What Movers Won’t Move
Every professional moving company restricts the same handful of item categories — for safety and liability reasons, not to be difficult. Here’s the real list, and what to do instead.
Restricted Items
Hazardous materials
Propane tanks, gasoline, paint thinner, pool chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, aerosols
Perishable food
Refrigerated and frozen food, anything that can spoil in a truck over travel time
Plants
Most movers restrict live plants, especially for long-distance moves — pack these in your own vehicle
Pets
Movers aren’t equipped or licensed to transport animals — plan separate pet transportation
Irreplaceable valuables
Cash, jewelry, important documents (passports, deeds, wills) — keep these with you, not on the truck
Illegal items
Anything illegal to possess or transport under state or federal law
What To Do Instead
Hazardous materials
Check your city or county’s household hazardous waste drop-off program, or use up/give away what you can before move day.
Perishables
Plan meals to use up your fridge/freezer in the week before your move, or transport a cooler yourself.
Plants
Transport in your own car — most survive a car ride better than a moving truck anyway.
Pets
Book a pet-specific transport service for long distances, or drive them yourself for local moves.
Valuables & documents
Keep these on your person or in a locked bag in your own vehicle, not packed with household goods.
Questions About This
Will movers refuse to move my whole truckload if they find a restricted item?
No — if we spot something restricted while loading, we’ll just set it aside and let you know, not stop the job. It’s easiest for everyone if restricted items are separated out before the crew arrives.
Can I ask movers to move something unusual, like a hot tub or a safe?
Large or specialty items like safes are handled case-by-case — ask when you book so we can bring the right equipment and crew size. See our pricing page for how specialty items factor into your quote.
What about opened bottles of alcohol or cleaning supplies?
Opened liquids and many cleaning products count as restricted (spill and hazmat risk) — plan to use them up, give them away, or transport them yourself, sealed, in your own vehicle.