What not to pack for long distance moves

Many informative articles advise you about which items to pack and how, but what about substances, documents and other items that you should never pack? The following list can help you move with a minimum of worry, danger or inconvenience.

Do not pack any nail polish, hairsprays or other aerosols, or bleach. Before your move, dispose of any cleaning solvents, paint, paint thinners, kerosene, ammonia or other dangerous chemicals, including fertilizer. Some obvious items not to pack include ammunition, loaded guns, fireworks, matches, lighters or other combustibles, but you might not know that pool chemicals and weed killers are also considered to be hazardous materials. Other things not to pack when you move are car batteries or household batteries, which can leak.

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If you grill, you might not think twice about taking lighter fluid or charcoal or propane tanks, which are all potentially dangerous, as are any type of fuels or oils.

Regarding documents and other belongings that you should keep in your vehicle, not pack away in boxes, you will want to have the following things handy:

–keys for the old and new homes, vehicles, safes, safety deposit boxes

–telephone directory from your previous neighborhood and address books

–all medical and dental records, school records, insurance information and car titles

–medications, vitamins, pain killers and bandages

–your cell phones, computers and their chargers and power strips

–cash for your expected moving costs as well as extra money for emergencies

– valuable jewelry, watches, gems, precious metals or coins, and vases or knick knacks that are very fragile and/or irreplaceable

It is a good idea, however, to label a box “Open first” and include such items as paper plates, utensils, paper towels, coffee cups, a coffee pot and filters, teabags,  trash bags, towels, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a flashlight, light bulbs, tape, scissors, pens and paper, and other useful things that you will probably require right away in the new place. Include some drinking water too, and cups. You would not want to need any of these things and have to search through all of your boxes, which would be frustrating, time-consuming, messy and inefficient.

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Thanks to MoversQuote.Org for the guest post.