5 Essential Things NOT to Do Before Your Full-Service Move

A full-service move with Mayflower means you can take the heavy lifting off your plate. That said, preparation still plays a critical role in how smoothly everything goes. While our professional movers handle packing, loading and transportation, there are a few common missteps that can create delays, safety issues or unnecessary stress come move day.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as going by the book. By avoiding the following five common pitfalls, you’ll help ensure a more efficient process, protect your belongings and enjoy greater peace of mind Every Step of the Way®.

1. Don’t Pack Hazardous Materials

For safety and legal reasons, professional movers cannot transport certain items. Packing hazardous materials not only creates risks during transit but may also result in delays or refusal of your shipment.

Common prohibited items include gasoline, propane tanks, paint, paint thinners, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, fireworks and other flammable or corrosive substances. Even everyday household items can fall into this category if they pose a safety hazard.

Before moving day, take time to identify and separate these materials. You can dispose of them through local hazardous waste programs, recycling centers or community collection events. If they’re not expired, you may be able to gift products to neighbors and friends.

2. Don’t Pack Important Personal Documents, Valuables or Irreplaceable Items

While Mayflower takes every precaution to protect your belongings, it’s best to keep certain items with you throughout your moving journey.

This includes cash, jewelry, passports, legal documents, medical records, sentimental keepsakes and small electronics like laptops or external hard drives. These items are difficult to replace and may be needed immediately.

A helpful approach is to prepare an “essentials” bag or box that stays with you throughout the move. This ensures you have access to important items when you need them whether during travel or your first night in your new home.

Here’s a guide for what you should include:

3. Don’t Forget to Prepare Appliances for Moving

Large household appliances require proper preparation. Skipping this step can lead to delays, damage or safety concerns for both your belongings and your moving crew.

It’s important to note movers are generally not authorized to disconnect gas lines or certain types of water connections. If you have appliances like gas stoves or refrigerators with water lines, arrange for a qualified professional to disconnect them in advance.

To prevent leaks and odors, refrigerators and freezers should be emptied, cleaned and fully defrosted at least 24–48 hours before your move. Dishwashers and washing machines should also be drained and dried thoroughly.

Don’t forget to Prep Large Appliances for Transport

For appliances like washers and dryers, professional disconnection is strongly recommended. Front-load washing machines in particular require stabilizer bolts to secure the drum and prevent internal damage during transport.

Dryers should be disconnected from power and venting systems, and any loose components should be secured. Shelves, racks and removable parts from refrigerators or ovens should be taken out and packed separately whenever possible.

If you’re unsure about proper preparation, your Mayflower representative can guide you on best practices or recommend professional services to ensure everything is safely ready for moving day.

4. Don’t Skip the Decluttering Phase

One of the most common moving mistakes is bringing everything with you whether you need it or not. Decluttering before your move can save time, reduce costs and make unpacking much more manageable.

Start by sorting your belongings into three categories: keep, donate and discard. Focus especially on items you haven’t used in the past year, duplicates or anything that no longer fits your lifestyle.

Decluttering also improves the accuracy of your moving estimate. The fewer items you move, the more efficient the packing and transportation process becomes. It also allows the Mayflower team to work faster and more effectively on moving day.

Use this timeline to help you stay on track:

5. Don’t Miss Your Movers on Moving Day

Being present on moving day (or designating a trusted representative) is essential to keeping everything on track. Your movers may have questions about specific items, packing instructions or access points. Having someone available ensures quick decisions can be made.

You’ll also need to review and sign important paperwork, including inventory lists and shipping documents. This step is critical for accuracy and accountability throughout the moving process.

For safety, it’s best to keep children and pets in a separate area or arrange for them to be off-site during the loading phase. This reduces distractions and minimizes the risk of accidents while heavy items are being moved.

Before the truck departs, complete a final walkthrough of your home. Check closets, cabinets, attics, basements and garages to ensure nothing is left behind.

Start Planning Your Full-Service Move with The Nation’s Most Trusted Mover

A successful move starts with thoughtful planning and the right partner by your side. With Mayflower’s full-service moving solutions, you’ll have expert support, from packing and loading to delivery and beyond. 

Ready to get started? Request a personalized quote to better understand your moving needs and timeline. You can also create your MyMayflower Move Portal account to organize key details, track milestones and stay connected throughout your move.