What Movers Won't Move — and What to Do About It
There's a long list of items professional movers are prohibited from transporting. Knowing it in advance prevents surprises on move day.
Every professional moving company maintains a list of items they're prohibited from transporting. Some items are legally restricted. Others are excluded for safety reasons or because they require specialized handling beyond the scope of standard moving services. Knowing the list in advance prevents scrambles on move day.
Hazardous materials. This is the big category. Flammable, corrosive, explosive, and toxic materials cannot go on a moving truck. That means: propane tanks, lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, pool chemicals, certain cleaning solvents, batteries with acid leakage, and ammunition. Most of these need to be used up, properly disposed of, or transported in your own vehicle.
Perishable food. Most movers won't transport open food or items that could spoil in transit. Eat it, donate it, or pack it in a cooler in your car for local moves.
Live plants. Some states have agricultural restrictions on transporting plants across state lines. Even where it's legal, plants don't survive well in sealed moving trucks without light or temperature control. Most movers exclude them.
Pets. Obviously — but worth saying. Pets travel with you, not in the truck.
Irreplaceable and high-value items. Movers will transport jewelry and important documents, but most recommend keeping truly irreplaceable items — heirlooms, passports, financial documents, sentimental items — in your personal possession during the move.
What to do. About two weeks before your move, walk through your home with this list in mind. Set aside anything that can't go on the truck and make a plan for each item. Your moving coordinator can walk you through the specifics for your move.