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What Movers Cannot Move (How to Avoid Repacking)

You have a lot to consider when planning a move. Hiring a professional mover can significantly cut down on the amount of time and hassle involved. Before packing your belongings, it’s important to know what your movers cannot move. With careful planning and consideration you can avoid having to repack.
The following are items that your movers WILL NOT move.

  • Plants. It is against the law to move plants more than 150 miles without a permit. This law prevents the introduction of pests into new areas.
  • Hazardous Materials. Many common household items are hazardous materials. These items include fire extinguishers, paint thinner, nail polish remover, aerosol cans and batteries. Typically, if an item cannot be disposed of in your regular garbage, it cannot be moved by your mover. These items will need to be used up and disposed of properly before you move.
  • Perishable Food. Movers will not move anything that could potentially spoil during the move. These items include perishable food, frozen food and open containers. Food in glass containers should not be moved either as they can crack, leak or mold before they arrive.
  • Explosives. Anything that could explode during transport cannot be moved. Explosive items include ammunition, primers, propellants, fireworks and souvenir explosives.
  • Pets. Your pets will be safer and much more comfortable traveling with you.
  • Flammable Items. Anything flammable such as charcoal, lighter fluid, paint remover and kerosene cannot be moved.
  • Corrosive Items. Movers will not move anything corrosive including muriatic acid and nitric acid.
  • Valuables. Anything of value should be kept with you at all times during your move. Valuable items might include family photographs, important documents, cash and jewelry.
  • Power Equipment with Fuel. Any equipment that has fuel in its tank will not be moved. Common equipment includes lawnmowers and motorcycles. Before moving, you will need to drain the fuel from these items.

Craig Van Lines offers moving services to residents of Virginia, Maryland and the Metro DC area. We strive to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining reasonable rates. Please contact us for more information about our moving services.

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    Craig Van Lines Headquarters:
    7500 Alexander Sophia Court, #201
    Gainesville, VA 20155
    Phone: (703) 273-5533
    Craig Van Lines Fairfax
    11350 Random Hills Rd.
    Suite 800, Fairfax, VA 22030
    Phone: (703) 273-5533

    About Us

    Craig Van Lines started as a commodities hauling business in 1918 serving Northern VA and Washington DC. Over the years we’ve expanded our local moving business to offer packing, storage and interstate moving services throughout the U.S. ​
    ​We’ve been an accredited member of the BBB since 1984, and we’re proud of our A+ rating. We provide world class service at an affordable price.

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