10 Guidelines Moving Companies Follow: What They Won't Accept & Why

Ten Guidelines Moving Companies Follow:

1. Professional Moving Companies Have Standards
2. Taking Down A Chandelier: For Those Who Still Have Them
3. Appliances That Need Disconnecting: Hire A Specialist
4. Call A Technician To Consult About Securing Washers & Dryers
5. Disconnecting Satellite Dish Hook Up
6. Hazardous Materials, Supplies, & Any Perishable Items
7. Antiques & Luxury Goods: Get An Expert In This Field
8. Guns, Firearms, and Ammunition
9. Sentimental Belongings Don't Belong With Movers
10. Be Informed When It Comes To What Movers Accept

1. Professional Moving Companies Have Standards

Hiring a professional moving company doesn't mean that they will accept or take responsibility for every single item you need to move. Even if you're planning your move with a professional full-service moving company, while the moniker 'full-service' implies that this type of move would take care of everything, there are eight things that most won't accept. Of course, there are legitimate reasons behind why they won't move such items. Most movers won't move such things due to liability and safety considerations. If you want your plants to survive, move a piano, or deal with specialty items then you'll need to seek help elsewhere. If you haven't included this in your moving budget, make sure you account for any extra fees you might have to pay to outsource any extra type of work.

2. Taking Down A Chandelier: For Those Who Still Have Them

Chandeliers are beautiful antiques that aren't seen very often in homes. Generally, they hang in older homes, whereas in newly built homes the lighting structure choices are much different. This is one of the items that even the most experienced moving companies don't want to take down. You will most likely need to acquire an electrician just to simply disconnect the light. Chandeliers, being so unique and antique, are quite expensive items, which is why movers steer clear of disconnecting and uninstalling such fixtures. The risk of potential damages is much too high to risk moving it and most companies' insurance wouldn't even cover that kind of damage or compensation.

3. Appliances That Need Disconnecting: Hire A Specialist

In many cases, disconnecting appliances is not a service that a moving company would usually provide. They will most likely hire someone who specializes in appliances and understands how to properly and safely disconnect them. Some home or apartment fundamentals movers often won't unhook or clean would be, for example, an air conditioner, stoves, refrigerators, and other any other main appliances you plan to bring along with you. Since they may hire an outside technician, be prepared for this to be an additional cost. However, it must be on your Bill of Lading, which is a form in which they are legally required to list every detail of your charges.

4. Call A Technician To Consult About Securing Washers & Dryers

For these items, it is advisable to hire a technician or consult with a specialist in order to ensure proper preparation of your washer and drying. This is because there are precautions and preventative measures that need to be taken to secure both washer and dryer before they can be moved. There are drums on both washers and dryers that require special attention to be secured. If you don't have any of the bolts, pins, etc. to secure them, ask the professional for a moving kit for your washer and dryer.

5. Disconnecting Satellite Dish Hook Ups

Most people are familiar with satellite dishes and probably have or had one at some point in their lives. In most cases, you purchase the satellite dish, so it essentially goes where you go. Unfortunately, this is one of the items that movers won't deal with. Many moving companies just don't have the technical or electrical expertise to work on such an item and the risk of damage isn't worth facing a huge claim.

6. Hazardous Materials, Supplies, & Any Perishable Items

The moving industry can be quite delicate because customers are trusting them with their most precious belongings and believe they will be delivered in the same condition as they were packed. To avoid encountering any surprises, moving companies do not accept any items that are alive, might die, and/or rot. This means items such as houseplants and leftover food, which should be taken care of and cleaned out prior to the move. Things they don't accept can range from something as simple as nail polish remover to ammonia to propane to even fire extinguishers. These items have too high of a probability of leaking and damaging other items, and in some cases, they could even be a fire hazard.

7. Antiques & Luxury Goods: Get An Expert In This Field

Antiques are part of different generations that become more valuable the older they become. At the same time, they can also be family heirlooms and are thus seen as priceless. Although they are special indeed, many movers will not move these types of antique or luxury items. This is really a courtesy in fact because movers acknowledge the fact that they lack the expertise and training to handle such valuable items. If not handled, packed, and moved properly like in a wooden moving crate, it could mean disaster for your antiques or family heirlooms. This also applies to valuable such as jewelry and personal paperwork. It even ranges to pianos,grandfather clocks, and other irreplaceable items.

8. Guns, Firearms, and Ammunition

When it comes to this subject, in particular, movers will not move them. If you plan on moving guns or something in relation to guns, there is much to consider. Start by researching extensively about the USDOT laws and regulations in regards to your moving plans, paying special attention to the details about interstate moves. This is due to the fact that each state has its own regulations. If you decide to disregard regulations, you might find yourself in serious trouble. The only solution essentially is to place your firearms in the hands of a federally licensed firearms dealer. From there, they can ship they properly and safely. However, you will have to cover any additional charges for the shipment but it's better than finding yourself in trouble with the law. Interestingly enough, some movers can move a gun safe.

9. Sentimental Belongings Don't Belong With Movers

Some items are completely irreplaceable because they are 'sentimental' items. These are items that many will hold onto throughout their lives to remind them of their past, whether it be of your childhood, some of your favorite times, a stuffed animal, pictures, and even old dried out flowers from high school Prom ten years ago. These are the special items that bring back good memories and nostalgia. Anything you can think of that might be valuable to you, not only financially but to you in your heart, will not be accepted by many moving companies. It is important that even if you're getting full-service professionals with a packing service, to pre-pack these types of sentimental items for safe-keeping. Most expert movers have the experience and understanding of what items might be sentimental. Basically, most professionally experienced moving companies don't want to be responsible for damaging or losing items that someone holds so precious to them. It's always best to be prepared by packing these types of belongings yourself and keeping them aside and labeled so as to not confuse them with other boxes.

10. Be Informed When It Comes To What Movers Accept

There are many other things that moving companies will not accept, however, it is important to do some research on the company before you decide to use their services. First, you need to understand the requirements that your move will involve i.e. Will you need a technician? Will you need an electrician? Specialist? Etc. Not only is important to understand what services they can and cannot provide, it's important to ask them how their specific company would handle items such as those stated above. Ask questions! How will they charge you or are you responsible for hiring an outsourced specialist? All of these are questions that need to be answered. You should be able to get some sense of direction from the moving company about how to handle items they do not move. If they cannot answer your questions, it would be advisable to keep researching for a moving company that is best suited for you and your moving requirements.