When planning a move, it’s important to know that not all items can be transported by professional movers. Safety, legal, and liability reasons often determine these restrictions. Ignoring them could lead to delays, extra costs, or even legal issues.
Understanding these limitations allows you to plan ahead, avoid surprises, and find alternative solutions for restricted items. Below, we outline the most commonly prohibited items, why they are restricted, and what you can do to ensure your move goes smoothly.
Why Do Moving Companies Have Item Restrictions?
Moving companies handle thousands of relocations every year, and safety is always a priority. Certain items pose risks to the moving crew, your belongings, and even public safety. To prevent potential hazards, most professional moving companies enforce strict transportation guidelines.
Some of the key reasons for these restrictions include:
- Legal Compliance – Movers must follow federal, state, and local regulations that limit the transport of hazardous, perishable, or restricted items.
- Safety Concerns – Items that are flammable, explosive, or chemically reactive pose serious risks to moving crews and vehicles.
- Damage Prevention – Perishable goods, liquids, and fragile valuables can contaminate or damage other household items in transit.
- Liability Reduction – Movers aim to limit their responsibility for high-value or irreplaceable items that could be lost or broken during transport.
Knowing these regulations ensures you take the right steps to prepare your items and avoid unnecessary headaches on moving day.
Commonly Prohibited Items
1. Hazardous Materials and Flammable Items
Many common household products are considered hazardous due to their flammability, toxicity, or reactivity. These items are typically restricted by moving companies to ensure safety and legal compliance. Movers cannot transport the following:
- Gasoline, propane tanks, and fuel containers – Flammable liquids pose a major fire hazard. Even small fuel leaks can be dangerous in an enclosed moving truck.
- Paint, paint thinner, and varnish – These liquids are not only flammable but can also create toxic fumes when exposed to heat.
- Fireworks, explosives, and ammunition – Firecrackers, gunpowder, and live rounds of ammunition are highly unstable and can ignite unexpectedly.
- Cleaning solvents, bleach, and pesticides – Chemicals like ammonia and chlorine bleach can produce harmful vapors or cause chemical burns.
- Motor oil, antifreeze, and car batteries – Corrosive liquids and battery acid can leak and damage other belongings in the truck.
- Fire extinguishers and aerosol cans – Pressurized containers may explode when exposed to high temperatures, making them unsafe for transport.
How to Handle:
To dispose of hazardous materials, contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods. If you need to transport small amounts of these materials, use secure, leak-proof containers and keep them separate from your other belongings.
2. Perishable Foods
Food that requires refrigeration or has a short shelf life is generally not allowed on moving trucks. This restriction helps prevent spoilage, contamination, and pest infestations inside the moving vehicle. Items typically not allowed include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Frozen foods that could thaw during transport
- Opened food packages that may attract insects or rodents
How to Handle:
If you’re moving locally, pack perishable food in a cooler with ice packs and transport it yourself. For long-distance moves, donate unopened food items to a local food bank or shelter.
3. Plants and Outdoor Items
Moving companies typically do not transport live plants because they can carry pests, soil contaminants, and diseases that may affect local ecosystems. In addition, some states have strict agricultural regulations that prevent the transportation of certain plant species across state lines. Restricted items include:
- Indoor houseplants
- Outdoor plants, shrubs, and small trees
- Potting soil and gardening materials
How to Handle:
If you’re attached to your plants, consider transporting them in your own vehicle with proper ventilation. Alternatively, gift them to a friend, neighbor, or local community garden.
4. Valuable and Sentimental Items
While moving companies can transport expensive belongings, it’s often safer to keep these items with you to prevent loss, theft, or damage. Movers typically will not take responsibility for:
- Jewelry, watches, and precious metals
- Cash, credit cards, and financial documents
- Family heirlooms, antiques, and sentimental keepsakes
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Important identification (passports, birth certificates)
How to Handle:
Pack valuable and personal items in a secure bag or personal safe. Keep them with you at all times during the move.
5. Firearms and Ammunition
Federal and state laws strictly regulate the transportation of firearms and ammunition. Moving companies are prohibited from handling:
- Loaded or unloaded firearms
- Ammunition, gunpowder, and firearm accessories
- Military-grade weapons or explosive materials
How to Handle:
To legally transport firearms, consult a licensed firearm dealer or check with law enforcement agencies for specific regulations.
6. Pets and Livestock
Moving trucks are not designed to transport live animals, including household pets and farm animals. The lack of proper ventilation, food, and water makes it unsafe for animals to travel inside a moving truck. Restricted animals include:
- Household pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals)
- Fish tanks and aquariums
- Farm animals (chickens, goats, horses)
How to Handle:
Make special travel arrangements for pets using a pet relocation service or airline-approved pet carrier. If driving, ensure your pet is secured in a well-ventilated vehicle with food and water available.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure about an item, call your moving company ahead of time for clarification.
Final Thoughts
Understanding moving company item restrictions helps prevent delays, extra fees, or complications on moving day. By planning ahead, you can make the necessary arrangements for restricted items and ensure a smooth relocation.
At Ken’s Pack and Move, we are committed to making your move hassle-free and efficient. If you need expert guidance or professional moving services, we’re here to help every step of the way.