When planning to move house, saving as much money as possible for moving expenses is likely top of mind.
However, certain items can easily cause a stressful experience if you attempt to carry them around on your own (such as big, heavy items).
Also, some items, such as flammable materials and perishable items might not be ideal for the big move that awaits you.
So, before you start packing up a storm as you get ready to move to a new location, have a look at these tips for items that should ideally not be moved – or that need to be managed by professional movers with the correct tools.
Items that should be discarded – or moved in a different way
Flammable and chemical items
Cleaning supplies, propane tanks, expired aerosol cans and any other chemicals that pose a risk when moving should never find their way into your moving truck.
Also, flammable items, such as paint and paint thinner, should not be packed when moving house due to their combustible nature
Be careful to also not pack in chemical items, such as fertiliser and weed killer, which contain hazardous materials and should be disposed of responsibly.
Check with your removal company for specific guidelines on handling flammable and chemical items, and ensure that these are disposed of before moving house.
Perishable food
As you will likely be emptying your fridge to get it ready for a move, the last thing you want is packing frozen, open, or tinned food that could spoil on the journey to your new home.
Rather consider what you can donate, such as food tins to a local food bank or community cause.
Valuables and irreplaceable items that should be transported separately
Sentimental valuables, such as priceless jewellery that you are emotionally attached to, should not be packed into general moving boxes when moving house – especially if you are worried that they could get damaged along the way.
Also, fine art and family heirlooms should be handled with care and transported separately to avoid damage.
If you have space in your car, rather transport them yourself.
Bulky, heavy items and other equipment that only your moving team should manage
Large appliances and furniture
Large appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, or other bulky kitchen appliances, should be handled with care and transported by a professional removal company.
They need to be packed professionally, and in such a way that all doors and outlets are secured.
Furniture, such as sofas and wardrobes, where possible, should be disassembled and wrapped in bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent damage.
Computers and electronics
Whether you need to move a flat screen TV or all your home office essentials, it is of the utmost importance that you work closely with your moving team to ensure your valuable electronic equipment has extra protection.
Computers and electronics should be handled with care and transported separately to avoid damage.
If you still have the original packaging of certain items or an original box that is still in good condition, it is worth considering using the same boxes again.
Otherwise, you can look into getting custom-built crates for fragile or valuable items.
How to do a perfect pre-move preparation
Decluttering and downsizing
Decluttering and downsizing can simplify the moving process and reduce costs, thanks to moving with fewer things and starting your new life in a brand-new home with only the essentials.
Start the decluttering process early to separate items you will be donating or recycling from your other moving items.
If there are certain big items that hold sentimental value and that you will not be using immediately, such as a piano, consider putting these items in storage.
Extra packing and moving tips
- Measure your furniture and doors to ensure a smooth move if there are heavy objects that your moving team will need to remove from your home.
- Plan your move in advance to avoid last-minute stress and chaos. Consider if there are old furniture pieces that you can get rid of or donate in advance, and ensure that no unwanted items add bulk to your moving day. A garage sale is a good idea if you want to sell old furniture or other electronic appliances that can still be used.
- Consider using a moving checklist to stay organised and on track. So room to room, pack sentimental items into separate cardboard boxes or other containers, and clearly mark any items that will need to be moved to a storage unit location.
- Get rid of any flammable items, or perishable items that have expired.
- If any remaining food is still edible, consider asking a best friend or family members if they can store these items for you until your move is complete.
- Keep important documents, such as birth certificates and bank statements, with you during the move.
- Check with your moving company if there are any prohibited items that should not be included in your move.
- Where possible, always move sentimental items by yourself and keep sensitive documents in a separate moving container that you can move in your car.
- Lastly, check with your moving company what their charge would be to pack any large or bulky items for you. Most top moving companies have all the materials needed to keep big furniture pieces safe, including high performing packing tape, bubble wrap and more.
Need more advice on which items you should not move yourself?
Any move to a new address should be as stress free as possible.
So, always consider working with a professional moving team that will make this exciting adventure as easy as possible for you.
Contact our removals company today if you would like more information on moving requirements and how you should plan for moving day – we look forward to hearing from you and making the moving process to your new house as easy as possible!
