Many people are surprised to learn that moving companies have strict rules about what they can and cannot transport. Understanding which items movers typically refuse to move can help you avoid last-minute headaches, extra costs, and potential safety issues on moving day.
- Why Movers Refuse Certain Items
- Common Items Moving Companies Won’t Move
- Planning and Packing Strategies
- How to Handle Restricted Items
- Local vs. Long-Distance Moves: What Changes?
- FAQ: Items Movers Won’t Move
- Key Takeaways
Why Movers Refuse Certain Items
Moving companies are regulated by federal, state, and local laws that dictate what they can transport. Safety is the top priority—both for the movers and for your belongings. Some items pose fire, explosion, contamination, or environmental risks. Others are simply too valuable or irreplaceable to be covered by standard moving insurance. Professional movers also want to avoid delays, fines, or liability issues that come from transporting prohibited goods.
Common Items Moving Companies Won’t Move
Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories of items that moving companies typically refuse to move, based on industry standards and real-world experience:
1. Hazardous Materials
- Flammable items: Gasoline, lighter fluid, propane tanks, kerosene, paints, paint thinners, and varnishes.
- Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, and gunpowder.
- Chemicals: Pool chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning solvents, and acids.
- Compressed gases: Oxygen tanks, scuba tanks, aerosol cans (including hairspray and spray paint).
Movers are legally prohibited from transporting hazardous materials due to the risk of fire, leaks, or explosions. Even small quantities can be dangerous in a moving truck.
2. Perishable Food and Plants
- Fresh or frozen food: Anything that can spoil, leak, or attract pests is typically not allowed, especially on long-distance moves.
- Houseplants: Many moving companies won’t move plants across state lines due to agricultural regulations. Even for local moves, plants are often excluded because they’re delicate and can die in hot or cold trucks.
Tip: If you’re moving locally, ask your mover about their policy on plants and perishables. Some may allow them for short trips if packed properly.
3. Valuables and Personal Items
- Cash, jewelry, and precious metals
- Important documents: Passports, wills, deeds, medical records, and financial papers
- Sentimental items: Family heirlooms, photo albums, and collectibles
Movers recommend you transport these items yourself. Most moving contracts specifically exclude liability for valuables, so it’s safest to keep them with you.
4. Weapons and Ammunition
- Firearms: Some movers will transport unloaded, properly packed firearms, but many will not. Ammunition is almost always prohibited.
- Knives and swords: These may be allowed if packed securely, but check with your mover for their specific policy.
Always disclose any weapons to your moving company in advance to avoid legal issues or delays.
5. Pets and Live Animals
- Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish tanks, and small mammals
No reputable mover will transport live animals. You’ll need to make separate arrangements for pets, such as traveling with them in your vehicle or using a specialized pet relocation service.
6. Open or Unsealed Containers
- Liquids: Open bottles of cleaning supplies, oils, or beverages can spill and damage your belongings.
- Unsealed boxes: Movers may refuse boxes that are not properly closed and labeled.
Pack all liquids and fragile items securely, and avoid moving anything that’s already leaking or unsealed.
Planning and Packing Strategies
Knowing what movers won’t take is an important part of planning your move. Here’s how to prepare:
- Ask for a list: Request a written list of non-allowable items from your moving company at least two weeks before your move.
- Sort early: Set aside restricted items as you pack. This prevents accidental packing and last-minute surprises.
- Use up perishables: Plan meals to use up frozen and refrigerated food in the week before your move.
- Dispose safely: Take hazardous materials to a local recycling center or hazardous waste facility. Never dump chemicals down the drain or in the trash.
- Secure valuables: Pack important documents, jewelry, and sentimental items in a clearly labeled bag or box that stays with you.
How to Handle Restricted Items
Once you’ve identified items your movers won’t take, you have a few options:
- Transport yourself: For valuables, documents, and small plants, use your own vehicle if possible.
- Ship separately: Use a trusted courier or postal service for important documents or small valuables.
- Donate or discard: Give away or responsibly dispose of items you can’t take or don’t need.
- Specialty services: For large or unusual items (like firearms or aquariums), look for companies that specialize in those moves.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure about an item, ask your mover directly. It’s better to clarify in advance than to scramble on moving day.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moves: What Changes?
The rules about what movers can transport are strictest for long-distance and interstate moves, due to federal and state regulations. For example:
- Plants: Many states restrict the transport of certain plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
- Hazardous materials: Federal law prohibits most hazardous items from being moved across state lines.
- Food: Perishable food is rarely moved on long-distance trips, but may be allowed for local moves if properly packed.
Always check with your mover about their specific policies. If you’re renting a truck or using a portable container, you’re still responsible for following these rules—violations can result in fines or safety hazards.
FAQ: Items Movers Won’t Move
Can movers transport cleaning supplies or laundry detergent?
Most moving companies will not move open or partially used cleaning supplies, detergents, or chemicals. Sealed, non-hazardous items may be allowed—ask your mover for their policy.
Will movers take my grill or lawnmower?
Movers may transport grills or lawn equipment if all fuel is completely drained and the item is cleaned. Propane tanks and gas cans are never allowed on the truck.
Can I pack my own jewelry and valuables in moving boxes?
It’s strongly recommended that you transport jewelry, cash, and important documents yourself. Movers are not liable for loss or damage to these items.
What should I do with leftover paint or chemicals?
Take hazardous materials to your local hazardous waste disposal facility. Never pack them in the moving truck or throw them in the regular trash.
Do moving companies ever make exceptions for plants or perishables?
Some local movers may allow plants or perishables for short moves, but most will not. Always confirm with your mover in advance.
Key Takeaways
Knowing which items most moving companies refuse to move can save you time, money, and stress. Start planning early, ask your mover for a list of restricted items, and make arrangements for anything they won’t transport. By handling hazardous materials, perishables, valuables, and live animals separately, you’ll ensure a safer, smoother move for everyone involved.
Ready to take the next step? Compare free moving quotes on Quick Moving Quotes to find a mover that fits your needs and helps you move with confidence.