What Will Moving Companies Not Move: A Guide

Moving companies often have specific items they won't move to ensure a safe and efficient relocation.

Flammable liquids and gases, such as paint thinner and propane, are usually not allowed due to fire hazards.

Perishable items like food and plants are also typically not moved, as they can spoil or die during transit.

Some companies may also refuse to move certain types of chemicals or fuels, such as gasoline or diesel.

Moving companies have specific guidelines on what they won't move due to safety concerns. This includes everyday items that might seem harmless but can be hazardous in transit.

Some items that movers won't move include antiques, fireworks, gardening tools and lawnmowers without emptied gas tanks, grill and barbeque supplies and tools, high-value items, lighter fluid and motor oil, and liquor, wine, and beer. Your movers can provide you with a complete list of hazardous or dangerous items they won't move.

Here are some hazardous materials that movers won't move due to their risk of leakage or explosion: Guns and ammunitionBlack powder, smokeless powderIgniters or primersFireworksLighter fluid/matchesPropellersSignal flaresAcids/AmmoniaGasoline/Kerosene or other petroleum productsYard equipment containing fuelMotor oil/AntifreezeLamp oilFluid cleanersDyesDisinfectantsPesticides/Fertilizer/Weed killers/PoisonsPropane tanksPaint, paint thinners, and other paint-related materialsNail polish and nail polish removerAerosol cans (deodorant, hair spray)CharcoalPool chemicalsFire extinguishersScuba diving tanksCar batteriesCleaning supplies/bleachLiquor (alcoholic beverages)CandlesDangerous or unidentified liquids

Perishable foods are a no-go for moving companies. They can't keep your frozen chicken and milk cold during transportation, making them unlikely to be safe for consumption by the time you arrive at your new home.

Moving companies typically only agree to move non-perishable food items that can withstand being in a truck for days without refrigeration. This is a safety precaution to avoid someone getting sick from eating spoiled food.

Some common perishable foods that moving companies won't move include frozen foods, refrigerated foods, and fresh foods. Open containers of non-perishable foods are also a no-go.

It's not just about safety; perishable foods can also cause damage to your other belongings during transit. They can release unpleasant odors, attract insects or rodents, and grow mold, making a mess of your shipment.

Here's a list of common perishable foods that moving companies won't move:

Moving companies won't move cleaning supplies due to the risk of liquids spilling and causing damage to other household items. This is a common practice among movers to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth relocation process.

You'll need cleaning supplies to clean up your old place, so plan ahead and give any excess supplies to neighbors or friends. They can use them and you won't have to worry about storing or transporting them.

Some examples of cleaning supplies that movers won't move include bleach, disinfectants, and fluid cleaners. These items can be hazardous if not handled properly, so it's best to leave them behind.

If you're concerned about not having cleaning supplies at your new home, don't worry – you can always buy new ones when you arrive. Many cleaning supplies are inexpensive and easily available at local stores.

Here are some examples of cleaning supplies that movers won't move:

You'll want to leave your pets behind when moving with a professional moving company. Movers won't move pets under any circumstances.

Pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and exotic pets, aren't allowed in moving vans. The air conditions inside are bad and temperatures can quickly reach extreme values.

You'll need to plan and organize a separate way for your pet to reach the new home.

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Flammable items like lighter fluid, matches, and fireworks pose a significant safety risk to the moving team in the event of a collision. Movers won't handle oxygen tanks, solvents, acids, and some household cleaning supplies due to their hazardous nature.

Some common household items that are considered hazardous include aerosol cans, paint thinners, and nail polish remover. These items can cause harm to the moving team and damage to the moving van if not handled properly.

Here's a list of hazardous materials that movers won't move:

Hazardous Materials can pose a significant risk to the safety of you, your moving team, and the environment. Movers won't transport hazardous items that could lead to team members getting hurt.

Some common household items moving companies won't move include fire extinguishers, spray paint, nail polish remover, paint thinners, and cleaning products. Each moving company has its own list of items it will not move, and the items considered hazardous might vary between providers.

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You should ask your moving company for a complete list of dangerous items you cannot move to speed up the moving process and ensure safety. Some gardeners use specialized weed killers and fertilizers containing nitrogen, which can cause corrosive damage to the moving van.

Movers similarly won't handle oxygen tanks, solvents, acids, and some household cleaning supplies. Flammable items or highly pressurized items like scuba tanks present a safety hazard to the moving team in a collision.

Here's a general list of hazardous materials movers won't move:

Remember to contact your moving company if you're unsure whether you're allowed to pack and move a specific household item.

Some items might present a liability to movers, so it's essential to be aware of what's not allowed. Moving companies can refuse to move certain items, even if it's not against the law.

Unloaded firearms, for instance, are not against the law to transport across state lines, but some movers still decline to move them due to injury concerns. This means you should be prepared to take responsibility for these items yourself.

High-value items, like family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, and medical records, are best kept with you during the move. Movers typically require you to take these items with you to your new home, as they don't want to be responsible for potential damage.

Separating these items before moving will save you and the movers a lot of stress in the long run.

The biggest reason moving companies won't move certain items is due to safety concerns. This is a top priority for moving companies, and they have lists of prohibited and restricted items that they simply won't transport.

Mayflower, a well-known moving company, has a specific list of items that they won't move, including hazardous items like explosives, flammable gases, and toxic substances. These items must be disposed of properly to comply with federal, state, and local laws and to protect the environment.

Here are some examples of prohibited items, as listed by Mayflower:

High-value items are not something you'll want to leave in the hands of your movers, as they can be a liability. Many moving companies won't move items worth a lot of money, such as money, checkbooks, and expensive jewelry.

Your electronics may also be off-limits, especially if they're worth a pretty penny. A 1969 Reggie Jackson baseball card worth over $115,000 is a prime example of an item that's best kept with you.

Important documents like medical records should also be taken care of personally. Your movers should not move these, so be sure to pack them safely yourself.

Your irreplaceable items, like photo albums, are also best brought along with you. These are the kinds of things that can't be replaced, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Prohibited items can be a real headache when moving, but it's essential to know what you can and can't take with you. Safety concerns are the biggest reason moving companies won't move certain items.

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Mayflower, a well-known moving company, has a list of prohibited items that they won't transport. These include hazardous items like explosives, flammable gases, and toxic substances. You'll need to dispose of these items properly to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

Some specific items that are prohibited include batteries, household cleaning products, corrosive chemicals or poisons, and lawn and garden chemicals. You'll also need to leave behind flammables and explosives, live animals or plants, gas and oil products, and compressed gas cylinders.

Here are some of the specific items that Mayflower won't transport:

It's worth noting that Mayflower may prohibit other items at their discretion, so it's always a good idea to check with them directly if you're unsure about something.

Restricted items are a crucial consideration when preparing for a move. If you're planning to include certain items in your shipment, you'll need to provide prior written notice to your move coordinator.

These items may be included in your shipment after thorough preparation, but be aware that you include them at your own risk. Claims for loss or damage resulting from shipping these items may be denied.

Some examples of restricted items include batteries powering personal mobility devices and cordless power tools. These items require special care to ensure safe transportation.

You'll also need to be mindful of scuba tanks and firearms (unloaded), which may be included in your shipment with proper preparation and notice. Clean gasoline cans and other fuel storage containers are also on the list of restricted items.

Here's a list of the restricted items mentioned:

Live animals are not typically moved by professional moving companies, as they require specialized care and equipment to ensure their safety during transit.

Some moving companies may not move hazardous materials, such as fireworks, paint, or chemicals, due to the potential risks they pose to people and property.

High-value or irreplaceable items, like fine art or antique furniture, may not be moved by some companies due to the risk of damage or loss.

Family heirlooms are often too valuable to leave to the mercy of a moving company. Some moving companies may not even transport them because of the risk of losing or damaging the belongings.

Many moving companies have policies regarding valuables and sentimental items. Movers' liability coverage for these items may only cover the item's current market value – not the amount of money you originally paid.

It's worth noting that if the item is sentimentally valuable, then no amount of money can ever replace it. Family heirlooms are often irreplaceable, making it all the more important to take extra care when moving them.

For a full list of moving non-allowables, you can check our guide. And if you're looking to get rid of these items before the move, check out our complete guide to the pre-move purge.

Plants are a special case when it comes to moving, and it's best to leave them behind. Movers won't normally transport plants because it's too risky.

Moving companies can't transport house plants on moves longer than 150 miles without a special license. This is a strict rule, and it's not worth the risk of getting in trouble.

The heat on the backs of moving trucks is extreme, and your leafy friends won't survive the relocation trip. I've seen it happen before, and it's heartbreaking.

Some plants can even carry pests and parasites to a new region of the country. This is a serious concern, and it's better to err on the side of caution.

Here are some reasons why movers won't move plants:

So, if you have plants, it's best to make other arrangements for them during your move. Consider asking a friend or family member to take care of them, or look into local plant-sitting services.

Moving companies have their limits, and it's not just about packing and loading your belongings. The biggest reason they won't move certain items is due to safety concerns.

Some items are just too fragile or perishable to be transported by moving companies. Plants, for example, are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, making them a poor choice for relocation.

Moving companies won't normally transport plants because it's too risky. They could be damaged or even killed during the move.

Here are some specific reasons why moving companies won't move plants: