Organizing a smooth relocation is a pretty complex set of tasks. Whether you choose to do it yourself or you hire us, you need to plan and create a proper moving plan. One of the main items on that checklist will probably be packing and storing some items away. However, you will find that after all of your belongings are secure in boxes and storage units, there are still a few non-storable belongings you have to deal with. And to resolve all your doubts on what to do with all this stuff, Kokusai Express Japan moving company can offer you a few tips and tricks on how to handle the rest of your possessions. Read on and good luck!

Which items are considered non-storable belongings?

Several situations may require you to rent a storage unit. Firstly, you can rent storage to keep your belongings temporarily during packing. Secondly, you may find it useful for long-distance transport. Finally, it may become a reliable tool while you’re settling in. In case you’re downsizing before moving to Japan, storage can be a more permanent solution if you don’t have enough space. Unfortunately for any of these projects you may be undertaking, there are some restrictions on self-storage.

At the end of the day, moving and storage companies are pretty flexible. You can choose between different sizes of the unit you want to rent. You can also choose whether you want additional services such as project cargo, extra security, full-coverage insurance, or temperature control. And, last but not least, you can decide on how long you’ll be renting it. 

Most forbidden non-storable belongings are hazardous materials

Use your common sense and it will tell you that professional moving and storage companies won’t handle anything potentially dangerous to them or their equipment. Along those same lines, they won’t keep hazmats items in their storage space. This is why hazardous items are at the top of the list of non-storable belongings when it comes to professional packing services. And that list includes anything corrosive, flammable, explosive, or poisonous. Additionally, there are some common household things like bleach that you might not consider dangerous while your movers do.

An incomplete list of non-storable hazardous belongings includes:

• First and foremost, explosives: weapons and ammunition, firecrackers, fireworks;
• Secondly, aerosols: just about anything in a pressurized container (including spray deodorants and other cosmetics);
• Next, oils and gases such as motor oil, lamp oil, gasoline, propane, natural gas, and anything else that can easily start a fire. That even includes charcoal;
• Additionally, you can’t store paint and polish: this includes nail polish, polish remover, and paint thinners;
• Poisons, obviously: insecticide, ratticide, pesticide, and weed killer;
• Finally, any type of strong chemicals: Some of these compounds are often ingredients of cleaning products like bleach and ammonia, but also darkroom fluids.

Perishables

Things with an expiration date won’t do well in storage, which is just common sense. Along the same lines, these items won’t be allowed in door-to-door international shipping either. You should be aware that they require special conditions to last as long as their expiration dates state they will. Therefore, you cannot store perishables such as:

• Foods: Whether it is fresh or frozen, or even refrigerated, food should not go in storage. It doesn’t matter if its expiration date is still a long time away.
• Plants: Remember, plants are living beings which is why they require specific conditions. Make sure that during your move, you provide them with frequent sunlight and water. Consequently, they will not get either of these in the storage unit.
• Of course, animals are on this list. Yes, it should go without saying, but you’d be surprised what people do try to store. Domestic animals require constant care, therefore it is illegal to put them in a storage unit.
• Fresh vegetables and other fresh produce which won’t stay fresh in storage.

Dealing with perishable items

When we think of the term ‘perishable items‘, we usually think of food in our fridge. However, you shouldn’t overlook all the plants, seeds, and animal food you have in your pantry. We advise you to plan your meals. Start using up your food a week or two before your relocation. Try to cook with ingredients that you have at home and buy only the essentials. If you follow this tip, you will waste less food. And if you are left with any surplus non-storable perishables, there are a few other things you can do as well. If you are moving locally or over a shorter distance, you can easily bring them with you in your vehicle. If you’re moving across the country, however, it would be wonderful if you could donate it to a local homeless shelter.

Valuables

Generally speaking, movers don’t expressly have a ban for putting valuables in storage. However, the company might have an upper limit to how valuable something you’re putting in storage can be. Insurance may also have a restriction on what it covers. But even if you book the best storage units that we offer, you don’t want to put your valuables at risk. If anything goes wrong, you could end up losing something that you find irreplaceable. So avoid storing the following items:

• Precious jewelry and other things of monetary value
• Solid cash, blank (usable) checks, bonds, and other forms of currency
• Avoid storing family heirlooms, memorabilia, photo albums and other things of sentimental value
• Never put important documents and records in storage
• The smartest thing you can do is have these things on hand to lower the risk of losing them in storage.

You may be wondering why storage facilities don’t allow you to store these items. The primary reason is safety. For instance, in the unfortunate event that your unit catches fire, they will not be responsible for it. Also, someone else might suffer too because of your mistake. So to protect the client, their belongings, property, and the facility personnel, movers won’t allow you to store potentially dangerous things.

Plan before relocating and think about everything

Now that we have cataloged the usual non-storable items, you know what to expect. Once you start packing, you will know what can and what cannot go into your storage unit. Or the moving truck. Note that, if you’re only relocating within your city, most of these non-storable items can go with you. Whether it’s due to downsizing or some other reason, now you know who to call! Contact Kokusai Express Japan because we have a solution to everything! it’s just important that you book us on time and stay well-prepared!