Moving to a new home can be daunting. Whether you are relocating across town or to an entirely new city, packing up all your belongings and transporting them requires careful planning and organization. While professional movers are there to make your life easier, it's important to note that certain items simply won't move. In this post, we will explore ten things professional movers typically refuse to transport, ensuring you are fully prepared for your upcoming move.
1. Hazardous Materials
Safety is paramount when it comes to moving, and professional movers in Auckland take this seriously. They cannot transport hazardous materials as these substances pose a risk to their employees, the environment, and the public at large. Examples of hazardous materials include gasoline and other flammable liquids, propane tanks, chemicals, fertilizers, and paint thinners. It's important to dispose of these items properly before your moving date.
2. Perishable Food
Another category of items that professional movers won't transport is perishable food. This means any food item that must be refrigerated or frozen, such as meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. These items have a limited shelf life and need proper temperature control during transportation to prevent spoilage. In most cases, it's best to consume or donate perishable food before your moving day.
3. Living Organisms
Professional movers may be experts in relocating homes; however, they draw the line at live animals or plants. Transportation conditions may not be suitable for their safe transport during the move. If you have pets or houseplants that need transportation assistance during your move, consider making alternative arrangements beforehand.
4. Valuables and Personal Documents
For security reasons, professional movers generally refuse the responsibility of transporting valuables like jewellery and cash as well as personal documents such as passports, social security cards, wills, and insurance policies. These items are best kept with you or stored securely during the move to minimise any risk of loss or theft.
5. Firearms and Ammunition
Safety considerations come into play when it comes to transporting firearms and ammunition. Most professional movers have policies preventing them from moving firearms due to liability concerns. It is advisable to contact your local transportation department or authorities for guidelines on the authorized transportation of firearms and ammunition during your move.
6. High-Value Collectibles
Items with significant financial or sentimental value, such as fine art, antiques, rare collectibles, and valuable heirlooms, often fall into the category that professional movers decline to move due to increased risk of damage or loss. Consider arranging for specialized art handling services or purchasing additional insurance coverage to ensure their safe transportation.
7. Unboxed Items
Professional movers prioritize efficient packing and safe transportation of goods; therefore, they refuse to move unboxed items. Suitable containers protect belongings from damage during transit. If you decide not to use proper packing materials provided by professional movers, they may request that you pack those items yourself before transporting them.
8. Flammable Liquids
In addition to the hazardous materials mentioned earlier, flammable liquids present a significant danger during transportation due to their potential for igniting or causing explosions. Substances like gasoline, motor oil, cleaning solvents, and aerosol cans fall into this category and are typically excluded from what professional movers will transport.
9. Plants
While certain live plants can be creatively packed for transport through qualified plant nurseries specialising in long-distance move assistance services offer], it's important to note that many professional moving companies won't transport plants due to the likelihood of damage caused by extreme temperature variances inside the moving van.
10. Sentimental Items
Lastly, while not an item per se but just as important to note, possessions with high emotional value, such as photo albums containing irreplaceable pictures and sentimental keepsakes, may be irreplaceable if lost or damaged during transit. You should always keep these items with you or make alternative arrangements for their safe transport.
Conclusion
While professional movers offer an indispensable service when it comes to relocating, it's important to understand that they can only transport certain items. By familiarizing yourself with the ten items outlined in this post, you can plan and make appropriate arrangements for safely transporting these belongings. Remember, being well-prepared ensures a smooth and stress-free moving experience!