So you’ve decided to hire residential movers to help with your upcoming relocation. Congratulations! You’ve just made a smart choice that will make your life so much easier. However, even though relocation specialists offer comprehensive household moving services, there are certain things they simply won’t touch. That’s because some items present a safety risk for the movers or even health risks to the general public. Other items could potentially damage moving equipment, while others are risky simply because they would be irreplaceable if they were damaged or lost.

Knowing what movers will and will not move on your behalf will help you as you prepare items ahead of your relocation. Each company has its own policy, so be sure to ask before you get started packing. Read on for a brief list of things professional movers typically won’t handle.

Hazardous Materials

It’s probably no surprise that movers refuse to handle guns, ammunition, fireworks, acids, gasoline, and poisons. But they also stay away from lighter fluid, dyes, disinfectants, nail polish, pool chemicals, and candles, among other things. Even liquor is on the do-not-move list for some companies, meaning you’ll have to make other arrangements if you have a home bar. Though you may find this frustrating, the moving company is simply following federal laws that ban them from transporting hazardous materials. You should also be careful not to move anything that could present danger to yourself or your family. Consider discarding what you can and stocking up again when you’re in your new home. Better safe than sorry!

Plants

This one can really sting for people who’ve cultivated a mini-garden in their homes. Plants make beautiful decoration, but they can be a breeding ground for pests and parasites that should not be carried to a different region of the country. In fact, moving companies need a special license to relocate plants more than 150 miles from where they originated. Plan to move your plants yourself using your own vehicle, but be aware that changes in temperature can have a huge impact on their health.

Perishable Food Items

Your mother probably always told you not to waste food, but this is one occasion where you may not have a choice. Movers typically won’t handle perishable food — that is, previously opened or fresh food items from your refrigerator or freezer. However, there’s usually no problem with transporting non-perishable items like canned goods, spices, dried fruit, etc.

Pets

Most moving trucks don’t offer the right conditions for your dog, cat, birds, fish, or other pets, so most moving companies can’t help you with this task. However, there are some dedicated pet movers with the equipment and expertise to get this done for you. Depending on how far away your new home is, it might make sense to transport your pets in your own vehicle, provided you have the right shipping container.

Anything That Can’t Be Replaced

Have important personal document such as passports, wills, birth certificates, etc. that you need moved? Or photo albums, valuable works of art, jewelry, or personal keepsakes? Better to make your own arrangements, as moving companies avoid transporting items that are of high sentimental of monetary value, in the off chance they’ll be damaged or lost.

Trust New York Tri-State Residential Movers for Top-Notch Help

Before you search “residential mover near me” and try to start planning which items to pack up for the movers and which to transport yourself, get in contact with Morgan Manhattan. Our experienced team will supply you with a comprehensive list and will also make arrangements to come to your home for a free consultation. Let us handle the details of your move! Simply call or fill out the online contact form today.