Moving is all about packing and moving that can be stressful. Amid the hustle of packing, it’s easy to overlook some crucial details—like ensuring you’re not packing items that could be hazardous or illegal to transport. Whether you’re moving locally or across borders, there are restricted items that should never find their way into your moving boxes. Failing to comply with these restrictions could lead to accidents, damage to your belongings, or even legal trouble. Though Move It Safe provides its best services for a smooth and stress-free move.
In this article, we’ll cover ten items you should never pack and the potential hazards of transporting these items.
Restricted items for Moving and Packing?
Before we dive into the list of items, it’s important to understand why certain items are restricted during moves. These restrictions often exist for safety reasons. Items that are hazardous, flammable, or otherwise dangerous pose risks to movers, transportation workers, and your property. Additionally, some items may be illegal to move across state lines or into certain countries due to environmental, health, or security concerns.
Moving companies have strict guidelines regarding what can and cannot be transported, and knowing these rules in advance can save you from unnecessary delays, fines, or even the possibility of voiding your insurance coverage.
Hazards of Packing Restricted Items
Packing restricted or hazardous items can lead to:
- Fires or Explosions: Flammable or reactive substances can catch fire or explode during transport.
- Health Hazards: Chemicals or toxic substances can leak, leading to exposure risks.
- Property Damage: Liquids or other hazardous materials can spill and damage furniture, electronics, or other valuable belongings.
- Legal Issues: Some items are illegal to transport across borders, which can result in fines or confiscation of goods.
Now that we’ve covered the risks, let’s take a look at the ten restricted items you should avoid packing when moving.
1. Flammable Materials
Flammable items such as gasoline, lighter fluid, propane tanks, and kerosene are strictly prohibited by most moving companies. These materials can easily ignite if exposed to heat or friction during transit, posing a significant fire hazard.
Hazards of Packing Flammable Materials
Flammable materials can leak or explode, particularly when exposed to high temperatures inside a moving truck. Even a small spark can cause a fire, endangering not only your belongings but also the lives of movers and others on the road.
Alternatives
If you have flammable items, consider using them up before the move or safely disposing of them through a local hazardous waste facility.
2. Explosives and Fireworks
Explosives, including fireworks, ammunition, and gunpowder, are also on the list of restricted items. Fireworks and ammunition are not only illegal to transport in many places but also extremely dangerous.
Hazards of Packing Explosives
Explosives are highly sensitive to temperature changes, friction, and impact. If packed incorrectly, they can detonate, causing serious injury or even death. Transporting such items across state or national borders may also be illegal, leading to fines or prosecution.
Alternatives
Dispose of fireworks and ammunition safely by contacting local authorities or selling any unwanted items through licensed dealers.
3. Toxic Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies
Items such as bleach, ammonia, pesticides, and pool chemicals are classified as hazardous materials. These items are often toxic and corrosive, making them unsafe to pack.
Hazards of Packing Toxic Chemicals
Toxic chemicals can spill or leak during the move, releasing harmful fumes or causing skin irritation upon contact. If they mix with other chemicals, the reactions could be dangerous, resulting in fire, poisoning, or corrosive damage to nearby items.
Alternatives
Use up cleaning supplies before the move, or dispose of them properly. Some municipalities offer chemical recycling programs for safe disposal.
4. Perishable Food Items
While it may not seem hazardous, packing perishable food items such as fresh produce, dairy, or meats is generally discouraged. Perishables spoil quickly, particularly in warm moving trucks.
Hazards of Packing Perishables
Spoiled food can attract pests such as rodents and insects, which may damage other items in transit. Additionally, the smell of rotting food can permeate your belongings and cause further damage.
Alternatives
Try to consume or donate perishable food items before your move. For long-distance moves, consider using dry ice or refrigeration for any food items that must be transported.
5. Plants
Plants are often restricted when moving long distances, particularly across state or national borders. This is due to the risk of introducing pests, diseases, or invasive species to new areas.
Hazards of Packing Plants
Transporting plants across borders without proper inspection can lead to the spread of diseases and pests that may harm local ecosystems. In some cases, your plants may be confiscated at checkpoints or border crossings.
Alternatives
If you’re moving locally, transporting your plants in your car may be an option. For long-distance moves, consider gifting plants to friends or finding them a new home.
6. Paints and Paint Thinners
Paints, paint thinners, and other solvents are flammable and hazardous to transport. They can leak, spill, or emit harmful fumes during transit.
Hazards of Packing Paints and Solvents
Paints and thinners are highly flammable and can catch fire if exposed to heat or static. Spills can damage other items, such as furniture or carpets, and fumes can cause respiratory irritation.
Alternatives
Donate or dispose of paints and thinners through local hazardous waste disposal programs. Some hardware stores also accept returns of unopened cans of paint.
7. Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans—such as those containing hairspray, air fresheners, or insecticides—are considered hazardous due to their pressurized nature. These cans can explode if exposed to heat or punctured.
Hazards of Packing Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans are sensitive to pressure changes and can easily explode inside a hot moving truck. This not only poses a fire risk but can also result in the release of harmful chemicals.
Alternatives
Use up or safely dispose of aerosol cans before your move. Most cities have recycling programs that accept empty aerosol cans.
8. Weapons and Firearms
While some moving companies may allow the transport of legally registered firearms under strict conditions, many do not. Weapons, including firearms and knives, can be dangerous if not properly secured.
Hazards of Packing Weapons
Improperly packed weapons pose a safety risk to movers and anyone handling your belongings. Additionally, transporting firearms across state lines without proper documentation can lead to legal issues.
Alternatives
If you need to transport firearms, check with your moving company regarding their policy. You may need to transport them separately or through a licensed firearm dealer.
9. Medical Supplies and Oxygen Tanks
Medical supplies such as oxygen tanks and certain medications may be restricted due to their flammable or hazardous nature.
Hazards of Packing Oxygen Tanks
Oxygen tanks are highly pressurized and flammable. If they are punctured or exposed to heat, they can explode, posing serious risks to your health and safety.
Alternatives
Consult with your medical supplier about the safest way to transport medical supplies. Some suppliers may offer specialized moving services for these items.
10. Important Documents and Valuables
While not hazardous, packing valuable or irreplaceable items such as passports, birth certificates, or jewelry in moving boxes is highly discouraged. These items can easily be lost or damaged during transit.
Hazards of Packing Valuables
Valuables and important documents are at risk of being lost, stolen, or damaged. Movers are often not liable for these items, leaving you vulnerable to financial loss.
Alternatives
Carry important documents and valuables with you during the move in a secure, easily accessible location, such as a personal bag or safe.
Conclusion
When preparing for a move, it’s essential to be mindful of the items you pack. Packing and moving can be stressful though, certain materials, including flammable substances, toxic chemicals, and explosives, pose serious risks if mishandled. Packing restricted items can lead to accidents, damage to your belongings, or legal complications. Always consult with your moving company to ensure that you’re following their guidelines on restricted items. By taking the necessary precautions and making alternative arrangements, you can ensure a safer and smoother move.
