Preparing for a Move. What NOT to pack.

Tip: Use sticky notes on cabinets, shelves, and/or drawers to designate to packers what should stay and what should go.

The more you own, the more there is to think about when preparing for a move. Here are important things to remember before you or anyone else starts to pack.

• Set aside jewelry, money, important papers or other valuable personal articles in a safe place that is not accessible to anyone entering your old or new residence (including packers and movers). Do not ship these items unless you make written arrangements with the moving company you are using -it is best to carry them with you.

• Never pack matches, flammables (such as propane tanks) or dangerous weapons. You should warn your packers of these items and set them aside, or remove them from the property altogether. Imagine reaching into a dark closet for things to pack and pulling out a loaded hand gun. It can happen. Common household articles not accepted for shipping or storage by the Moving and Storage Industry include but are not limited to:

Combustible Liquids

• Alcohols (Rubbing)

• Lubricants (Motor Oil)

• Anti-Freeze Compounds

Corrosives

• Acids

• Drain Cleaner

• Photographic Acids

• Bleach

• Batteries (Wet or Dry)

• Water Purifying Agents Used in Swimming Pools

Explosives

• Fireworks

• Small Arms Ammunition

• Flash Bulbs

Flammables

• Lighter Fluid

• Matches

• Wood Oil Stains

• Petrol Chemical Base Garden Sprays

• Paint or Varnish

• Paint or Varnish Removers

• Butane/Propane Gasoline

• Signal Flares

• Charcoal Briquettes

Compressed Gases

• Aerosol Cans

• Fire Extinguishers

• Scuba Diving Tanks

• Seeds (fresh fruits or flowers)

Additional packing preparation tips:

• If taking refrigerators and freezers with you, completely empty, defrost, dry, and wipe them down before moving day. Ice melts into water, which can damage your boxed contents in the truck and create slippery hazards for both you and the movers. You will need to do this yourself, or hire someone (such as a housecleaner) to do it at least 12 hours in advance of the movers arrival. See tips on how to defrost a freezer HERE.

• You may need to make preparations for disconnecting major appliances (such as gas stoves and dryers), and to provide special services to protect them during the move. You may also need to hire someone to remove items attached to walls such as draperies and televisions. Some moving companies provide these services for a fee, or they may suggest local companies to assist you. Never assume that a moving company is going to do something you ask for last minute, as it may be a service they do not or cannot provide. Anything extra that movers can do for you last minute will take more time, cost more money, and delay your move. Make a “to-do” and “to-ask” list prior to scheduling the moving company.

• Do not pack items of extraordinary value, such as antiques, art objects, gold or silver articles, etc., without creating an inventory list in advance. Provide this information to the moving company with a declared value for each. Movers may require to pack high value items themselves to ensure that they are properly packing for shipping and do not have pre-existing damage.

Hiring packers or friends to help? Be prepared with these tips: Getting Ready for the Packers To Arrive.