If you can afford it, use a professional moving company and packers for your move. However, if you choose to do your own packing and loading, it’s important that you understand what you’re not able to pack and transport due to rules and regulations. Also, there are certain items that may require a professional packer, such as exercise equipment.

Items not to pack

The following flammables, corrosives and explosives are examples of what not to pack. A professional mover will be able to answer any specific questions about transporting these items: acid, aerosols, ammonia, ammunition, batteries and car batteries, charcoal, chemistry sets, cleaning fluids, cooking fuel (Sterno), fertilizer, fire extinguishers, fireworks, gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, lighter fluid, liquid bleach, loaded weapons, matches, motor oil, nail polish and remover, odoriferous items, paint and paint thinner, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane tanks and weed killer.

Food and perishables

Dispose of perishables such as food and plants that may die or spoil during the move. If you’re working with a van line agent or moving company, they may agree to transport certain perishables if they are properly packed and require no servicing during transit. In most cases, the agent will not transport perishables if the shipment delivery is more than 150 miles or will have a duration of more than 24 hours.