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Moving Container Non-Allowables
There’s no doubt that moving containers make the act of moving your home much easier and more organized. But these containers aren’t made to hold absolutely everything in your home. In fact, some companies have disclaimers which list exactly what you can and can’t store in these storage containers.
Storage Container Restrictions
Most storage container companies will typically have restrictions in place that prevent you from using their storage containers to store hazardous materials and perishable items.
Hazardous Material List
Hazardous non-allowables include any substance or material that is flammable, corrosive or explosive. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Aerosols
- Chemistry sets
- Sterno
- Fertilizers
- Ammunition
- Kerosene
- Gasoline
- Nail polish and nail polish remover
- Car batteries
- Paint thinner
- Propane tanks
- Household batteries
- Cleaning solvents
- Paints
- Poisons
- Motor oil
- Charcoal
- Charcoal lighter
- Ammonia
- Darkroom chemicals
- Fireworks
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Bleach
- Lamp oils
- Pesticides
- Matches
List of Non-Storable Perishables
Perishables are also not allowed to be stored in moving containers as these containers can be placed in storage for a while, in which time the perishable items will die or spoil while in transit. Perishables include, but are not limited to:
- Animals
- Plants
- Frozen foods
- Refrigerated foods
- Fresh produce
- Any food containers that have been opened
Another common problem is mold growth in an unplugged, stored refrigerator. To help reduce this risk, empty and clean your refrigerator and freezer and allow them to fully dry for 24 hours with the doors open.
Additional Things to Keep Out
While portable moving containers provide one of the safest and most secure methods of moving, there are some important items that you should never trust others to handle, especially if you’re expecting the container to remain in storage for a period of time. These include items of personal importance or sentimental value, such as:
- Birth, death and marriage certificates
- Family videos
- Address books
- Business information
- Stocks, bonds and IRAs
- Financial documents and checkbooks
- Deeds
- Insurance policy documents
- Important computer disks
- Wedding photo albums
- School records
- Prescriptions
- Cherished photographs
- Cash
- Personal and professional files
- Safe or lockbox
- Vehicle titles
- Health records
- Cell phones
- Car keys
- New home keys
- Jewelry
- Laptop computers
Insurance Coverage for Your Items
Even with your most valuable commodities kept outside of the storage container, you will no doubt still have a lot of valuable items stored inside the container, including furniture, appliances, clothing and electronic equipment. It’s important to note that many homeowner insurance policies will cover these items not only while they are held in the storage container at your current place of residence but also while the items are in transit to your new home. That said, not all policies offer this benefit, so contact your insurance provider to find out if your policy offers this coverage.
If your moving container is going to be stored at your chosen moving company’s warehouse for a period of time before it is transported to your new home, then you can purchase a contents insurance policy through a third-party provider to cover the items in the storage container while it’s in the hands of the moving company.