How to pack liquids for moving

Different items and materials require different packing strategies. Some are relatively simple, while others demand more patience and skill due to the sensitive nature of the item. Movers generally advise against moving liquids. However, if you need to pack liquids for moving, you can do it, provided that you are very careful. Spillage is a common mishap you should prevent and here’s how.

What liquids can you move?

Before you start packing liquids for the move, it is important to sort them out. This goes for all other items as well. Apart from being tricky to transport, some liquids are not even allowed by Allstate Moving and Storage Maryland because they can damage your belongings and the company’s equipment. Such items include explosives, corrosive materials, flammables, poisons, and toxic substances. The substances you cannot transport in the moving vehicle include bleach, fire extinguishers, paints, nail polish and remover, fertilizer, pesticides, etc. Non-dangerous liquids like water or juice are safe to transport, especially if they are unopened.

Nail polish in different colors - an item you should avoid when you pack liquids for moving
Ask your movers to send you the list of prohibited items before you pack liquids for moving.

 

The less, the better

Also, remember that the cost of your move depends on the weight of the load – so the less you move, the better. Sometimes, it is cheaper to buy new things afterward. Try to use up as much as you can before the day of the move, take it in your car, or give it away. For example, unopened cosmetic products and toiletries can be donated to homeless shelters. Just don’t forget to check the expiration date on the bottles.

Disposal of liquids

People often forget how bad certain chemicals are for the environment. Therefore, harmful chemicals need to be disposed of properly. Such chemicals can be found in cleaning products, medications, pesticides, etc. It is very important not to flush them, pour them onto the ground or down the drain. Instead, you should call your county, city, or local waste management department and get instructions on how to dispose of these liquids.

What to do when you pack liquids for moving

  • First, get quality packing supplies before you pack liquids for moving. With the right boxes, your liquids won’t do any damage to the rest of your items even if they spill. It is safer to use plastic packing boxes than cardboard ones. We do not recommend using cardboard, as it won’t stop liquids from leaking through the box and spilling onto other items.
  • Make sure you have enough bins and that their size is right. It is advisable to use smaller bins.
  • Line all the bins with either garbage bags or towels. Thus, you are avoiding a bigger mess in case something leaks or spills.
  • Divide your liquids into groups – drinks, cleaning products, personal care, etc. – and pack them separately.
  • After tightening the lids, protect the top of the containers with a piece of tape. Alternatively, you can remove the top and cover the opening with plastic wrap first. And after putting the top back on, you can secure it with tape.
  • To reduce the possibility of leaking, place all the containers containing liquids upright.
  • The containers should be as close to each other as possible with newspaper, blankets or towels between them filling the empty space. This way, they won’t be bumping against each other in transport. This is particularly important when transporting glass containers.
  • After filling the bins, it is very important to label each one clearly.

    Three wine bottles and a black background
    People usually transport toiletries and alcohol when moving.

How to unpack liquids after moving

Liquids should be among the first items to unpack, at least those that need to be kept in certain conditions. For instance, some liquids have to be kept in a place that is cold and dark. Staying in hot places and directly exposed to sunlight can cause them to evaporate or go bad.

Worst case scenario – you could have health issues. Just to be safe, unpack those bins outdoors on a protected surface. Use gloves when handling liquids that can damage your skin, in case something leaks or has leaked already during transport. And there you have it – these unpacking tips should help you finalize your move trouble-free.

Moving liquids via plane

Moving liquids by air is different from moving them by land. Some otherwise harmless liquids can pose a danger in the air. So, make sure you gather all the necessary information before you start packing for relocation. There are certain rules and regulations regarding the transport of liquids which you need to be familiar with.

Four small bottles and white and pink flowers on a wooden surface
This guide should help you prepare medications, cleaning products, beverages and other liquids for moving.

Pack liquids for moving with professional help

This is not always necessary, however, it can make your life much easier. When using quality moving services MD, you can focus on other moving tasks while someone else takes care of the transportation of your belongings. If you decide to have the moving company’s packers pack your belongings as well, everything will be boxed and ready for relocation in no time. They can pack all of your items or just the liquids. By having professional packers prepare liquids for the move, you won’t have to worry about spillage or any other accidents. The pros know how to pack liquids for moving better and faster than anyone else – it is what they trained for and what they have experience in.

In addition, they sell the packing materials you need for packing liquids and everything else – from boxes to tape and everything in between. Even if you choose to pack liquids for moving DIY style, you can always use their materials. There is no better way to ensure you have the right packing materials than getting them directly from your movers.

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