If you're looking at St. Louis homes for sale and getting ready to relocate, it probably won't be long before you start looking for moving companies. Hiring professionals does tend to be the most efficient way to move. Professionals can move your appliances, furniture, lawn care equipment, and so much more. But there are a few things you shouldn't pack in the moving truck.

• Food
  Perishable food, especially, should not be packed in a moving truck. Even in a cooler, there is a good chance it will get too warm and spoil in the moving truck. Non-perishable food items, like boxed crackers and canned goods, are a little less risky. However, the moving truck still isn't the best place for them due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity that can occur.
  
  
• Medications
  Prescription and over-the-counter medications should not be transported in the moving truck. If these products get too warm in the truck, they may lose efficacy. Not to mention, there are a lot of prescription medications that you should not let someone else handle. Take your medications and first aid supplies with you in your vehicle. 
  
  
• Houseplants
  The moving truck is no place for a houseplant. There's a good chance it will get too warm, which will harm it. Plus, being out of the sun and fresh air for as long as it takes to move is not good for most plants. Most moving companies won't transport houseplants. So, you can either take it with you personally or give it away to a friend.
  
  
• Flammable and Hazardous Materials
  Stain for your deck, spray paint for art projects, pool chemicals—none of these products belong in a moving truck, and moving companies won't transport them. There's just too much risk of an explosion or caustic reaction if a product spills or becomes too hot in the truck. In most cases, it's not really safe to transport these products in your personal vehicle, either. So, your best option when moving is usually to leave them behind or take them to a safe disposal site.
  
  
• Heirlooms
  It's rare for anything to go missing or become damaged when transported by a reputable moving company. However, most moving companies do not want to transport anything over a certain value or of high personal value. So, any family heirlooms, like old jewelry or valuable china, should not go in the moving truck.
  
  
• Important Paperwork
  Paperwork, such as the deed to your home, your birth certificate, and your personal checks, should not go in the moving truck. You may need access to these documents when you're moving, so keep them handy.
  
  
• Artwork
  Your print from the home goods store can probably go in the moving truck without worry. But valuable or sensitive artwork should not. The heat and humidity in the moving truck can damage some oil and acrylic paints. Plus, you don't want the jostling of the truck to damage anything.
  
  
• Jewelry
  Your wedding ring, diamond earrings, and gold bracelets should be packed and transported on your person or in your personal vehicle. Most moving companies won't move or insure items of this value. Plus, their small size makes them too easy to misplace in a big, fully-packed moving truck.

When you find a moving company you want to hire, ask them for a list of their exclusions. You'll likely find it looks very similar to this one. We wish you luck with your next relocation. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you're looking for a real estate agent.