Personal Items Guide

For your safety and security, certain items should always be moved personally rather than by professional movers. This guide outlines what you should handle yourself during your move.

Important Documents

Keep all critical documents with you at all times during your move. These should never be packed in moving boxes.

  • Passports and identification documents
  • Birth certificates and marriage certificates
  • Property deeds and lease agreements
  • Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
  • Medical records and prescriptions
  • School records and transcripts
  • Financial documents (bank statements, tax records)
  • Legal documents and contracts
  • Vehicle registration and title documents

Valuables and Sentimental Items

Items of high monetary or sentimental value should be transported personally to ensure their safety.

  • Jewelry, watches, and precious metals
  • Cash and traveler's checks
  • Credit cards and checkbooks
  • Collectibles (coins, stamps, antiques)
  • Family heirlooms and irreplaceable items
  • Artwork and paintings
  • Electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras)
  • Personal computers and external hard drives
  • Musical instruments (especially valuable ones)

Medications and Medical Supplies

Keep medications accessible and with you during the move to ensure you have them when needed.

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • First aid kits
  • Medical devices (glucose monitors, CPAP machines)

Hazardous Materials

These items are prohibited from being moved by professional movers due to safety regulations. Dispose of or transport them separately.

  • Flammable liquids (gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid)
  • Aerosol cans (unless empty)
  • Propane tanks and gas cylinders
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Batteries (car batteries, lithium batteries)
  • Cleaning chemicals and solvents
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Pool chemicals
  • Nail polish and remover
  • Matches and lighters

Perishable Items

Food items that can spoil should be consumed, given away, or transported separately in a cooler.

  • Fresh produce and fruits
  • Refrigerated and frozen foods
  • Open food containers
  • Plants (unless specifically arranged with movers)

Essential Personal Items

Pack a "first night" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.

  • Change of clothes for a few days
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items
  • Phone chargers and electronics cables
  • Basic cleaning supplies
  • Bedding and towels
  • Pet food and supplies (if applicable)
  • Important phone numbers and contact information
  • Keys to your new home

Safety Tips

  • Create an inventory list of items you're moving personally
  • Use a secure bag or small suitcase for important documents and valuables
  • Keep your "first night" box easily accessible in your vehicle
  • Take photos of valuable items before moving for insurance purposes
  • Inform your moving company about any items that require special handling
  • Dispose of hazardous materials properly before your move
  • Consider using a safe deposit box for extremely valuable items

Important: If you're unsure whether an item should be moved by professionals or handled personally, contact InMover for guidance. We're here to help ensure a safe and secure move.