You might think that you should pack anything and everything when moving house.
However, it’s important to be aware that when hiring a professional removal company there are things you can’t pack. These are items that are prohibited due to the fact that they’re either unsafe, unsuitable or wouldn’t be covered by insurance.
Generally speaking, every removal company will have their own list of prohibited items you should not pack when moving, so it’s better to ask before you begin packing.
That said, general items not to pack include, but are not limited to:
- Paint and paint thinner
- Flammable items and compressed gasses
- Sentimental valuables
- Perishable food
- Fertiliser and weed killer
1. Paint & Paint Thinner
The first item not to pack when moving is paint and paint thinner.
Many of us do DIY projects that might mean you’ve got leftover paint. However, not only will paint make a lot of mess if it spills in transit but many ‘paint is also considered to be a flammable and combustible material’.
The same applies to paint thinners. As such, it’s not safe to be placed in the removal van or in storage.
How to dispose of paint and paint thinner
Unwanted paint and paint thinner can be donated to community causes. That said, if your paint is old and unusable, then you will need to make sure that your paint has hardened before you dispose of it.
Following this, you’ll need to take your empty paint cans to a recycling centre to be recycled or disposed of appropriately.
Not only will paint make a lot of mess if it spills in transit but many ‘paint is also considered to be a flammable and combustible material’.
2. Flammable Items & Compressed Gasses
You should never pack flammable items or compressed gasses when moving house.
Flammable items can include everything from nail polish remover to lighter fluid to petrol to kerosene to name a few.
Whilst travelling in the back of a hot removal van, flammable items could combust and burn, putting the removal professionals and your belongings in danger.
Another item not to pack when moving is compressed gasses. This includes some aerosols as well as fire extinguishers.
If you’re unsure about whether an item is flammable or contains compressed gas, you’ll need to look at the label carefully and speak with your removal company.
3. Sentimental Valuables
It’s also advisable to not pack sentimental valuables when moving.
While it might be tempting to keep all of your belongings in the same place, this is not recommended when it comes to sentimental items.
Priceless jewellery, such as engagement and wedding rings, should always be packed separately, as some items are simply too precious to risk.
The same applies to valuable watch collections or other pieces of jewellery that are irreplaceable.
Keeping these pieces on your person is the safest way to ensure your valuables aren’t damaged or lost during the moving process.
Priceless jewellery, such as engagement and wedding rings, should always be packed separately, as some items are simply too precious to risk.
4. Perishable Food
Another item not to pack when moving is perishable food.
Generally speaking, frozen, perishable, or open food can’t be taken on the removal van. When putting your belongings into storage, not even tinned food or alcohol is allowed.
Don’t forget to clean your fridge and freezer
Additionally, it’s worth noting that your fridge and freezer will need to be defrosted and cleaned before being placed into the removal van.
Instead, you should eat what’s left before you move home. Alternatively, if you decide to pack your pantry, you’ll need to transport what you’d like to keep yourself.
Alternatively, you can pack it up and donate the remaining food to family members or a local food bank that’s in need.
5. Fertiliser & Weed Killer
If you’re a gardener, you might have an abundance of fertiliser and weed killer that should not be packed when moving.
This comes down to the fact that ‘some synthetic fertilisers which contain ammonium nitrate are combustible’. As such, they shouldn’t be kept in hot conditions in the back of the removal van.
Weed killer also contains a variety of dangerous chemicals that pose a risk in the removal van.
So, when packing up your garden pots and garden supplies, be sure to appropriately dispose of these items.
If you decide to pack your pantry, you’ll need to transport what you’d like to keep yourself.
So, there you have some of the items you should not pack when moving house. It’s important to remember that each removal company is different, so be sure to check beforehand.
Hopefully this article has given you a better idea of what not to pack when moving house.
How can a professional removals team help?
To learn more about our removals services or purpose-built storage facilities, contact Nathan. At Falconers we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your goods are moved with expert precision and kept in perfect condition. For more expert advice on how to pack, move and store your belongings — or other FAQs on how removals work — check out our blog page.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Falconer Removals & Storage.
Tags: Moving House, Moving Tips, Packing