Moving Prep Checklist

1. Know What Can and Cannot Go on a Moving Truck

Professional moving companies must follow strict safety guidelines. Certain items are unsafe or illegal to load onto a moving truck and must be transported separately by the customer.

Common items that cannot be loaded include:

• Propane tanks
• Aerosol cans
• Corrosive or hazardous chemicals
• Paints and solvents
• Ammunition and firearms
• Highly flammable products
• Perishable food items
• Bleach and other reactive cleaners
• Live plants

If you're preparing for a long-distance move, it's even more important to remove these items ahead of time—prolonged travel increases the risk of heat, pressure, or leakage causing damage.

2. Keep High-Value Items With You

Most valuation policies do not cover certain personal or high-value belongings. These should be packed and transported by you, not the movers.

Examples include:

• Cash, credit cards, and checkbooks
• Important documents (passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.)
• Jewelry, precious stones, and family heirlooms
• Prescription medications
• Rare collectibles and irreplaceable items

Set these aside in a clearly designated area before moving day to avoid confusion.

3. Prepare Electronics and Appliances Properly

Many electronics aren't covered for internal mechanical issues unless they experience physical damage during transit. To help protect them:

• Back up computers and devices
• Remove ink or toner cartridges
• Power down and unplug appliances 24 hours before the move
• Allow refrigerators and freezers to fully defrost (12–24 hours) and dry completely
• Wipe appliances clean to prevent odors or moisture buildup

4. Remove Items Attached to Your Home

Anything permanently installed in your home should be removed prior to the mover's arrival. Movers typically cannot detach or uninstall built-ins.

This includes:

• Ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Mounted shelving
• Attached carpets or rugs
• Hard-wired appliances
• Window treatments, if being moved

5. Prepare Motorized and Outdoor Equipment

Fuel-powered items must be fully drained before they are moved. This protects the equipment and reduces safety hazards.

Examples include:

• Lawn mowers
• Snow blowers
• Generators
• Gas trimmers
• Other motorized tools

Propane tanks cannot be transported in moving trucks under any circumstances.

6. Plan to Move Your Plants Yourself

Plants are classified as perishable items. They are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and airflow—conditions that can't be controlled inside a moving truck. Drivers may decline loading plants and are not liable for plant damage if they are accepted.

7. Prepare Large or Specialized Items in Advance

Certain pieces require extra attention or special handling.

Examples include:

• Grandfather clocks
• Hot tubs
• Pool tables
• Pianos
• Oversized safes
• High-end artwork

Let your moving company know about these items ahead of time so they can bring the proper equipment or schedule specialized crews.

8. Make All Belongings Accessible

Movers must be able to reach everything you want moved. Items stored in attics, crawl spaces, storage sheds, or tucked away in corners should be brought to accessible areas before the crew arrives.

9. Separate Items You Do Not Want Loaded

Designate a specific area for anything you plan to transport yourself. Notify the moving crew immediately upon arrival to avoid confusion.

10. Maintain Safe Pathways and Exterior Access

For the safety of your crew and the protection of your belongings:

• Inside walkways should be clear of clutter, tripping hazards, and debris
• Outdoor access areas (driveways, sidewalks, porches) must be free of snow, ice, mud, or obstacles
• During winter, salt or shovel exterior paths ahead of time
• Pets and small children should be kept out of work zones throughout the move

Movers may refuse service if conditions are unsafe.

11. Expect to Be Present During Full-Service Moves

When movers load a truck for a full-service move, they will typically complete an inventory of the items being taken. You may be asked to review and sign this before departure to confirm accuracy.