How to Pack Batteries Safely for a Move

Why Battery Safety Matters When You Move

The main danger with batteries is how easily they cause fires. If a battery’s terminals touch any metal item, even a paper clip, they can spark a short circuit and create intense heat. In a cardboard box, that heat can easily ignite a fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) even specifically warns about 9-volt batteries, which have both connection points close together on top.

Moving makes this risk worse. Boxes shake and shift constantly in the back of a truck. A pile of items that stayed safely apart at home will roll around during transit, and loose items can easily smash together or puncture battery casings, creating a dangerous situation before you arrive.

How to Pack Different Types of Batteries

Not all batteries carry the same risks. Standard alkaline batteries, like AAs, just need their ends covered before boxing, while lithium-ion cells require more careful taping and individual wrapping. Large, heavy lead-acid batteries can leak dangerous chemicals and often need professional handling to be transported safely.

Below, we explain how to pack batteries based on their type, what specific supplies you should get, how to prepare the terminals, and the safest ways to box them up for your drive.

Alkaline and Dry Cell Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D)

These batteries are the most common and safest power sources in your home. However, they’re not completely risk-free. If their ends touch other metal objects, they can still spark and start a fire. You need to isolate their terminals before putting them inside your moving boxes.

Follow these simple steps to pack alkaline batteries safely:

1. Use original packaging: Keep batteries in their factory plastic blisters and cardboard backings whenever possible to keep them separated.
2. Cover the terminals: Place a small piece of electrical tape over the positive and negative ends of every loose battery.
3. Use plastic bags: You can put alkaline batteries in a bag together, but you have to tape their ends first. Otherwise, seal each battery in its own separate bag.
4. Group by size: Sort your AA, AAA, C, and D batteries into separate labeled bags to keep them organized for unpacking.

Keep in mind that old or damaged cells can leak corrosive acid during transport. Check each battery for white powder or swelling before you pack it.

9-Volt Batteries

A 9-volt battery carries a much higher fire risk than standard batteries. Since both the positive and negative terminals sit right next to each other on top, they can easily touch metal objects at the same time. If a coin or paper clip comes into contact with those exposed connection points inside a moving box, it can spark a fire instantly.

You should cover these terminals completely before you pack them. The safest method is to press a piece of electrical tape firmly across the top to block both metal points. If you saved the original plastic snap-on caps that came with the batteries, use those instead.

Lithium-Ion and Rechargeable Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries power your phones, laptops, tablets, and cordless tools. Since they’re so common in household electronics, they pose the highest risk during a move. They’re also highly sensitive to heat and pressure. If they get crushed or overheated during transit, they can suffer internal damage and burst into intense flames that are hard to extinguish.

Here’s how to pack batteries of this type safely:

1. Tape the connections: Place heavy electrical tape over any exposed metal contact points on the battery pack to prevent sparking.
2. Use individual cases: Store each battery in its original box or a dedicated plastic battery case to keep them separated.
3. Avoid loose packing: Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries into a box with other items. Pack them separately in a small, sturdy container.

These batteries can easily overheat inside a moving vehicle, so you should never pack them in areas that reach high temperatures.

Button Cell and Coin Batteries

These tiny batteries are common in watches, hearing aids, and small electronics. Because of their size, they’re very easy to lose during a move. To keep track of them, tape each battery individually to a piece of cardboard or store them in a small, clearly labeled container.

Loose button batteries also pose a severe health risk if a child or animal swallows them. Be sure to keep these packed away securely in your personal bag and completely out of reach of kids and pets.

Lead-Acid Batteries (Car, Boat, Power Equipment)

Large lead-acid batteries power cars, boats, riding mowers, and ATVs. These units are very heavy and contain liquid sulfuric acid, which can cause severe chemical burns if it spills out. Because of this risk, you should always store and transport these batteries in an upright position.

PULL QUOTE: “Because large lithium cells pose safety risks, some movers will refuse to transport them. We recommend checking with your moving company ahead of time to make sure.”

You can leave these batteries installed inside a vehicle if you’re driving it to your destination. If you need to pack them separately, cover the connection points with electrical tape. Then, place the battery inside a sturdy plastic tub. This tub will catch any acid if a leak happens.

Movers may refuse to transport loose lead-acid batteries, so check with your moving company before loading them on the truck. You can also read our guide on things not allowed on a moving truck to learn more about what you can and cannot pack.

Batteries Inside Devices: Remove or Leave In?

For most common household electronics like TV remotes, flashlights, or toys, you can leave alkaline batteries inside. Just ensure the device is completely powered down before you box it up. To prevent the plastic covers from popping off in transit, place a piece of packing tape securely over the battery compartment door.

However, you should take the batteries out of any items you won’t use for a few weeks. Leaving them inside stored devices can cause battery acid to leak and ruin your electronics. Here are some devices you might want to remove batteries from before packing:

• Cordless power drills and saws
• Electric bikes and scooters
• Laptops with removable power packs
• Bluetooth portable speakers
• Drones and remote-controlled vehicles
• Handheld video game consoles

Finally, you should always remove lithium-ion batteries from their devices if they will travel inside a moving truck. High heat can damage these power cells and create a serious fire hazard.

Packing Supplies You’ll Need for Batteries

You don’t need any special tools when learning how to pack batteries safely. A few basic packing supplies from around your home will do the job. Make sure you have these items ready:

• Electrical tape: Use this flexible, nonconductive tape to cover exposed metal terminals and prevent sparks.
• Sealable plastic bags: Grab a few boxes of these bags in assorted sizes. You’ll use them to store individual batteries safely and keep similar types grouped together.
• Small plastic containers: Hard plastic cases or sturdy storage tubs work well for organizing loose batteries. They provide a strong outer layer to stop items from getting crushed.
• Permanent marker: Keep a marker handy to write on your plastic bags and containers so you can identify contents quickly.
• Original battery packaging: Factory boxes provide the safest way to transport any power source. If you saved the plastic packs or hard cases your batteries came in, use them.

When you take batteries out of an item, write the name of that specific device on the bag. Matching the power cells to your specific remote, camera, or toy simplifies setting up your new home, since you won’t have to waste time testing random power cells on unpacking day.

Large Battery-Powered Items and Your Move

Many modern tools and vehicles run on large lithium-ion battery packs. These power units store much more energy than a standard AA battery, so they require special attention during a move.

Common examples include:

• Electric bikes and motorized scooters
• Some hoverboards
• Cordless lawn equipment
• Portable power stations
• Drone batteries

Remove the battery pack from the equipment if you can. Cover the metal terminals with electrical tape and carry the battery inside your personal, climate-controlled car. Because large lithium cells pose safety risks, some movers will refuse to transport them. We recommend checking with your moving company ahead of time to make sure.

Movers you find on HireAHelper’s marketplace can easily lift and load the heavy metal equipment frames for you. You just need to manage and transport the detached batteries yourself.

Tossing Batteries Before You Move

Moving gives you the perfect chance to declutter your home and throw away items you no longer need. Sort through junk drawers, old devices, and power tools, and safely toss out any dead or damaged batteries.

Make sure to separate and pull out these specific power cells before you begin packing:

• Dead or expired batteries of any type
• Swollen, leaking, or visibly corroded power packs
• Old car or boat batteries that you plan to replace soon
• Single-use batteries from electronics you’re donating or throwing away

You can find out where to drop off your used household batteries by checking with local waste centers, specialized recyclers, or nearby hardware stores.

Keep Batteries Cool: Heat and Your Moving Truck

The back of a moving truck can get very hot on a warm day. This is dangerous for lithium-ion batteries. When these sensitive power cells sit in high temperatures for long periods, they may start to degrade, warp, or leak chemicals. Follow these tips to protect your batteries:

• Keep them in your car: Pack items with lithium cells inside your personal, air-conditioned vehicle instead of the truck.
• Plan for long trips: Keep batteries with you on cross-country moves so they don’t have to spend the night in parked trucks in high temperatures.
• Protect standard power cells: Alkaline batteries handle heat much better. However, you should still pack them deep inside boxes, away from direct sunlight.

Check your devices as soon as you unpack. If any battery feels unusually hot or looks swollen after the drive, don’t use it. Move it outside, away from flammable items, and find a safe drop-off location to dispose of it.