11 things moving companies won’t move: Moving day tips you should know

Key points

• Check your fridge and pantry — perishable food and liquor typically won’t go on move day.

• Make separate arrangements for your pets and live plants.

• Donate or properly dispose of chemicals, oil and gasoline before your movers arrive.

To ensure the care of your belongings and the welfare of the moving team, professional movers may refuse to transport certain items for safety, legal or logistical reasons. While you may know some things movers won’t move, such as hazardous chemicals and fireworks, what about succulents and your grandma’s antique armoire?

Know which items your movers will or won’t move before you take out the bubble wrap. Preparation will help you avoid problems on moving day and make time for special arrangements to deal with nontransportable items.

Here are 11 common household items that even the best moving companies won’t pack up, plus practical tips on how to handle restricted items and how to get specialty items to your new home.

Things moving companies won’t move

If you’re hiring professional movers, ask for the company’s list of items that are off-limits. Below are the most common items movers may leave off the truck and tips for managing them.

Perishable food

Packing a gallon of milk is sure to sour your move. Perishable food items on a moving truck run the risk of spoilage, leakage and potential damage to other items.

If you’re planning a long-distance move, especially in the warmer months, consume or donate perishable items before the moving truck is at your door. For a local move, consider stashing these items in a cooler before you head out.

That doesn’t mean that moving perishable items is impossible. “It just depends on the move distance and how the items are packed,” said Vanessa Niemann, project manager at The Occasional Wife, a New Orleans company that offers packing and moving services.

“We moved an entire freezer full of meat once, but a lot of preparation went into it. We had to get enough dry ice to preserve everything for a full day on the road in the heat of summer.” To ensure the food didn’t spoil, the moving team put the freezer on the truck last so that it would come off first and get plugged in right away at the client’s new home.

Liquor

Liquor transportation laws vary from state to state. Fortunately, moving companies are typically on top of alcoholic beverage regulations. Some moving companies may agree to transport well-packed bottles, while others may refuse. 

“We’ll move alcohol and other liquids, but we ask that clients line boxes containing liquids with trash bags,” Niemann said. “That way, if something breaks, it doesn’t make a big mess. Remember, the boxes are going to be stacked on the truck, so a spill could get into a bunch of your other boxes.”

If the moving company won’t move your liquor, pack the bottles securely and take them in your vehicle.

Cleaning products

Federal law prohibits moving companies from transporting cleaning supplies made with hazardous materials, such as bleach and ammonia. If those leak, they would create a noxious gas inside the moving truck.

For a local move, load your car with securely packed cleaning products. For a cross-country move, donate or properly dispose of the cleaners, then buy new ones later.

Hazardous and flammable materials

Due to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, moving companies can’t transport hazardous materials such as explosives and flammable liquids and gasses. Strict regulations and licensing requirements govern the transportation of such items because flammable substances pose a fire hazard to the truck. Common household items that moving services don’t allow include the following:

• Acids and corrosives 
• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Antifreeze
• Bleach
• Car batteries
• Fire extinguishers
• Fireworks or explosives
• Gasoline
• Herbicide
• Lighter fluid
• Nail polish remover
• Paint thinner
• Pesticides
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks
• Weed killer

It is extremely important that you understand how to dispose of these potentially dangerous items. Contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or your local hazardous waste disposal company for guidelines.  

Pets

Pets require special care and attention, and it’s your responsibility to arrange safe transport. Moving companies will not transport pets under any circumstances. Consider using pet relocation services or make personal arrangements to ensure your furry friends have a stress-free move.

Live plants

A moving company is not likely to load up your plants for a long-distance move. The National Plant Board states that the U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits the transportation of live nursery and greenhouse flora across state lines unless you obtain permits that comply with agricultural or plant protection agency regulations. These restrictions aim to prevent the spread of pests, diseases and invasive species. 

However, your movers may be willing to transport common houseplants if your new home is nearby. But a destination that takes more than a few hours to reach is inhospitable to your botanical buddies. After all, you’re putting pots into a dark, hot space with little air circulation. Your best option is to load up the car and transport the houseplants yourself.

Valuable antiques and personal items

Reputable moving companies pride themselves on how they handle valuables, but certain high-value items and priceless personal possessions might be better off in your hands — especially if you need to move irreplaceable objects such as family heirlooms. Such items include the following:

• Antiques
• Birth certificates
• Family heirlooms
• Financial documents
• Home and car keys 
• Jewelry
• Passports
• Photo albums
• Marriage certificates
• Medical records

Large antiques, such as furniture and art, may need specialized services. Most movers charge extra for custom crating and comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure the valuable goods arrive at your new home safely. You’ll definitely want to go this route if the company you booked plans to make a stop at the warehouse or storage facility as part of the moving process. Keep track of smaller items, including keys, certificates and other important documents, to ensure they won’t get misplaced.

Firearms

Moving companies can legally transport unloaded guns (but not ammunition) as long as they comply with federal and state laws. However, some moving companies, including Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines, highlight that transporting firearms is “not recommended.”

Smaller companies may tailor policies to suit their business. “Regardless of state and federal regulations for transporting guns, we won’t do it because it’s a liability, and it’s not safe for our staff,” Niemann explained.

Before packing firearms for transport in your own vehicle, conduct thorough research on rules across state lines. You can also contact a federally licensed firearms dealer who will ship them for you.

Fueled lawn equipment 

Movers won’t transport outdoor power equipment, including lawnmowers, chainsaws and weed trimmers, if they still have fuel and motor oil. It’s illegal to transport these flammable substances since they pose a significant safety risk to movers and other items on the truck. 

Check the fuel tanks before movers arrive as these hazardous substances require proper waste management.

Scuba tanks and oxygen tanks

Moving companies won’t allow scuba tanks on the truck because the canisters contain highly pressurized oxygen, which can be dangerous to transport. Moreover, a pressurized scuba tank could explode on impact if the truck is in an accident. Check with your moving company to see if they will transport your scuba tank if you empty it beforehand. 

To prevent potential accidents, always empty oxygen tanks if you plan to move them yourself. 

Chemistry sets

Moving companies won’t transport chemistry sets because they could include hazardous chemicals, such as iodine. The risk of spillage or breakage during transit poses a safety concern for the movers and your belongings. As an alternative, you can secure and transport these sets in your own vehicle.

What’s next?

There’s no set universal list of what moving companies won’t transport, but your moving company can provide guidelines and recommendations specific to its team. As you request a quote from a professional moving company, ask for a list of prohibited items before you book.

You may have to contract specialty moving services or donate and dispose of some things. While this is inconvenient or even costly, these rules follow federal laws, protect the movers and ensure your belongings make it to your new location safely.

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