When planning a household move, it’s crucial to understand that professional movers have guidelines and restrictions on what they can transport. These restrictions can save you from last-minute surprises and ensure a smoother moving process. Here are some key reasons why movers can’t move certain items and how you can handle these items yourself.
1. Hazardous Materials
Reason: Safety and Legal Regulations
Movers cannot transport hazardous materials due to safety concerns and legal regulations. These things may cause serious hazards while in transit, including fires, explosions, or toxic leaks. Hazardous materials include:
- Flammable Items: Gasoline, lighter fluid, propane tanks, and kerosene.
- Chemicals: Paints, paint thinners, bleach, and ammonia.
- Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, and aerosol cans.
How to Handle: Safely dispose of hazardous materials before your move. Contact your local waste management company for the correct disposal methods. For items like gasoline or propane, use them or give them away if possible.
2. Perishable Food
Reason: Spoilage and Pest Attraction
Movers generally avoid transporting perishable food items due to the risk of spoilage and potential pest attraction. Perishables include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.
How to Handle: Consume or donate perishable food before moving day. If you must transport some perishables, pack them in a cooler with ice packs and transport them in your own vehicle.
3. Plants
Reason: State Regulations and Plant Health
Many moving companies refuse to transport plants because of state regulations and the risk of damaging the plants. Moving plants across state lines can also be subject to agricultural restrictions to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
How to Handle: Transport plants in your own vehicle if possible. Keep them in stable containers and ensure they are well-watered. Check with your new state’s regulations regarding plant transportation.
4. Valuable and Sentimental Items
Reason: Liability Concerns
Movers often advise against transporting valuable or sentimental items to avoid liability for loss or damage. These items include:
- Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, watches, and other valuable pieces.
- Important Documents: Passports, birth certificates, and legal documents.
- Heirlooms: Family photos, antiques, and other irreplaceable items.
How to Handle: Pack and transport valuable and sentimental items yourself. Keep them in a secure, easily accessible place during the move.
5. Personal and Irreplaceable Items
Reason: Personal Nature and Risk of Loss
The owner best transports personal items that are irreplaceable or have significant sentimental value. These can include:
- Personal Electronics: Laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Medications: Prescription medications and medical supplies.
- Keys and Important Cards: House keys, car keys, credit cards, and IDs.
How to Handle: Pack a separate box or bag with personal and irreplaceable items and keep it with you during the move. This ensures they are always within your control and reduces the risk of loss.
6. Pets
Reason: Safety and Comfort
Pets require special care and attention during a move, which professional movers cannot provide. Transporting pets in a moving truck can be stressful and unsafe for the animals.
How to Handle: Plan to transport pets in your own vehicle. Prepare a pet travel kit with food, water, medication, and comfort items. Ensure pets are secure in a carrier or seatbelt harness during the journey.
7. Firearms and Ammunition
Reason: Legal and Safety Concerns
Moving companies often refuse to transport firearms and ammunition due to strict legal regulations and safety concerns. The transportation of firearms requires special permits and adherence to federal and state laws.
How to Handle: Research and comply with all regulations for transporting firearms. Consider using a specialized firearms shipping service or transporting them yourself, ensuring they are unloaded and securely stored.
Moving Simplified
Consult your mover for a complete list of prohibited and restricted items. Understanding why movers can’t transport certain items can help you plan accordingly and ensure a hassle-free move. Contact us for our help with a smooth and successful moving experience.
