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How to Pack Liquids for Moving

Pack Liquids for Moving

Packing for a move is all about being organized—figuring out how not to overstuff your boxes, how to wrap fragile items, and how to pack liquid in a safe way. Packing liquids is an especially tricky task, since many liquids are dangerous and combustible. Professional movers actually recommend not packing liquids for a move, and in many cases, include liquids on their official lists of what you can’t move.

Prohibited LiquidsProhibited Liquids

Liquids that you can’t pack include flammable gases, poisons, toxic substances, and more. If you’re thinking that you don’t have any of these liquids in your house, think again! You’d be surprised at the everyday items that fit these descriptions: Nail polish remover, bleach, cleaning solvents, lighter fluid, paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and more.

So if you’re planning on packing these items—don’t. Movers will not take them in their truck, which means that you’ll need to either take them in your car or dispose of them. If you’re moving locally, you may be willing to transport these items in your car. If you’re moving far away, it’s best to dispose of these liquids beforehand in a safe manner. While it might mean the loss of a few dollars, it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry!

Packing Liquids Safely

Here are a few tips for how to pack liquids if you decide to risk moving them in your car:

  • Pack in a plastic bin, not cardboard box. If the liquid spills, it will ruin the box and leak out, whereas a plastic bin will contain it
  • Make sure the cover of the liquid container is sealed tightly to prevent spills
  • Put the liquid container in Ziplock bag in case of spills
  • Place liquid containers upright in plastic bin

Non-Dangerous LiquidsNon-Dangerous Liquids

If you have bottles of water or juice that you’d like your movers to move, they will most probably agree. These are not dangerous liquids and as long as they’re unopened, are not much at risk for spilling.

Wine bottles, on the other hand, are harder to pack, and while not dangerous, they are certainly fragile. If your movers agree to transport your wine collection, great. If not, it’s up to you. Either way, you’ll want to follow these tips for packing wine bottles and glasses.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

If you’re not comfortable packing liquids, it’s better to throw them out than to risk a messy spill, or worse, a dangerous incident. While it’s not easy to throw out perfectly good items, remember that your peace of mind is worth a lot more than replacing a few bottles of nail polish remover or cans of paint.

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Unpakt Team