When it comes to knowing what is safe to move or store, or not, you would think that some of the items in this post are obvious. Well we have seen it all! Our hope is that this 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 First Five
- No Radioactive Materials – While you may think it’s funny for us to mention this, radioactive materials can be found in certain medical supplies and are not suitable for moving or storage without special handling. When in question, please ask your moving or storage company ahead of time. The last thing you want on move day is to set off a Geiger counter!
- No Explosive or Combustible Items – Nothing flammable, liquid or otherwise – This includes batteries, acid, paint, thinners, solvents, gasoline, motor oil, alcohol, propane tanks, fireworks, charcoal, lighter fluid, old lighters, and other hazardous materials. Are you an avid gardener? Well, leave the fertilizers, weed killers and pest poisons behind. Have old camping gear? Well, check to make sure that fuel is cleaned out of your camp stoves and lanterns. Remember to check the bathroom: Nail polish and remover, cans or pump bottles of hairspray, antiperspirant or cleaning products, bleach, and drain de-cloggers – It all needs to find a new home BEFORE the truck or storage locker is packed. Remember, if something blows a gasket, your stuff will be the first to go up in smoke. When moving or storing with Cummings Moving Company, ask us for a complete list of the items we do not move or store. We are happy to let you know!
- No Firearms, Grenades or Ammunition – No, no and no. Most moving companies, general storage, and self-service storage facilities have policies regarding moving and storing weapons and related items. Even that antique gun collection is more often than not, not permitted. Again, if you have specific questions, call your moving or storage company ahead of time. And before you drive that firearm collection (vintage or otherwise) to your new home cross-state, or cross country… Check with a reputable and knowledgeable gun store, or law enforcement, for the safe and legal way to do that.
- No Perishable Food – This is more that milk, meat, cheese, seafood, and other refrigerated or frozen items. Consider it to mean things with an expiration date. While there may be some gray area here for metal cans, remember seals on cans can fail and glass jars can break. Even if you think it is well-sealed and will withstand the journey or time in storage, most movers and storage companies will not allow it. One obvious reason… Pests! Items like flour, cereal, pasta, rice, candy, meat, cheese, salad dressing, etc. will either spoil and rot, or attract bugs and rodents. Either way, companies like ours, who work hard to keep their trucks and facilities clean, will have rules regarding moving and storing food items. This includes pet food and treats as well. Here’s a tip: During the last couple months before your move, start eating from your pantry, freezer and from the back of the freezer and fridge… Then give the rest away during the last week! remember to clean and dry your fridge and freezer. If you are moving across town and want to move food items, you could always leave room for a couple grocery bags and cooler… in your car!
- No Irreplaceable Items – While each mover has its own recommendations, as a general rule, it is best to move certain things by hand… Your hand! Photos, valuables, jewelry, cash, financial documents, passports, personal papers, bank records, medical documents, personal electronic devices (laptops, tablets, or cell phones), car and house keys are the sorts of things you want keep in your possession and carry with you to your new home. If you must store these items, consider a renting a safety deposit box or leaving them with a trusted friend or relative until you can retrieve them.
If you are looking to store items in the San Francisco Bay Area, or if you are moving anywhere in the country and you want our thoughts on your specific situation, feel free to be in touch. We are even happy to give you a quote for either storage or moving. Just let us know what you need!
What are the OTHER Five things you need to NOT move or store? Click Here
Photo Credit: A Special shout-out to Lee Abel for her wonderful photography of our crew in action! Granted, this photo is of the boxes, however, she also captured the speedy folks that placed them here!
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.
