How To Pack Liquids for Moving (2024 Guide)
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Packing liquid items for a move can add anxiety to an already stressful process. A broken bottle or loose cap can ruin a whole couch or several carefully-packed boxes of valuable items—so avoid the potential hassle and stress of this packing chore with our how-to guide on packing liquids when you’re moving.
Identifying Which Liquids to Pack
Before you can pack your liquids for a safe move, you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with. This short prep phase will save you headaches and potential messes later.
Take Inventory and Get Organized
Scour your bathroom, kitchen, garage, and storage areas for liquids. Collect all the liquids in one area, noting what you have and the amount of each. Check each container for leaks.
Organize your liquids into categories, such as cleaning products, toiletries, lotions, perishable items, paints, automotive fluids, and more. You can use different color labels to keep bottles and containers organized. Keep hazardous liquids and materials you cannot transport separate from the rest of your liquids.
Which Liquids Can I Move?
Moving companies will not transport certain liquids if they pose a risk or violate specific regulations. Moving hazardous materials—including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, toxic materials, radioactive materials, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods—in commercial vehicles is typically prohibited by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
You’ll have to either discard prohibited liquids or transport them in your own vehicle. Below is a list of liquids that most moving companies will not move:
- Aerosol cans
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Lighter fluid
- Nail polish remover
- Oils
- Paint
- Pesticides
- Photography chemicals
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Propane
- Rubbing alcohol
- Stains
- Varnish
- Weed killer
Get Rid of Unnecessary Liquids
Packing liquids can be risky, so we recommend paring down your collection as much as possible. Throw away anything that is nearly empty or expired. If you’re moving in the summer or winter, get rid of any liquids that could explode in the heat or cold. Consider donating unopened items to a food bank, homeless shelter, women’s shelter, or animal shelter.
Never throw away, flush, pour down the drain, empty onto the ground, or dump into the sewer materials such as medications, cleaning products, or other chemicals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises that you read product labels for proper disposal directions. You can also check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agencies for more information.
Gathering Supplies
Once you have your liquids sorted, it’s time to gather your moving supplies. Here’s what you need to pack liquids without any spills:
- Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap will be your first line of defense against leaks. Use it to create a secure barrier over bottle openings before replacing the lids.
- Packing tape: Don’t skimp here! You need strong packing tape to keep the lids sealed.
- Resealable plastic bags: Get an assortment of resealable plastic bags to accommodate different bottle shapes and sizes.
- Plastic bins: Opt for sturdy bins that can withstand the weight of your liquids. Clear ones allow you to see the contents at a glance.
- Garbage bags: Line the bottoms of your plastic bins with garbage bags to create an extra layer of protection.
- Soft padding: Gather some old towels and rags or use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to cushion fragile items.
- Marker: A bold marker will ensure your labels are clear and easy to read, which is crucial for safe handling.
Tips for Packing Liquids
Follow these packing tips to ensure a leak-free move:
1. Prevent Leaks at the Source
Double-check that all lids are on as tightly as possible. Remove the lid, cover the opening with plastic wrap, and put the top back on. Seal the edge of the lid with packing tape for extra security.
2. Place Containers Into Bags
Pack containers upright in sealable bags. You can place individual containers in separate plastic bags or group several together into a gallon-sized bag. Glass bottles get special treatment—wrap them individually in rags, towels, or bubble wrap for padding.
3. Pack Liquids in Plastic Bins
Line sturdy plastic containers with garbage bags, towels, or newspapers to prevent a mess in case something spills. Then place your bagged liquids inside. Fill any empty space with soft padding to make sure they stay upright.
4. Label Your Bins
Clearly label the top and sides of your bins with “liquids” or “fragile” to ensure movers handle them delicately. Write in large, bold letters. Consider using more specific identifiers such as “cleaning supplies” or “beauty products” to make unpacking easier.
Beyond the Basics: Packing Specialty Liquids
While the steps above work for most household liquids, more valuable or delicate collections might require extra care.
Wine or Liquor Collections
If you have an expensive wine or liquor collection, talk to your insurance provider about coverage during the move. Not all home insurance policies automatically extend to valuable collections, so you may need to invest in a special moving insurance policy.
Create a detailed inventory of your collection, including brands, bottle sizes, and estimate values. Take photos of bottles and their packaging before the move for insurance purposes.
Temperature fluctuations can ruin fine wine and certain liquors, so climate-controlled moving services are ideal. We recommend hiring a moving company that specializes in fragile or high-value items.
Alternatively, you could pack your collection in your personal vehicle. If you go the DIY route, invest in specialty shipping boxes and research state laws about transporting alcohol.
Gourmet Cooking Liquids
For expensive oils and vinegar, consider transferring them from glass bottles to sturdy plastic containers during the move. Make sure to label the new container with the type of liquid and purchase date.
UV rays can cause oxidation and alter the taste. To prevent sun exposure, transport the bottles in an opaque container (not the clear bins we recommended for other liquids). Double-bag glass bottles and surround them with soft padding.
Extreme heat or cold can also degrade flavor, especially with aged balsamic vinegar or homemade infusions. If you’re moving during the summer or winter, pack your gourmet oil or vinegar in an insulated cooler. You can also keep them in your car’s climate-controlled environment.
Perfume and Cologne
Make sure the plastic wrap and tape are extra secure on perfume and cologne bottles, as any leakage will affect the scent of your other items. Follow the steps above to seal and bag the bottles.
If you still have the original box, use that. Otherwise, you can use a small, sturdy box. Wrap the perfume bottle generously in bubble wrap or another soft material. Fill in any gaps to prevent movement.
Avoid exposing perfume to extreme heat or cold during the move, if possible. This can affect the fragrance over time.
Antique or Fragile Containers
For items with high sentimental or monetary value, consult a packing or moving specialist to discuss the best methods. For instance, we recommend using acid-free tissue paper or foam for wrapping. Direct contact with packing peanuts or newspaper can scratch or stain delicate items.
Get a professional appraisal to help you decide if DIY packing is the right choice and establish the value for insurance purposes. Be sure to take photographs of each item before packing.
If an item is incredibly delicate or irreplaceable, it’s worth the cost for specialized movers or packing services. The best antique moving companies offer white-glove services, with extra cushioning and careful handling throughout.
Unpacking Liquids
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, carefully unpack your liquids on a flat surface, as things may have shifted or spilled inside the bins during the move. Remove bags and check for leaks or spills before opening the bags. If everything looks secure, open the bags and remove the seals over the lids.
Our Conclusion
Packing and moving liquids can be a hassle, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Think carefully about what you truly need to take, and discard the rest. With proper packing, your liquids will arrive at your new home safe and sound—whether you’re doing a DIY move or hiring a professional mover.
FAQ About How To Pack Liquids for Moving
How do you pack liquid bottles for moving?
Pack liquid bottles for moving by securing the bottles’ lids and placing the bottles in resealable plastic bags. Store the bags in plastic bins with the containers upright. Use towels or newspapers to fill empty spaces in the bins.
Is it safe to pack liquids in a suitcase?
It’s safe to pack some types of liquids, such as lotions and personal care products, in a suitcase. You should pack hazardous chemicals or materials separately.
How do you pack liquids in a moving truck?
Pack liquids in plastic bags and bins before putting them into a moving truck. Label the bins to ensure movers handle them carefully.
How can you transport liquids in a car?
When transporting liquids in a car, tightly seal each container’s lid to prevent spills, and place the containers in plastic bags. Place the bags with the liquid containers in plastic bins, label the bins, and put the bins in the back of your car.
What is the limit on how many liquids can be packed when moving?
There is no limit on how many liquids you can pack when moving with a moving company. However, many companies prohibit specific items, such as chemicals and other hazardous liquids.
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