No matter how well you plan or how many professionals you hire, there’s always a part of you that wonders: “Should I really be letting someone else move this?” And that’s a smart question to ask.
While hiring movers can make your life easier, there are some items you should move yourself, non-negotiables that are either too valuable, too personal, or too risky to hand off. According to a recent study, 64% of Americans say moving is one of the most stressful life events. Even more, nearly 40% say they’ve had something lost or damaged during a move.
So it makes sense to take a step back and ask yourself: what really needs to stay in your hands?
We’re not saying don’t hire movers, but you need to be strategic. Think about your medications, passports and personal records. Would you trust a stranger to handle those without worry?
That’s why understanding which items to move yourself when hiring movers can make or break how smooth and secure your entire experience feels.
What are the Risks of Leaving Everything to Movers
While most moving companies are reliable and do their job well, there are still certain risks involved when you hand over complete control of your belongings.
Here are the main risks that come with letting movers handle everything:
Damage or Loss
Even professional movers can make mistakes. Fragile items like electronics, collectibles, or high-value antiques are especially at risk. If they break or go missing, basic insurance often won’t cover the full cost.
Limited Insurance
Standard mover coverage usually pays around $0.60 per pound per item, which means your expensive laptop or family heirloom might not be fully protected.
Certain Items Are Prohibited
There are items that movers won't move for legal or safety reasons, such as medications, passports, personal records, flammable goods, and perishables. Leaving these to the movers could delay your move or cause issues.
Privacy Concerns
It’s not just about physical damage. Handing over personal documents, valuables to carry during a move, or heirlooms, jewelry, and important papers can expose sensitive or private information.
Delay in Access to Essentials
If your must-have items are on the moving truck and there's a delay, you could be left without basics like clothes, chargers, or important documents.
Categories of Items You Should Always Move Yourself
Not everything needs to go in the moving truck. In fact, there are several types of items that are just better off staying with you. If you're wondering which items to move yourself when hiring movers, start by thinking in categories.
Here’s a breakdown to make it simple:
Important Documents
These are the things you can't afford to lose or wait for later. Keep medications, passports, personal records, ID cards, birth certificates, financial documents, and any other sensitive information in your personal care.
These are the personal documents and valuables to carry during the move, and they should stay with you at all times.
Valuables and Sentimental Items
No matter how careful your movers are, some things are simply irreplaceable. Think about heirlooms, jewelry, important papers, family photos, small keepsakes, and anything with emotional value.
Electronics and Fragile Devices
Small tech—like laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, or gaming consoles—should be packed securely and taken with you. These electronics and collectibles are not only expensive but often contain personal information and memories you wouldn’t want to risk losing or damaging.
High-Value or Specialty Items
If you own high-value art antiques, rare collectibles, or designer goods, it's best to handle them yourself. Movers might not be trained to transport these properly, and insurance might not fully cover them if anything goes wrong.
Essentials for the First Night
Your first 24 hours in a new place can feel chaotic. That's why it’s important to prepare an essential survival kit when you move. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, medications, chargers, snacks, and anything else you’d need without having to unpack everything right away.
Items Movers Won’t Move
There are legally restricted or hazardous items that movers simply aren't allowed to handle. These include things like flammable materials, cleaning supplies, fireworks, propane tanks, and perishable food. It's your responsibility to take care of these or dispose of them safely.
Tips for Packing and Transporting These Items Safely
Once you know the items you should move yourself, it’s important to pack and carry them carefully. Here are some quick tips to help you do that:
- Keep essentials in a separate bag: Pack your essential survival kit, including things like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and important documents. Keep it with you—not on the truck.
- Use secure containers for valuables: For heirlooms, jewelry and important papers, use lockable or padded boxes. These items are too important to risk.
- Protect fragile electronics: Wrap electronics and collectibles in bubble wrap or soft cloth, and use original boxes if possible.
- Organize your documents: Store medications, passports and personal records in a labeled folder or envelope that stays with you at all times.
- Don’t overload your vehicle: Keep items snug and stable. Heavy things at the bottom, fragile ones on top.
- Label clearly: Mark anything fragile or important. Even if you're moving it yourself, labels help during unpacking.
- Check restricted items: Review the list of items movers won’t move, so you don’t leave anything behind by mistake.
