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In order to make your upcoming move easier on you and your whole family, you may want to consider
hiring a moving company to help with the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. In fact,
moving companies offer a range of other services designed to make your move a smooth transition from Point A to Point B. However, there are some things movers cannot do – and that’s transport certain
items.

It’s important to understand what your moving company can’t move so you can prepare by either
finding alternate transportation for or getting rid of those items in advance. Often there are two
categories of items you’ll want to pay attention to: items a company can’t move, and items it
recommends against moving.

Items a Moving Company Can’t Move
Almost all reputable moving companies will not move hazardous materials that would be dangerous to
their trucks, their drivers, and your other belongings. Since you don’t want to put anyone or anything in danger, it’s best to find other homes for these items or throw them out before movers arrive to pack up the truck on moving day. Items in this category include, but aren’t limited to the following:
• Matches
• Lighter fluid
• Fireworks
• Propane cylinders
• Gasoline
• Nail polish removers
• Paints and paint thinners
• Oxygen bottles

Items a Moving Company Recommends You Don’t Ask Them to Move
The biggest item in this category includes perishable food. Why pack up things that can grow mouldy or
stale and affect other materials packed nearby? Likewise, avoid packing anything in glass jars as they can leak or crack before arrival, creating a real mess among your belongings. While companies may agree to move these items, it’s far better to simply use them up before moving day. On the other hand, food that isn’t perishable or stored in glass jars – like boxed food, spices, dried fruits, and oils in plastic containers – are often just fine to move.

Another type of item that movers may recommend you don’t ask them to move is anything of great
value to you. This includes anything from heirlooms to jewellery, family photos, cash, important
documents like wills or deeds, collections, etc. The reason they recommend you move these items
yourself is because their reimbursement policies are often limited (unless you pay extra). For example,
the most basic valuation policies only require a moving company to partially reimburse you for an item
based on weight. Because valuables are often small and irreplaceable, this policy will never be satisfying should your valuables be lost or damaged. Solve this issue in advance by transporting anything valuable in your own vehicle.

For exact specifications on what your particular moving company will not move, browse its website or
contact your moving representative. Having that information on hand will guide you as you pack your
belongings in preparation for your move.
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David Shapiro is a marketing specialist for moving companies such as North American Van Lines. In the little free time he has, he enjoys outdoor activities like biking, hiking, mountain climbing and swimming.