Moving do-not-ship list - What to toss and what to keep

The way I see it, there are two categories of "Do-Not-Ship" items— those you aren't able to ship due to moving company regulations, and those you may not want to ship in order to save money on your move.  So today we'll talk about both. 

Let's first talk about the things you for sure aren't able to take with you.  MoveBuilder's "Do not ship" list includes anything that is poisonous, flammable, corrosive or perishable.  The items include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Aerosol cans
  • Automobiles
  • Cleaning Chemicals
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Firearms or ammunition
  • Firewood
  • Food in glass jars
  • Fuels/Oils
  • Insecticides
  • Lighters
  • Liquid bleach
  • Live plants
  • Matches/candles
  • Paint thinners
  • Paints/varnishes
  • Perishable goods
  • Pets
  • Pressurized Tanks
  • Propane Tanks (empty or full)

When you think about the fact that these items will be traveling in a sparsely ventilated enclosed moving trailer with all of your worldly possessions (that can get really hot in the summer), all of the items on the list make complete sense.  The last thing you want is spilled liquid bleach or exploding aerosol cans hanging out with your stuff.  Since many of the items on the list are hazardous, make sure they're disposed of properly. Check with your local sanitation department to determine the right way to throw them away (things in aerosol cans, cleaning fluids, lighting fluids, insecticides and paints specifically).

Now, let's talk about the things you don't have to leave behind, but maybe you should.

Here are some great questions to ask yourself to decide what stays and what goes:  Does anyone use it? If it's been more than a year since you've used or worn it, it's not likely you'll use it at your new home. Is there room for it?  Think about whether there's room to ship it (and stay within your moving budget) and whether there's room for it in your new home. If not, leave it behind— especially if it's something large like furniture. If you don't have a place to put it at your new home, the cost of shipping it may be more than it's worth to replace it.  Which leads me to the next question: Is it replaceable?  This is a great question especially if it's likely to take up too much room in the moving truck.  If it needs to be replaced, if you want to get a new one anyway or if it's cheaper to just buy one when you get there, it's probably a good idea to leave it behind.

If you've got a pile of things you've decided not to ship (whether by necessity or desire), having a yard sale or selling stuff online (at places like Craig's List) is a great way to make a little extra money.  It might even be helpful to put toward moving expenses or replacing a few of the things you decided to toss.  If yard sales aren't your cup-of-tea, donate the items to your non-profit of choice and ask for a receipt for tax purposes.

Questions about items you can and can't ship in the moving truck?  Let us know!