Flammable and hazardous
Petrol and diesel (including what is in the lawnmower and the strimmer: run them dry), gas cylinders and camping gas, paint, thinners, white spirit, bleach and pool chemicals, fireworks, aerosols in bulk, car batteries, lithium batteries loose. A leaking tin of paint in a warm van ruins a sofa and the insurance will not pay for it. Take them to the household recycling centre, give them away, or carry small quantities in your own car. Our terms also ask that washing machines, dishwashers and hose pipes are clean, dry and drained.
Perishables and plants
Perishable food and anything that needs a controlled environment are on the list in our terms, and so are plants. The freezer needs to be emptied, defrosted and dry before it goes on the van. Take the plants you love in the car.
Animals
Animals, birds, fish and reptiles travel with you or with a pet transport company. The van is not heated or ventilated for them and the crew opens the doors at every stop.
Firearms and anything illegal
Firearms and ammunition are refused under our terms. Prohibited or stolen goods and drugs are never moved, and if they are found the work stops and the authorities are told.
Valuables and documents
We will carry them, but we advise against it: passports, deeds, cash, jewellery and hard drives should be in your own bag in your own car, because the one thing worse than losing them is not knowing which box they are in.
Things that need a specialist first
Our crews do not disconnect or reconnect appliances, fixtures or fittings, and they do not take down sheds, greenhouses or satellite dishes, unless it is agreed in writing in the quote. A gas cooker needs a Gas Safe engineer, a hard-wired appliance an electrician, a plumbed-in washing machine a plumber or a handy friend, before the day. Asbestos and other hazardous waste on a clearance need a specialist contractor. Tell us and we will say who to book.