15 Things You Should NEVER Put in a Removal Van (And Some Might Surprise You!)
Moving house is exciting, but it can also be a bit of a nightmare. There’s the packing, the paperwork, the endless cardboard boxes and the inevitable moment when you discover you’ve got far more belongings than you thought.
But here’s something many people don’t realise: not everything in your home should go into the removal van.
Some items are potentially dangerous, some can be damaged in transit, and others are simply better transported by you.
At A&M Removals, we’ve helped people move house across York, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and throughout the UK for more than 36 years. We’ve seen just about everything, and we know that a little preparation can make moving day considerably easier.
So, before you start filling those boxes, here are 15 things you should think twice about putting in the removal van.
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Petrol, Diesel and Other Fuels
Got a lawnmower, strimmer, chainsaw or garden machinery? Don’t assume you can simply load it into the van with a full tank of petrol.
Petrol, diesel and other flammable liquids can present a serious fire risk. Leaking fuel can also create dangerous fumes.
What should you do?
Check with your removal company before moving any fuel-powered equipment. Fuel may need to be drained by someone competent, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Never put loose fuel containers into your household removal boxes.
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Gas Bottles and Camping Gas
Planning to take your barbecue, patio heater or camping equipment to your new home?
Remember that gas cylinders and camping gas canisters are not ordinary household items. They contain pressurised flammable gas and may be unsuitable for transport in a standard removal van.
What should you do?
Speak to your removal company beforehand. Arrange separate, appropriate transport or follow the supplier’s guidance for returning or exchanging cylinders.
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Paint, Paint Thinners and Solvents
You’ve probably got a few half-used tins of paint lurking in the garage or shed.
While it might seem sensible to take them to your new home, paint, thinners, white spirit and other solvents can leak, spill or give off fumes. Some are also flammable.
What should you do?
Check the product labels and ask your removal company what they can accept. Dispose of unwanted products through the appropriate local household waste facilities. Don’t simply throw chemicals into your general rubbish.
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Fireworks and Explosives
This one should be obvious, but it’s surprising what people discover in cupboards, lofts and garden sheds when they’re moving.
Old fireworks, distress flares and other explosive or pyrotechnic items should never be packed into ordinary removal boxes.
What should you do?
Keep them out of the removal van and contact your local council or an appropriate specialist for advice on safe disposal.
Fireworks are a no-no!
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Household Chemicals and Garden Pesticides
Cleaning products, weedkillers, pesticides, fertilisers and other garden chemicals can cause problems during a house move.
Some can leak, react with other substances or cause damage if their containers are knocked over.
What should you do?
Check the labels, keep chemicals in their original containers and ask your removal company before arranging transport. Dispose of unwanted products safely rather than packing everything into one box.
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Frozen Food and Perishable Items
Your freezer might be full of food, but moving day isn’t the best time to transport a year’s supply of frozen peas, ice cream and Sunday roasts!
Frozen food can quickly defrost, particularly if there’s a delay between leaving your old home and arriving at your new one.
What should you do?
Try to use up frozen and refrigerated food in the weeks before moving. If you have food you really want to keep, arrange suitable temperature-controlled transport yourself.
Remember to check your freezer manufacturer’s instructions about defrosting and moving the appliance.
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Pets and Animals
We know they’re part of the family, but your dog, cat, rabbit or hamster shouldn’t simply be loaded into the removal van alongside the furniture.
Animals need proper ventilation, temperature control, access to water and a safe, secure environment.
What should you do?
Make separate arrangements for your pets. Use a suitable pet carrier or vehicle and try to keep them somewhere quiet and comfortable during the move.
If you’ve got fish, speak to a specialist about transporting the tank and its occupants safely. Read our ‘Moving House with Pets’ blog.
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Important Documents and Passports
Imagine arriving at your new home and discovering your passports, house purchase documents or insurance paperwork are buried somewhere at the bottom of a mountain of boxes.
Not ideal!
What should you do?
Keep important documents with you in a clearly labelled folder or bag. This should include:
- Passports and driving licences.
- House purchase and rental documents.
- Insurance paperwork.
- Bank and financial documents.
- Birth and marriage certificates.
- Important contact details.
You’ll thank yourself later.
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Jewellery, Cash and Valuable Personal Items
Your grandmother’s ring, expensive watches, family heirlooms and large sums of cash are not things you want disappearing into an unidentified cardboard box.
Even when using a professional removal company, it’s sensible to keep particularly valuable personal possessions under your own control.
What should you do?
Transport jewellery, cash and small valuables yourself. Check your home insurance and any removal insurance arrangements to understand what is and isn’t covered.
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Prescription Medication
Moving house can be stressful enough without discovering that your medication is packed away somewhere in the back of the van.
Some medicines also need to be kept at specific temperatures or handled carefully.
What should you do?
Keep medication in a clearly labelled bag and transport it with you. Make sure you have enough supplies to cover moving day and the first few days in your new home.
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Batteries and Electrical Items
Most ordinary household electrical items can be moved, but batteries need a little more thought.
Loose lithium batteries, damaged rechargeable batteries and certain large batteries can present fire risks if damaged, short-circuited or transported incorrectly.
Think about power tools, e-bikes, mobility scooters, laptops and other rechargeable equipment.
What should you do?
Ask your removal company about any battery-powered equipment you’re taking. Keep batteries protected against damage and accidental contact with metal objects. Never pack damaged, swollen or leaking batteries into ordinary boxes.
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Houseplants and Garden Plants
Love your houseplants? So do we, but moving day can be tough on them.
Plants can be damaged by being squeezed between furniture, exposed to extreme temperatures or left in a dark vehicle for too long.
There may also be restrictions on moving certain plants and soil, particularly when travelling across borders.
What should you do?
Transport delicate and valuable plants yourself where possible. Secure pots so they cannot tip over, and avoid watering them immediately before the journey.
If you’re moving a long distance, check whether any plant movement restrictions apply.
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Open Food and Half-Used Kitchen Supplies
That open jar of jam, bottle of cooking oil, bag of flour and collection of half-used sauces might not seem like much, but they can create a mess during transport.
Liquids can leak, food can spill and open packets can attract unwanted attention from insects.
What should you do?
Use up what you can before moving day. Seal any suitable food containers securely and pack dry goods separately. Consider donating unopened, suitable food to a local food bank rather than taking everything with you.
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Wet Washing, Damp Towels and Garden Equipment
It sounds obvious, but wet items can cause problems when packed into boxes or loaded alongside furniture.
Damp towels, wet clothes, muddy garden equipment and leaking plant pots can leave unpleasant smells, stains and even mould.
What should you do?
Make sure clothes and towels are completely dry before packing. Clean garden equipment and allow it to dry before moving it.
If something is wet or muddy, deal with it separately rather than placing it straight into a removal box.
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Keys, House Keys and Essential Moving Day Items
This might sound like a strange one, but it’s amazing how easily important items disappear during a house move.
Your old house keys, new house keys, phone charger, wallet, kettle, toilet roll and a few basic cleaning supplies are things you’ll probably want close at hand.
What should you do?
Pack a separate moving day essentials bag and keep it with you.
Include:
- House keys and important documents.
- Phone chargers.
- Wallet and purse.
- Basic toiletries.
- Toilet roll and hand soap.
- Tea, coffee and a few snacks.
- A change of clothes.
- Basic cleaning supplies.
It might be the most useful bag you pack!
What About Everything Else? How to Prepare for Moving Day
Once you’ve dealt with the items above, it’s time to think about the rest of your belongings.
A little organisation can make a huge difference, particularly if you’re moving a large family home or travelling a considerable distance.
Here are a few simple tips:
Start packing early. Don’t leave everything until the night before. Begin with rooms and cupboards you don’t use regularly.
Label your boxes. Write the destination room and a brief description of the contents on each box. This makes unloading much easier.
Don’t overload boxes. A box full of books might seem manageable until someone has to lift it!
Keep fragile items separate. Make sure glassware, ornaments and delicate belongings are properly protected.
Measure large furniture. Check that wardrobes, sofas and other large items will fit through doorways and staircases at your new property.
Tell your removal company about unusual items. Pianos, antiques, fine art and particularly large or awkward furniture may need additional planning.
Arrange parking. Make sure there’s enough room for the removal van at both properties, especially if you’re moving in a busy part of York or a property with restricted access.
Another A&M house removal under way!
Moving House in York or Yorkshire? Let A&M Removals Help
Moving house doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and the right removal company, the whole process can be much more straightforward.
A&M Removals is a family-run removal company with more than 36 years of experience helping people move home.
Based in the York area, we help customers across York, East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, as well as undertaking moves throughout the UK.
Whether you’re moving from a small flat, a large family home, a country cottage or a substantial property, we can help make moving day easier.
Our services include:
- Full house removals.
- Professional packing services.
- Packing materials and free boxes with every house move.
- Piano and fine art removals.
- Storage solutions.
- House clearance and cleaning services.
We’re proud of our reputation for friendly, reliable service and taking care of our customers’ belongings.
If you’re planning a move, we’d be delighted to have a chat and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.
Planning a move? Contact A&M Removals today and let us take some of the hard work off your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About What You Can Put in a Removal Van
Can I put everything in a removal van when moving house?
No. Some items may be unsuitable because they are hazardous, flammable, perishable or require specialist handling. Always check with your removal company before packing unusual or potentially dangerous items.
Can removal companies transport petrol lawnmowers?
It depends on the removal company’s safety policy and the condition of the equipment. Petrol-powered machinery may need to be drained of fuel before transport. Ask your removal company before moving it.
Can I put paint tins in a removal van?
Not necessarily. Paints, solvents and other chemical products can leak or create safety risks. Check with your removal company and arrange suitable disposal for unwanted products.
Can I take my fridge and freezer in a removal van?
Yes, household fridges and freezers can generally be moved by professional removal companies, subject to their arrangements. They should normally be emptied, defrosted, cleaned and prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Should I transport jewellery and important documents myself?
Yes. It’s generally best to keep passports, financial documents, jewellery, cash and other particularly valuable personal possessions with you rather than packing them into the removal van.
Will a removal company move pets?
Ordinary household removal vans are not suitable for transporting pets. Make separate arrangements to transport animals safely and comfortably.
Can I take plants when moving house?
Usually, yes, when moving within the UK, although some plants may be subject to restrictions. Delicate plants are often best transported separately to avoid damage.
What should I keep with me on moving day?
Keep keys, important documents, medication, valuables, phone chargers, toiletries and a few essential household items in a separate bag. This will make your first few hours in your new home much easier.
When should I book a removal company?
It’s best to contact removal companies as early as possible, particularly if you’re moving during a busy period. Once you have a likely moving date, start arranging quotations and discussing your requirements.
Does A&M Removals provide packing materials?
Yes. A&M Removals provides free boxes with every house move, helping customers get organised and prepare for moving day. Professional packing services are also available.
Ready to Move House?
Whether you’re moving across York, relocating elsewhere in Yorkshire or heading further afield, A&M Removals is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your move and arrange your free quotation.
A&M Removals – Taking the stress out of moving home.
Written by the A&M Removals team
With more than 36 years of experience in the removals industry, the team shares practical advice to help make moving home easier.
IMPORTANT
The restrictions on transporting fuel, chemicals, batteries and other potentially hazardous items can vary between removal companies call us if you have any questions on this subject.
