In Part 1 of this post on what you should not move or store, we covered things that you never want to boom, bad or bye-bye! Curious about what those are… Click here to read more!
When it comes to knowing what is safe to move or store, or not, you might think that some items listed here are obvious. Over the years we have seen that what is obvious to one person may not be to another. Because of this, we thought we would dedicate a couple posts to really spelling it out!
Our hope is that this two-part post will provide a clear starting point for those about to move or put items into storage. Please remember, this is only a partial list. Even the items mentioned do not cover all the items in each category. Please check with your moving company or storage facility for their specific rules regarding what they will and will not move or store.
10 Things to NOT Move or Store – The NEXT Five
- Scented Oils & Candles – In general, moving or storing scented items like fragrance oils or candles can be a bad idea. Scented items can attract curious pests. And candles… well… they melt! Keep this in mind, while the temperature in your truck or storage facility may not get hot enough to melt the wax, even warmer temps can cause the wax to distort its shape and colored candles to stain adjacent items. If you must pack to move or store that candle collection, be strategic. Group everything wax together and place in a larger plastic container. Store jar candles upright and wrap loose candles individually. Plan for disaster and hope of the best!
- Wet Items – Refrigerators, ice trays, ice machine water lines, washing machines, coolers, dish cloths, semi-dry clothes, wet swimsuits, hot water bottles, watering cans, garden hoses, toilet plungers, buckets… ANYTHING that might be wet, damp, or have a bit of water in it, could wreck havoc during a move or storage situation. Just like food, wet items, and damp things that are not completely dry, can be instrumental in growing mold, mildew, and bacteria! This can lead to nasty odors and ultimately, damage to your property. Be extra careful to open it up, wipe it down, and air it out BEFORE you move or store it! Whatever it takes to ma sure everything is good and dry before packing it for that journey to your new home or some time in storage.
- Electronics – We all know that those computers and other electronic items are sensitive to heat and cold. This may sound crazy, but think of your devices as “living things!” If YOU would not subject a good friend or your puppy to hanging out in a room of a given temperature for an extended period of time, then PLEASE, do not subject your electronics to it! Something else to consider, especially during a move… Extreme temperature change of hot to cold, or vice versa. Talk to your mover if you think this may be a factor in your move. Flat-screen televisions and computers could be permanently damaged by extreme temperature fluctuation. Storage companies like Cummings Moving Company, pay attention to the temperatures in their storage lockers, however, many self-store companies do not. If you have talked with the storage company you plan to use and find they keep their facility “Just Right,” then you can store your computers, TVs, electronics and gadgets with ease. If you have big bucks invested in electronics you plan to store, you may want to consider a climate controlled environment. Regardless, REMEMBER to remove ALL batteries! They’re corrosive and could damage your items when not in use.
- Drugs & Stolen Property – As you might imagine, drugs and drug-related paraphernalia are likely prohibited in a rented storage unit. We know laws are changing, and the rules may vary by state, however, remember this… Rules that apply outside the moving truck or storage locker, apply inside them! As far as personal property goes,if it’s not legally yours or you do not have explicit permission from the owner to have it in your possession, preferably in writing, don’t move it or store it! If you move or store anything that has been reported stolen, you could get into serious trouble. Enough said!
- Unregistered Vehicles – A vehicle, like a car, truck, RV, boat, trailer or motorcycle should belong to you, if you plan to move or store it. In general, moving companies and storage facilities that accommodate vehicles, require current registration in the name of the person hiring the moving or storage service. When in doubt, ask! Be prepared to show proof of ownership as well as up to date registration. In addition, most storage facilities require that all motor vehicles be in good working condition. Certain storage companies specialize in vehicle storage, and indoor facilities may require that certain safety specifications be met. Think of it this way… while it may be easier to store your vintage Carmengia for a year, inside, with gas in the tank, brake fluid in the lines and coolant in the system… Do you really want to leave it someplace where all the cars are FULL of flammable fluids? Especially for long-term storage (over 6mos or so)… Do it the right way! As for those broken-down cars, a junk yard is the best place to store those!
BONUS – Items like construction, underground drilling, and water or sewerage equipment often have strict rules when it comes to moving and storage. Pets, alive or deceased, should not be moved or stored. Organic matter, like plants, should not be stored. And people should never attempt to live in a storage locker or stow away in a moving truck. If you have any question about what is OK to move or store, check with the company you plan to hire!
Photo Credit: A Special thank you to Lee Abel for her wonderful photography.
Cummings Moving Company Offers Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage in South San Francisco.
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cummings Moving boasts a well established reputation throughout the region which is reflected in their extended residential, small business and realtor referrals. The company is a female & minority-owned moving company with over 40 years of exceptional client service spanning across the entire country and beyond. For more information concerning quality and stress free moving opportunities, please call us at either 415-387-4000 or 650-629-3000 to request a free moving quote or visit the our website to submit a moving quote request electronically.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
