Hazardous materials
Anything flammable, explosive, or corrosive stays off the truck: propane tanks, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosol cans, fireworks, and most cleaning chemicals. Use them up before the move, give them to a neighbor, or take them to a Charles County household hazardous waste drop-off. Do not hide them in a box — a leak or spark in a packed truck is dangerous.
Perishable food
Movers do not take open or perishable food. In the weeks before the move, eat down the freezer and pantry. Unopened canned and boxed goods are usually fine. On moving day, pack a cooler for the drive with anything you want to keep.
Plants
Most movers will not take houseplants, especially on longer moves — trucks get hot, and plants do not survive it. For a local move around Waldorf, plants can ride in your car. Water them the day before, box small ones open-top, and load them last so they come off first.
Valuables and important papers
Cash, jewelry, passports, deeds, and family photos should travel with you, not on the truck. This is not about trust — it is about the fact that these are the hardest things in the world to replace. Put them in one bag that stays in your car.
Pets
We love animals, but they do not ride on the moving truck. Plan pet transport for moving day: a carrier in your car, a friend's house, or a daycare. Moving day is loud and doors stay open — it is the easiest day of the year for a pet to slip out.