When you’re gearing up to relocate to a new home, you’ll need to understand what not to pack when moving. There are a few items that moving companies won’t transport, and that you’ll have to handle on your own. And no, your movers aren’t trying to be difficult—they aren’t allowed to handle certain hazardous and personal items due to industry regulations.
If you’ve decided to save money by renting plastic moving boxes instead of using cardboard boxes, you’re already on your way to a smooth move. Packing plastic moving totes is easy, and since they’re sturdier than cardboard boxes, they can handle some contents that shouldn’t go inside cardboard containers.
Ready to learn some tips and tricks on what not to pack when moving and how to safely pack your plastic moving totes? Let’s start packing and prepping for your move day.
Hazardous Items
Hazardous materials top the list of what movers won’t pack. Oftentimes, these items are flammable or otherwise dangerous if they spill, even if they’re considered pretty standard household items.
Your list of what not to pack when moving includes combustible items like the gas tank for your propane grill, cans of paint and paint thinner, and even your nail polish remover. Additionally, don’t ask your movers to handle flammable cleaning supplies, particularly chemicals in pressurized aerosol cans.
Finally, you’ll need to avoid boxing up chemical-based cleaning solutions when packing plastic moving totes. Because your moving crew won’t be able to transport these items on their truck, it’s best to use up what you can and safely dispose of any hazardous materials you don’t get through prior to your move day.
Perishable Foods
Most of us have some leftover perishables in our fridge or freezer when we move, but these are more items on the “what not to pack when moving” list. The box of your moving company’s truck is not climate-controlled, and cold food and drinks can spoil and leak during the drive from your old home to your new one.
The best practice here is to prepare a cooler and bring your perishables to your new place in your personal vehicle. When you’re packing plastic moving totes, don’t be afraid to include nonperishable foods like canned or unopened boxed goods—just be ready to drive them to your new home in your own car.
Valuables and Other Personal Items
Do you know what else falls into the category of what not to pack when moving? It’s the items of both sentimental and monetary value, along with personal documents that have sensitive information. These include:
- Jewelry
- Currency (including your treasured coin collection)
- Documents like your house or vehicle title, passport, and birth certificate
There are a few easy ways to keep these items safe when you move. First and foremost, keep them with you at all times, or ask a trusted friend or family member to hold onto them on your move day so you can safely stow them when you settle into your new home. Some people also choose to make copies of their personal documents just in case the originals get lost. However, as long as you’ve organized yourself and are well-prepped for your move, losing these personal items shouldn’t be an issue.
What To Use (and Not Use) as Eco-Friendly Packing Material Inside Plastic Moving Totes
What not to pack when moving doesn’t only involve your home’s inventory. There’s also a list of items you should—and should not—use as packing material.
If you’re packing plastic moving totes instead of cardboard boxes, you’ve already made strides toward having a safe and green move. Here are a few suggestions for eco-friendly packing materials:
- Recyclable packing paper
- Scrap paper you have lying around and were just going to throw away
- Compostable or biodegradable materials
Never use your towels, blankets, or clothing as padding inside your moving totes. If something breaks or spills, you’ll have to throw away everything inside the bin. And for pity’s sake, avoid using bubble wrap! This stuff isn’t only rough on the environment—it can also leave weird marks on your glassware, and it doesn’t provide the padding that the “burrito method” wrapping does.
Need Help Understanding What Not to Pack When Moving? Call Chicago’s Experts in Packing Plastic Moving Totes!
We know that packing up your home for a move is tedious and stressful, especially when you have to consider what not to pack when moving. But we’ve got your back. Our eco-friendly moving supplies come with tips and instructions on safely packing moving totes, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have as you prep for your move. If you’re looking for a professional packing service to handle the wrapping and boxing for you, we’ll recommend the best in the business.
Get in touch with us for pro tips on what not to pack when moving. Or if you’re ready to get started on your move-day preparation, place your order now!