January 3, 2012

Don't Transport These Items!

When you are planning to move, keep in mind that there are certain items that should NOT be transported by your moving company.
Flammable, Hazardous, Corrosive or Explosive Items
Anything that falls into this category is illegal for moving companies to transport. Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials. Examples:
  • Acid
  • Sterno
  • Darkroom Chemicals
  • Pesticides
  • Motor Oil & Gasoline
  • Charcoal
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Fertilizer
  • Paint & Paint Thinner
  • Car Batteries
  • Matches
  • Nail Polish & Remover
  • Ammunition
  • Liquid Bleach
  • Aerosols
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Chemistry Sets
  • Fireworks
  • Loaded Weapons
  • Ammonia
  • Lamp Oil
  • Propane & Kerosene
  • Poisons
  • Oxygen Bottles
  • Auto Repair and Maintenance Chemicals
  • Radio Pharmaceuticals
If you are transporting garden tools/equipment, be sure to drain the oil and/or fuel from them. Also disconnect and remove batteries as well. Oil, fuel and batteries should be disposed of properly at your local collection center.
There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your household goods and certain smoking materials carried on your person. You must check with your movers in order to be compliant.

Perishable Goods
Perishable foods are not allowed on a moving truck, so they should be disposed of before moving day. If you are taking your refrigerator and/or freezer with you, they should be emptied, unplugged and cleaned at least 24 hours before moving them. This will prevent any leaking, mold or foul odors.

Plants
The U.S. DOT allows plants to be transported if the trip is less than 150 miles and transport time is under 24 hours. However, some states quarantine plants at all times. Overall, moving companies cannot ensure proper care for transporting plants and cannot be held responsible for their final condition.

Personal Items
It is highly recommended that personal items (such as currency, coins, jewelry, silverware and silver service sets, crystal, family photos, figurines, furs, objects of art, computer software programs, rare documents, deeds/wills, manuscripts, comic books, baseball cards, stamps, and other collectible items or collections) be transported by you and not the movers. Keep your moving documents with you, also.

Happy moving!