What you should never let removal companies pack

What to not let movers pack? A straight-talking guide from a careful British mover

Here’s the honest truth: a great removals team (like ours) can safely pack 95% of your home. But there are a handful of things you should always keep back with you on moving day, either because the law says so, insurers frown upon it, or because you’ll want them to hand. Think of this as your no-pack list, with a few pro tips to keep everything smooth as a well-buttered scone.

Keep these with you (always)

• Passports, IDs and vital documents: passports, driving licences, visas, house deeds, wills, birth/marriage certificates, financial paperwork. If it would ruin your week to lose it, don’t let it in the truck.

• Cash, jewellery and small valuables: keep them with you or in a safe deposit box. Most policies have limits for high‑value personal items.

• Medications and medical devices: daily prescriptions, EpiPens, inhalers, hearing aids, glasses/contacts and solutions. Pack a three-day supply in your personal bag.

• Keys and access fobs: front door, garage, window locks, car, safe - label them and keep them on you.

• Laptops, hard drives and critical tech: data is priceless. Carry laptops, tablets, phones, chargers, and backup drives yourself.

Items movers shouldn’t (or can’t) take by law or policy

• Flammables and combustibles: petrol, diesel, paraffin, lighter fluid, white spirit, paint thinners, turpentine, nail polish remover, camping gas, BBQ propane, aerosol cans (including spray paints and some cleaning products).

• Corrosives and chemicals: bleach, pool chemicals, oven cleaner, battery acid, weedkiller, fertiliser, strong solvents.

• Explosives and pressurised containers: fireworks, CO2 canisters, scuba tanks (unless fully purged and certified), helium bottles.

• Perishables: fresh or frozen foods likely to spoil, open containers that can leak.

• Live things: pets (we love them, but they ride with you)

Simple packing system to make moving day painless

• Essentials bag (keep with you): meds, toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, kettle, tea/coffee, mugs, snacks, loo roll, basic tools, plasters, bin bags.

• Document wallet: passports, IDs, policies, solicitors’ details, meter readings, warranties, new-home instructions.

• High‑value pouch: jewellery, small electronics, keys, spare car key.

• Photo your setups: TV cables, Wi‑Fi, desk rigs—snap a quick pic before packing.

• Label clearly: room + brief contents + “Open First” where needed. Mark FRAGILE on the top and sides.

How we handle the rest

• Quality packing, steady pace: we move quickly enough to keep you on schedule, but never so fast your sofa ends up with battle scars.

• Proper materials: double‑walled cartons, wardrobe boxes, TV/monitor protection, sofa and mattress covers, export-wrap for the delicate stuff.

Whenever you are ready for a move, now you know what to do.

Quality service, the right pace, no sneaky behaviour—job done.