It’s easy to think your movers are able to transport everything in your home, but there are things movers aren’t allowed to move or may not be safe to move. Fireworks, ammunition and paint thinner are three items movers won’t touch, but there are more.
If you’re going to be working with professional local movers or cross country movers, you’re going to need to be aware of what you can and cannot pack to be loaded onto a moving truck. In addition to obvious things like fireworks, ammunition, and propane tanks, there are some things that aren’t quite so obvious.
6 Items Movers Will Not Move
While moving companies are there to make your move smoother, there are certain items that they won’t transport for various reasons.
These restrictions help ensure the safety of both your belongings and the movers themselves.
Let’s take a closer look at six items that professional movers typically won’t handle.
1. Hazardous Items
Hazardous items are prohibited from being moved or loaded onto moving trucks due to the possibility of accidents or injuries. Moving companies provide strict guidelines as to what cannot be transported, including the items listed below.
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Acids
- Weapons
- Charcoal
- Corrosives
- Cleaning supplies
- Fireworks
- Darkroom chemicals
- Fire extinguishers
- Matches
- Fuel
- Automotive chemicals
- Nail polish or remover
- Oxygen bottles
- Scuba tanks
- Poisons
- Paint thinner
2. Nail Polish & Remover
Nail polish or polish remover may not seem like a big deal, but these products are highly flammable and not permitted to be transported by movers. These will need to be transported with care in order to avoid issues. However, you can also simply get rid of them and replace them once you’ve settled in.
3. Scuba Gear
Are you an avid sea explorer that loves scuba diving? If so, you’re going to need to figure out another way to transport your scuba gear – movers will not transport scuba tanks. Why? Because the pressurized oxygen and gases inside the tank can be volatile if they are improperly handled.
Since items in moving trucks are prone to being jostled, and anything can occur during transport, the risk of a scuba tank exploding is a bit too high for moving companies to risk it. Not only would their equipment be damaged but so would your belongings!
You should speak with the moving company you choose about requirements for scuba gear, as some companies will move a scuba tank if it has been completely emptied first.
4. Perishable Items
Perishable items are also prohibited from being transported. If you’re unsure of what counts as a perishable item, we have listed some of the things considered perishables that professional long distance movers will not move.
- Frozen foods
- Produce
- Living plants
- Refrigerated food
- Open food containers
5. Foods
One of the things you’re going to need to do before your move is to clean out your fridge of anything perishable. Movers aren’t able to transport foods because they won’t be able to be kept at a safe temperature during the trip, which leads to spoiled, moldy food being delivered to your house.
It’s better to get rid of items like yogurts, fresh produce, milk, and opened containers before movers arrive. You should also consider tossing out food in glass containers, as these are more likely to crack or cause damage to your items before they’re delivered.
You can hold on to some food items though, such as boxed items, canned goods, spices, oils, rice, and pasta. Pretty much any food or pantry item that isn’t likely to spoil, break, or leak when packed is good to go.
6. Live Plants
Due to the National Plant Board, certain plants may not be allowed to enter certain states because of their risk of environmental harm. It’s important that you look into plant regulations in your state if you’re planning an interstate move. If you’re moving locally, you can just transport plants yourself – but be careful not to mess up plants or your vehicle!
What About Valuables?
There may or may not be restrictions on the transportation of valuables by your moving company, but either way you should keep these items close to you whenever possible. Valuables include, but are not limited to:
- Family photos
- Heirlooms
- Sentimental items
- Collections
- Important documents
- Cash
- Medications
- Keys
- Personal electronics
- Cell phones
Will Movers Move Pets?
Pets may not perfectly fit into any of the aforementioned categories, but they are also not allowed to be moved by professional moving companies. If you have a pet that needs to be transported to a new place, you’re going to need to get the services of a company specializing in pet transportation.
A pet transportation company ensures that your pet is in good hands the entire way to their new home, handling everything from pick up to drop off of your pal. If you’re transporting your pet yourself, be aware that pets should not roam vehicles freely due to the risk of accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do moving companies pack clothing?
When you get packing services from movers, they will pack anything that isn’t restricted – including clothing. Movers are skilled at packing and know exactly how to ensure you are getting the most out of your boxes. With packing services, your outfits will be in arm’s reach and you can fully enjoy your new home.
Am I supposed to supervise movers?
You’re not obligated to sit and stare at movers the entire time they’re working, but it’s a good idea to stay in reach just in case there’s an issue or movers have questions about how you’d like things done. Supervising movers also gives you the chance to determine how much you’re going to tip – if you’ve decided to tip, that is.
What’s the first thing movers load?
Typically, professional movers will put all of the heavier items on the truck first, such as bulky appliances and large furniture pieces. Once these items are loaded, the rest is easy. Anything square, such as china cabinets, bookcases, and fridges, will usually be loaded so they’re closest to the front of the truck.
Movers Have Restrictions, Too!
Moving companies may be highly convenient, but there are still some things you’re going to need to either transport yourself or toss and replace once you’ve gotten to your new home. If you’re wondering about specific items, be sure to contact your moving company and ask them any questions you have.
