Household Goods and Non-Allowables

• Household Goods
• Non-Allowables
• Services/Items Not Covered

Household Goods

• Inventory household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas). This inventory will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or videotape belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment. Segment inventory into three categories:
  1. items to pack
  2. items that you will move yourself
  3. items that will be discarded

  Don't forget to list books, china, silver, glassware, linens, tools, clothing, sports and hobby equipment, pictures, musical instruments, cameras in addition to furniture, curtains, lamps, rugs, etc.

• Take a look around the house and think about what you don't want to move.
  • Use up perishable foods
  • Sell or donate unwanted items
  • Clean closets and drawers
  • Use up cleaning supplies that cannot be moved
• Have pieces of art, antiques, and other valuables appraised.
• Pack a travel kit:
  • Include critical items like checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, moist towelettes, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids and spare car keys. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items. Carry important phone numbers with you.
• Confirm dates and arrangements with moving and storage companies.
• Federal law requires disposal of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer. Drain fuel from your lawn mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint thinner, bleach, or any other substances that may be flammable or combustible or those stored in containers that may leak. Discard propane tanks for barbecue grills.
• Make a list of items to take in the car with you:
  • Toys and games for kids
  • Special breakable items or collections
  • Important documents and records
  • Change of clothes and toiletries for 3-4 days
  • Vacuum cleaner — if you want to clean right away
  • Toilet paper
  • First aid kit
  • Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
• Buy moving insurance, if necessary, for valuable antiques and collections.
• Unplug all electronic appliances (including home computers, stereos, audio/video equipment) 24 hours before the move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day.
• Set aside items to travel in your car so they will not be packed and loaded on the truck.
• Pack a box of items that will be needed first upon arrival. Clearly mark this box “Load Last.”
• Also make a “Survival Box” for the move. Include paper, pens, stamps, envelopes, cellophane & heavy duty tape, scissors, tape measure, zip lock bags, plastic utensils, facial and toilet tissue, instant coffee or tea, cream/sugar, can opener, bottled water, small took kit, trash bags, alarm clock, paper towels (for immediate cleaning).
• Don't Forget! Old phone books (to stay in touch with old friends), items at the cleaners, your new/forwarding address, cleaning supplies (to clean your old home) and anything in secret hiding places/safes in the house
  • Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck. Make arrangements with neighbors for enough parking space for the moving van on the day of the move.
  • Back up important computer files — it is best to carry the back up tapes with you if you can.
  • Check with your insurance agent to make sure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
• Pack your former local phone book for future correspondence.
• Prepare a simple breakfast for the next morning.
• Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
• Get a good nights sleep.

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Non-Allowables

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Services/Items Not Covered

• Exclusive use of the van or expedited service
• Overtime charges for weekend or holiday moves
• Second move related to the same relocation
• Gratuities for packers and/or movers
• Firearms/weapons or ammunition
• Hazardous materials, including aerosol cans, propane tanks, corrosives, flammable materials, paint, explosives, chemicals, etc.
• Building supplies, fencing, firewood, rocks, sand, soil, etc.
• Pets and livestock
• Valuables such as jewelry, furs, currency, valuable collections, documents (including securities, manuscripts, valuable letters/records) or other items of extraordinary value
• Plants, food, or other perishables
• Reimbursement for restocking of refrigerator/freezer, spice cabinet or pantry items
• Wine collections and/or any collections or perishables requiring special handling/climate controlled environment
• Removal or disassembling or installation of carpeting, window treatments, drapery rods, storage sheds, satellite dishes, chandeliers, statues, water fountains, outdoor sculptures, or other permanent fixtures
• Housecleaning or maid service at either your new or old location
• Disassembling or reassembling of waterbeds, portable swimming pools, hot tubs/spas/whirlpools, outdoor play areas/swing sets, weight lifting equipment, dog run, TV antennas, wall shelving, etc.
• Shipment of automobiles/vehicles without company approval
• Boats, campers/trailers, air (aero) planes, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles, unusually heavy or cumbersome hobby materials, industrial, commercial and agricultural equipment or machinery
• Classic or antique automobiles or grand pianos
• Inventory/goods related to a secondary business

International

• All items listed above
• Any items which are unreasonable to ship due to import restrictions and/or excessive shipping or duty costs
• Weekend or holiday mover services
• Additional insurance beyond 10 USD/pound

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