Think your movers will transport any item without restrictions? We are not so sure about it. If you're considering hiring a professional moving company for the job, it's essential to be aware that there are specific items even the most reputable movers will not allow on their trucks. While some items are undoubtedly prohibited, such as loaded firearms and propane tanks, others may come as a surprise.
To assist you in preparing for your move, we have compiled a list of items that professional movers commonly refuse or are not allowed to transport in their trucks for various reasons. Familiarizing yourself with these restrictions well in advance will prevent any surprises when it's time to pack your belongings. Keep in mind that this list may vary from one moving company to another, but the best ones share a consistent and professional approach to this matter.
As the moving day swiftly approaches, a multitude of tasks awaits your attention. Preparing packing supplies, creating an inventory and moving to-do list, finalizing your relocation date, and dedicating time to sort through and pack your belongings are just a few of the essential aspects to consider. If the prospect of managing these responsibilities feels overwhelming, consuming a significant amount of your energy and time, rest assured that professional moving services are available to assist you, whether your move is local or long-distance.
Notably, the often-dreaded packing phase of the process can be a seamless experience when entrusted to a highly capable team of experts. However, if you have chosen to handle the packing yourself, it is crucial to ensure you are aware of what items can be safely placed in boxes, especially when dealing with chemicals and hazardous materials. To enhance the organization of this process, let's explore the items that a professional moving crew may refuse to relocate.
Planning to move soon? Here's our best advice: Start emptying that fridge and consume those leftovers! Keep in mind that perishable food items cannot be transported by movers as they cannot maintain a cool temperature during the move. These items can lead to considerable damage and create a significant mess. Rotten food releases unpleasant odors, attracts pests and encourages mold growth. Therefore, it's essential to avoid packing the following food items before the relocation:
If you're not planning to pack everything into a large cooler and transport it to your new home, it's best to discard items like milk, butter, yogurts, ice cream, frozen treats, and fresh produce before moving day. Similarly, any opened food items should also be disposed of.
The good news is that movers can transport unopened non-perishable items, such as canned goods, soups, rice, pasta, and anything else found in your pantry. If you find packing up all the canned items too cumbersome, consider donating the food to your local food bank. Some moving companies are partners with "Move for Hunger," a non-profit organization that collaborates with relocation companies across the U.S. and Canada. Movers working with this initiative can collect unwanted food items and deliver them to the local food bank on your behalf.
An additional tip: If you're moving within the same city or to a nearby location, some movers may agree to transport food as long as it is packed carefully. However, it's essential to check with your specific moving company about their policies regarding food transportation.
Family heirlooms, regardless of their monetary or sentimental value, should be personally packed and carried with you when moving to a new home. Some moving companies have policies regarding valuable and sentimental items due to the risk of loss or damage. Movers' liability coverage may only compensate for the current market value of such items, not their original worth, making sentimental items, like family heirlooms, irreplaceable.
Similarly, high-value items such as money, checkbooks, expensive jewelry, collectible art, electronics, or valuable baseball card collections are often excluded from being moved by moving companies. The responsibility for these items' actual cash value falls on the mover if full-value protection is purchased, which is why they tend to avoid handling such high-value belongings.
Attention all avid divers: Your moving company is likely to have restrictions on transporting scuba gear, so you'll need to find an alternative way to get it to your destination. Scuba tanks containing highly pressurized oxygen and specialized gas mixtures pose potential dangers if mishandled.
The risk of explosion and damage makes it unsafe to place scuba tanks on a moving truck where they could be bumped around during transit or, in extreme cases, explode in an auto accident. If you decide to transport the scuba tanks yourself, ensure they are fully emptied beforehand.
If you're wondering how to handle your cherished indoor plants during the move, the answer is straightforward – you'll need to find a way to part with them. Moving companies typically do not transport plants due to several reasons:
For local moves, consider personally packing and bringing plants with you, securely wrapped to avoid damage during transportation. For long-distance moves, consider gifting your plants to friends, neighbors, schools, nursing homes, or hospitals. Alternatively, the most straightforward approach is to move your potted plants in your own vehicle.
An additional tip: it's crucial to check with your State Plant Regulatory Official before attempting to move certain plants to a new state.
As for moving pets, they are living beings and cannot be treated like regular belongings. Pets, such as dogs, cats, or fish, are not allowed inside moving trucks. Instead, you have several options to ensure your furry, feathered, or scaly companions arrive safely:
When it comes to nail polish and nail polish remover, it's essential to know that movers won't transport these items due to their extreme flammability under certain conditions, such as exposure to an open flame or heat. To ensure safety during your move, it's recommended to dispose of these toxic products properly before the relocation. If you're moving a long distance, it's best to discard them and replace them once you reach your new home.
Outdoor equipment, including lawn and pool equipment, might not be allowed for transportation either. Hazardous materials like acids and treatment chemicals should be disposed of before moving day or left for the new homeowners. Similarly, weed killers, fertilizers, and pesticides fall under the category of non-transportable items. If uncertain about moving a particular product, don't hesitate to inquire with your moving company.
As for grills and barbecue supplies, while the movers can transport the actual grill or smoker, some associated items cannot be moved. Charcoal and lighter fluid, being extremely flammable, cannot be taken with you. For gas grills, propane tanks must be emptied before loading them onto the moving truck. To ensure safety, let the grill or smoker cool for at least a day before the move, and clean it thoroughly to avoid dirtying other items being loaded onto the truck.
It's pretty obvious, but moving companies will not transport firearms or ammunition due to various state regulations and safety concerns. To avoid complications, it's best to entrust these items to a federally licensed firearm dealer who can ship them to your new location. This option provides a hassle-free and secure way to handle firearms across state lines.
Fireworks contain hazardous materials such as black powder and coloring elements, making them unsuitable for moving. Additionally, state and local regulations vary regarding fireworks, further complicating the transport process. Movers prefer not to transport chemicals like fireworks, so it's best to handle them personally, especially if moving within the same city.
Surprisingly, common cleaning supplies like Windex and bleach cannot be packed for the move. Some of these products contain flammable materials, and the risk of leakage and damage to other items on the truck is a concern for movers. Consider setting aside essential cleaning products to travel with you or donate them to friends or family before purchasing replacements at your new home.
Movers may refuse to transport alcohol due to varying liquor laws and safety considerations. Some states have restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can bring for personal use. Additionally, alcohol is flammable, making it a risky item to transport in a moving truck. If you have valuable wine collections, consider hiring a specialized wine relocation company that can expertly pack and transport them in climate-controlled vehicles.
The time of your move offers a valuable chance to dispose of any hazardous household chemicals or dangerous materials safely. Prioritize a thorough inspection of your garage for any open containers or excessive amounts of gasoline, fuel, or other potentially harmful liquids, and responsibly dispose of them at your local dump. For long-distance moves, it's advisable to avoid transporting household chemicals and hazardous materials. Instead, opt to dispose of them safely before the move and purchase new ones at your new location.
This ensures a safer relocation without the risk of spills or leaks during the journey. In the case of local moves, you can transport potentially hazardous materials in your car, but it's crucial to take necessary precautions. Avoid placing these items in closed boxes; instead, keep the box lids open during transportation to minimize any potential risks.
You should not expect your mover to transport any items that are corrosive, flammable, or explosive, as it is illegal for them to do so. Respectable relocation companies prioritize safety and will refuse to carry certain objects in their trailers. Here are some common or less-known items that movers will not transport due to safety reasons:
For yard equipment, such as a lawnmower, it is crucial to drain the gas from the tank before loading it into the moving truck to reduce any potential risks. Prioritizing safety during the move is essential, and understanding which items are not permissible for transportation can help ensure a smooth and secure relocation.
Certain items can be transported with proper preparation in place. We've compiled examples of such items that can be moved by movers, provided they're adequately readied for transport:
As the list of items that moving companies won't transport can vary, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what to pack and what to leave behind. To ensure a smooth relocation process, it's advisable to reach out to your chosen moving company and familiarize yourself with their terms and conditions. This proactive step will help you organize your move efficiently and eliminate any unforeseen issues on a moving day.
For comprehensive insights into restricted items, why not request a free moving quote? This not only provides an estimate of your moving costs but also includes valuable information about items that cannot be transported. By doing so, you'll enhance the overall ease of your move and prevent any last-minute surprises. Get started with Move4U today and ensure a hassle-free relocation experience.
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