Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when you’re not sure what items your moving company will refuse to move. While many moving companies are willing to transport a wide range of household items, there are some items that they simply won’t move. Knowing what these items are ahead of time can help you plan your move and avoid any last-minute surprises. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common items that most moving companies refuse to move.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are one of the most common items that most moving companies refuse to transport. These include items such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint, aerosol cans, and cleaning supplies. These items are considered dangerous because they are flammable or explosive, and they can cause serious damage or injury if they are mishandled. If you have any hazardous materials in your home, you will need to dispose of them properly before you move.
Perishable Items
Perishable items such as food, plants, and live animals are also not typically moved by most moving companies. This is because they are sensitive to temperature changes, and can easily spoil or die during transit. If you have any perishable items that you need to transport, it’s best to make other arrangements, such as shipping them separately or taking them with you in your car.
Valuables
While most moving companies are willing to transport your household items, they are not responsible for any items that are considered valuable. This includes items such as jewelry, cash, and important documents. If you have any valuable items that you need to move, it’s best to transport them yourself to ensure their safety.
Plants
While plants are not considered hazardous materials, they are still not typically moved by most moving companies. This is because plants are delicate and can easily be damaged during transit. Additionally, many states have laws and regulations regarding the transportation of plants, so it’s important to research these laws before attempting to move your plants.
Firearms
Firearms are another item that most moving companies refuse to transport. This is because they are considered dangerous and can cause serious harm if mishandled. If you have firearms that you need to move, you should contact a specialized moving company that has experience in transporting firearms.
Personal Care Items
Personal care items such as shampoo, soap, and perfume are not typically moved by most moving companies. This is because they are considered hazardous materials due to their potential to spill or leak during transit. If you have any personal care items that you need to transport, it’s best to pack them separately and transport them yourself.
Flammable Items
Flammable items such as gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner are not typically moved by most moving companies. These items are considered hazardous materials and can cause serious damage or injury if mishandled. If you have any flammable items in your home, it’s best to dispose of them properly before you move.
Food
While non-perishable food items are typically allowed to be moved by most moving companies, many companies have restrictions on what types of food they will transport. This is because food can attract pests and rodents during transit, and can also spoil if not properly stored. If you have any food items that you need to move, it’s best to check with your moving company to see what their policies are regarding food.
Explosives
Explosives such as fireworks and ammunition are not typically moved by most moving companies. This is because they are considered dangerous and can cause serious harm if mishandled. If you have any explosives that you need to move, it’s best to contact a specialized moving company that has experience in transporting these items.
Large or Heavy Items
While most moving companies are willing to transport large and heavy items, there are some items that may exceed their weight and size limits. This includes items such as pianos, safes, and large appliances. If you have any large or heavy items that you need to move, you should contact your moving company ahead of time to discuss their policies and any additional fees that may apply.
Items with sentimental value
Items with sentimental value, such as family heirlooms, photo albums, and artwork, may not be covered by your moving company’s insurance policy. While most moving companies will transport these items, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure their safety during transit. Consider packing these items separately and transporting them yourself to avoid any potential damage or loss.
Perishable household items
Perishable household items such as frozen foods, opened containers of food, and refrigerated items may not be allowed to be transported by your moving company. This is because they can spoil easily and attract pests during transit. If you need to transport perishable household items, it’s best to make other arrangements, such as packing them in a cooler and transporting them yourself.
Prohibited items
There are certain items that are prohibited from being transported by law or by your moving company’s policies. This includes items such as illegal drugs, weapons, and stolen property. If you have any prohibited items in your home, it’s best to dispose of them properly before you move.
Live plants
Live plants are delicate and can easily be damaged during transit. Additionally, many states have laws and regulations regarding the transportation of live plants, so it’s important to research these laws before attempting to move your plants. If you need to transport live plants, it’s best to make other arrangements, such as shipping them separately or taking them with you in your car.
Pets
While some moving companies may transport pets, many do not. If you need to transport your pets, it’s best to make other arrangements, such as hiring a specialized pet transportation service or transporting them yourself.
Unsealed containers
Unsealed containers, such as trash bags and open boxes, may not be allowed to be transported by your moving company. This is because unsealed containers can easily spill or break during transit, causing damage to other items in the moving truck. Make sure that all containers are properly sealed and labeled before your moving company arrives.
Bulky items
Bulky items, such as large furniture pieces and exercise equipment, may be difficult to transport and may require additional fees or specialized equipment. Make sure that you discuss these items with your moving company ahead of time to ensure that they can be properly transported.
In conclusion, moving companies have policies and restrictions in place to ensure the safety of their customers and their employees during a move. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these policies and restrictions before your move to avoid any last-minute surprises. If you have any items that are not allowed to be transported by your moving company, consider making other arrangements or transporting them yourself to ensure their safety during transit. By planning ahead and being aware of what your moving company can and cannot move, you can make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.