosive materials (such as bleach and batteries), and explosive items (including fireworks and ammunition). Transporting these materials requires special handling that most moving companies are not equipped to provide.
2. Perishables: Food items that can spoil or attract pests during the move are typically not allowed. This includes fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and open food containers. Perishable food can spoil, attract pests, and potentially cause damage to moving equipment. It is important not to pack perishable foods onto the removal van to avoid spoilage and potential damage to other belongings. Perishables can lead to unsanitary conditions and create additional complications if delays occur during transit.
3. High-Value and Important Items: High-value items like artwork, collectibles, and jewelry, along with personal items with sentimental value such as photo albums and family heirlooms, are recommended to be transported personally. This reduces the risk of these irreplaceable items being lost or damaged during the move.

A DEEP DIVE: What Can I Pack Into A Moving Vehicle?: A Guide On Items Movers Won’t Move

Understanding what items are restricted by moving companies is essential for planning your move effectively. As you navigate the challenges of packing, consider this guide a helpful resource to ensure that nothing important gets left behind or improperly handled. Whether you’re securing hazardous materials, safeguarding perishables, or transporting irreplaceable high-value and sentimental items, taking responsibility for these belongings will minimise risks and enhance your moving experience.

By preparing adequately and knowing what to expect, you can focus on the excitement of settling into your new home without unnecessary stress. Remember, a successful move is not just about moving belongings from one place to another; it’s about transitioning your life safely and smoothly with all your valued possessions intact.

DIY Packing Strategies for Non-Allowable Items

Successfully packing and transporting these non-allowable items requires careful planning and specialised techniques. Here’s how to tackle each category:

Packing Hazardous Materials

Handling such materials with care is critical. You must ensure these materials are packed securely to prevent leaks or accidents:

• Use Original Containers: Whenever possible, pack dangerous substances in their original containers, which are designed to safely contain and transport these substances.
• Seal and Wrap: Securely seal all containers, and wrap them in plastic to prevent any potential leaks. Label each container clearly with the contents and hazard warnings.
• Legal and Safety Compliance: Check the local regulations for transporting such items. Some substances might require specific handling procedures or be completely restricted from transport on certain routes.

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your hazardous goods are transported without incident:

• Reconsider Moving Such Items: Before deciding to transport hazardous materials, evaluate whether it is necessary to move them at all. In many cases, it might be safer and more cost-effective to dispose of these materials and purchase new supplies at your destination. This avoids the risks associated with transporting hazardous items and can simplify your moving process.
• Detailed Documentation: Maintain a detailed list of prohibited materials you’re transporting. This documentation should include the material’s name, quantity, and the hazard it presents. This will not only help in case of an emergency but also ensure you are ready for any inspections during the move.
• Use Secondary Containment: For extra safety, use secondary containment options such as plastic bins or overpack boxes. This additional layer of protection helps contain any accidental spills or leaks during transportation.
• Clear Communication with Movers: If you’re using a moving company for other items, inform them about your plans to transport these materials separately. This will help prevent any misunderstanding and ensure they are prepared to advise or assist you in compliance with legal restrictions.
• Emergency Plan: Always have an emergency plan in place. This includes having contact information for local authorities and knowing the location of the nearest hospital. Also, keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher accessible during the move.
• Proper Disposal: After the move, properly dispose of any hazardous material containers that are empty or no longer needed. Check with local waste management services to understand the correct disposal procedures for hazardous materials.

By taking these precautions and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure that your hazardous materials are handled safely during your move, protecting yourself, your belongings, and the environment.

Handling Perishables

When moving perishables, ensuring they remain fresh and safe for consumption requires strategic planning and efficient packing. Here’s an expanded and improved approach to handling perishables during a move:

Select Appropriate Containers

• Coolers and Ice Packs: Use high-quality insulated coolers to maintain a stable temperature. Place sufficient ice packs around the perishables to keep them cool throughout the journey. For longer moves, consider using dry ice, but handle with care and ensure proper ventilation to prevent gas build-up.
• Sealable Plastic Bags: For items that can leak, seal them in plastic bags before placing them in coolers. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps your food safe and hygienic.

Manage Perishable Inventory

• Consume or Donate: Reduce waste by planning meals that use up perishable items in the week leading up to your move. For items you cannot consume, consider donating to local food banks or sharing with neighbors. Many food banks welcome donations of unopened and non-expired food items, providing a much-needed resource to the community.
• Essential Only: Limit the number of perishables you decide to move. Prioritize essential items like dairy products for small children or specific dietary foods that may not be readily available at your new location.

Packing Strategy

• Pack Last, Unload First: To minimize the time perishables are out of refrigeration, pack these items last when you are ready to leave and unload them first upon arrival. This reduces the risk of spoilage and allows you to restock your new refrigerator efficiently.
• Organize for Accessibility: Arrange perishables in the cooler in the order you plan to use them or by necessity of refrigeration. Place items that need colder temperatures deeper in the cooler surrounded by more ice packs.

Transportation Considerations

• Direct Transport: If possible, transport perishables in your own vehicle where you can control the environment more effectively. Avoid packing perishable foods onto the removal van to prevent spoilage and potential damage to other belongings. This is especially important for short moves where a personal vehicle can make a direct trip without long storage times.
• Regular Checks: On longer journeys, regularly check the temperature inside the coolers and the condition of ice packs or dry ice. Replenish ice if melting occurs faster than expected.

Immediate Care Upon Arrival

• Prompt Refrigeration: Once at your new home, immediately place perishables in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain safety and quality. Check the temperature settings of your appliances before restocking them to ensure they are ready for storage.
• Inspection and Disposal: Inspect each item as you unpack. If any item shows signs of spoilage or has been compromised during the move, dispose of it safely to prevent health risks.

By meticulously planning the transport of your perishables, you can significantly reduce the risk of spoilage. This approach not only ensures the safety and usability of your food but also contributes to a smoother and more organized relocation process.

Safeguarding Valuables

Safeguarding valuables during a move requires careful planning and execution to ensure that high-value and sentimental items reach their destination safely. It is crucial to transport high-value items personally to ensure their safety, particularly fragile items and sentimental belongings. Here’s an approach to handling such items effectively:

Personal Transport

Carrying smaller valuables and important documents with you during the move can provide peace of mind. Personal items such as jewelry, small family heirlooms, or crucial documents are best kept within your sight or under your control. If traveling by car, keep these items in a lockable box or a suitcase that stays with you at all times.

Secure Packing

For larger valuable items, such as artwork or antiques, use high-quality, sturdy boxes that can withstand the rigors of transport. Wrap each item individually in protective materials like bubble wrap, ensuring corners and surfaces are fully covered to prevent scratches or damage. Use packing peanuts or crumpled paper to fill any voids in the boxes, which helps absorb shocks and keeps items from shifting during the move.

Discreet Labeling

When labeling boxes containing valuable items, avoid using specific descriptions like “jewelry” or “antiques” that could attract the attention of thieves. Instead, use nondescript codes or a numbering system that refers back to a personal inventory list you keep confidential. This list should detail what each code or number represents, which helps in tracking and ensures only you know the contents of each box.

Additional Safety Measures

• Climate Control: For particularly sensitive items like fine art or certain electronics, consider using climate-controlled transport options to protect against extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your valuables are covered by insurance. Check if your homeowner’s policy extends to moving, or consider purchasing additional moving insurance to cover potential loss or damage.
• Professional Handling: For extremely valuable or bulky items, hiring professionals who specialize in transporting high-value goods can be a wise investment. These experts have the equipment and experience to handle your items with the care they require.

By implementing these strategies, you can minimize risks and ensure that your valuable and sentimental belongings are transported securely. Careful planning and attention to detail will go a long way in protecting these irreplaceable items throughout the moving process.

Special Considerations for Other Items

When moving, some household items demand special handling due to their size, value, or unique care requirements. Here’s how to ensure their safety during the transition:

Garden Furniture and Plant Pots

Outdoor items often accumulate dirt and pests, so it’s crucial to clean and dry all your outdoor furniture and empty plant pots thoroughly before the move. Once cleaned, wrap each piece in moving blankets or plastic wrap. This not only protects the furniture from scratches and damage but also prevents the transfer of soil, insects, or plant diseases to your new location.

Pets

The well-being of pets during a move is paramount. To ensure they are comfortable and safe, transport them in appropriate pet carriers that provide enough space to move around. Communicating specific needs and concerns to the removals company, such as the handling of pets, is crucial for a smooth transition. Maintain their regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible to minimize stress. Additionally, prepare an overnight kit that includes food, water, toys, grooming tools, and familiar items to help your pet feel at home quickly in the new environment. It’s also wise to keep a photograph and description of your pets handy in case they get lost during the move.

Artwork and Antiques

Items such as artwork and antiques require specialized care due to their delicate nature and high value. Use custom crates and acid-free packing materials that are designed specifically for art and antiques. These materials help maintain the integrity of delicate items by preventing pressure, moisture, and acid damage. Additionally, consider using corner protectors and wrapping each piece individually in glassine paper before placing it in padded crates. For particularly valuable or oversized items, consulting with professional art movers might be beneficial, as they have the expertise and equipment to handle and transport such pieces safely.

By taking these extra precautions, you can ensure that all your special items, from garden decor to precious family pets and valuable artwork, are securely and safely transported to your new home, ready to be enjoyed without damage or unnecessary stress.

Final Tips for a Smooth DIY Move

• Check Insurance Coverage: Before moving day, verify what your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers regarding DIY packing and transport of specific items. Consider purchasing additional insurance for high-value items if necessary.
• Stay Organised: Keep an inventory list of all items you’re moving yourself, especially valuable and hazardous items. This will help you keep track of everything throughout the moving process.
• Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with first aid supplies, basic tools, flashlights, batteries, and essential documents. This kit can be invaluable during your move, especially if unexpected situations arise.

Conclusion

While your removal company will handle the bulk of your belongings, understanding how to pack and transport items they can’t accept is crucial for a stress-free move. By following these detailed packing and transporting tips, you can ensure that all your items, from everyday essentials to precious valuables, are moved safely and efficiently to your new home. Proper preparation and knowledge are key to managing the complexities of a DIY move, ensuring that nothing is left behind or compromised.