9 surprising items professional movers won't move — are yours on the list? (2024)

Professional movers will pack and transfer just about anything in your home, but they won't even touch some things. Federal regulations limit moving companies from handling anything deemed hazardous. That includes common household items such as nail polish remover.

Here's a list of other things you'll have to make alternate plans for before you move. You could squirrel some of them away and take your chances, but movers may make you sign a document to state you won't move any of the following items.

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Potentially hazardous items you'll need to move yourself

Batteries

9 surprising items professional movers won't move — are yours on the list? (1)

You may think your batteries are harmless, but they have the potential to become little, toxic fire starters. Sitting in the back of a hot truck can cause them to combust, so movers will avoid transporting them. Even if they don't start a fire, heat and punctures can cause batteries to leak, leaving toxic chemicals in their wake.

Gas, nail polish remover, and other flammable liquids

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If you keep gas or oil in your garage for lawn equipment, you'll have to move it yourself. For the same reason as batteries, flammable liquids are a no-go in hot trucks where they can leak and catch fire. Even nail polish remover is a hazard, so sweep your home for flammable liquids and securely transport them yourself or properly dispose of them.

Ammunition and explosives

It should probably go without saying, but we'll write it anyway: your movers won't handle explosives. And while they will sometimes move unloaded firearms, ammunition is prohibited. If you're crossing state lines, check the local laws and regulations for how to legally transport guns and ammunition.

Corrosive chemicals, poisons, and cleaning products

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Toxic chemicals can easily leak during the moving process. Not only is this a health hazard to your movers, but corrosive chemicals can damage the rest of your belongings or the moving truck. Your movers will also refuse to handle household cleaning products because of their potential to form a toxic gas when combined.

Pressurized gas cylinders

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If you or a loved one has ever used an oxygen tank, you probably know how dangerous they are. The potential hazards from a puncture or leak, stray spark, or excessive heat aren't worth the risk of loading them into a moving truck. This is also true for other pressurized containers like propane tanks, fire extinguishers, hairsprays, and anything else that can pose a fire or projectile risk.

Live plants and animals

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No sane pet owner would ever think of tossing Fido in the back of a moving truck, but moving companies would refuse them if an insane one tried. The reasons should be obvious, but animals can be unpredictable, dangerous in stressful situations, and could make a mess of your neatly packed belongings. Such an act would be downright animal cruelty, too.

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Movers will also refuse to transport your live plants as well. Just like pets, they can't guarantee their safety during a move. Depending on the plant, they may also be dangerous for your movers to handle due to allergies or pokes from thorns.

Waxes (even candles)

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Professional movers like to be neat so your stuff arrives clean and safe. One quick way to screw up all of that preparation is having wax melt all over the place. Hot box trucks are not suitable for candles or other waxes, and most movers will ask you to transport them yourself.

Perishable food

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As much as we may wish we could move our refrigerators with everything in them, that's a recipe for disaster. Movers will avoid handling perishable food because they can't guarantee it will stay at a safe temperature. Food can also get messy, and smelly, quickly.

As you're preparing for your move, it's a good idea to try to eat as much of your perishables as possible in the weeks leading up to it. You may be able to donate any sealed goods you have left to a food bank or other charity organization. For non-perishables, movers will typically be happy to handle your canned and boxed goods. So, yeah, finish off that fresh fish before you move.

Important documents, prescriptions, and other valuables

9 surprising items professional movers won't move — are yours on the list? (9)

You may find that your movers won't handle important personal documents, prescription medications, or other valuable or sentimental items. Simply put, they don't want to be held liable for losing or damaging things like your passport, tax documents, or life-saving medication. Some may refuse to move family keepsakes and other sentimental items because insurance coverage can't make up for their loss.

What to do with things your movers won't move

Mover won't touch certain things for one main reason: safety. While that leaves them in your hands, safety should be no less of a consideration. That's especially true for flammable and toxic items.

If you have to transport any of the things on this list to your new home, make sure to secure them to avoid leaks and punctures. Don't leave flammable or explosive items in a hot environment for too long, and try to move them directly from point A to point B. When moving something that produces fumes, like gas, ensure proper ventilation during transport.

There's a chance some of these things are easier to get rid of than to move. If you choose to dispose of potentially hazardous materials, make sure to follow your local guidelines. Donate what you can, and always recycle things like batteries if possible.

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9 surprising items professional movers won't move — are yours on the list? (2024)

FAQs

9 surprising items professional movers won't move — are yours on the list? ›

Things you can't move Perishable food Liquor Cleaning products Hazardous materials Pets Live plants Valuables & antiques Firearms Fueled lawn equipment Scuba & oxygen tanks Chemistry sets What's next? Check your fridge and pantry — perishable food and liquor typically won't go on move day.

Will a moving company move a lawn mower? ›

If you're hiring a moving company to take your riding lawn mower or push mower to the storage facility or your new home, you must remove all of the oil and fuel from the unit. It is hazardous for the movers to relocate mowers that are still filled with fuel, and most professional moving companies will not do it.

Will movers move laundry detergent? ›

Cleaning products: Household cleaning products contain many harmful chemicals. Moving companies usually refuse to take household cleaning products to avoid spills or hazards.

What do movers move first? ›

Load your heaviest items first. Whether you're a DIY or professional mover, this usually means furniture goes in before boxes, unless you have large, heavy boxed items such as a TV or a floor mirror. Place dressers, chairs, appliances, couches and other large items against the back wall. Make sure they remain upright.

What to pack and not to pack when moving? ›

Don't pack poisonous, flammable chemicals when moving because they can leak and possibly even explode. Carry irreplaceable items like family photos with you instead of packing them in the moving vehicle. Bugs and mice are attracted to packed pantry items like cereal, so avoid packing food.

What will packers not pack? ›

Potentially Dangerous Items
  • Gasoline.
  • Oxygen bottles.
  • Lighter fluid.
  • Matches.
  • Propane cylinders.
  • Nail polish remover.
  • Paints and paint thinners.
  • Fireworks.

Why won't movers take plants? ›

Most moving companies won't move plants. There's a high risk they'll be damaged, and because of the state laws mentioned above, many decline to shoulder the liability. If you do hire a moving company to transport your plants, make sure to double check that they'll actually be able to move them.

Can I leave clothes in drawers for movers? ›

The rule of thumb is you want to take clothing and all your belongings out of your dresser drawers and out of anything with drawers. Some exceptions would be if you have a very small, like a child's dresser, a three-door dresser, very small, very light with just clothing, pillows, that's going to be okay.

Should you wash all your clothes after moving? ›

The best part is having clean, fresh-smelling clothes for a fresh start in your new place. Wash your dirty clothes, of course, but check the clothes that have been sitting a while as well. If anything is a bit musty or needs freshening up, put them through a wash cycle.

How do you transport toiletries when moving house? ›

Packing Toiletries

Use a double layer of plastic bags or seal them in airtight containers to prevent leaks. Secure the caps with tape to prevent them from coming loose during transport. Cushion the items with bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.

What is the hardest room to pack when moving? ›

The kitchen is often the hardest room to pack when moving because it contains many breakable items. It takes time to carefully wrap your plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, knives, and serving dishes.

Should you let movers use your bathroom? ›

Allowing Bathroom Access

During moving day, it is crucial to remember that the movers are engaged in physically demanding work for an extended period. Providing them with access to a clean and functional bathroom can go a long way in ensuring their comfort and well-being.

What is the average cost of local movers? ›

Local moves can cost between $300 and $6,900, depending on the number of bedrooms and belongings you need to move. We recommend finding a local moving company that offers clear and transparent pricing so you know where you fall within this broad range. A long-distance move can cost between $1,050 and $12,700.

What furniture is not worth moving? ›

Bulky furniture: It is one of the most obvious signs that your furniture may not be worth moving. However, it largely depends on the size of your new home and, of course, the money, you plan to spend on the relocation.

What is worth keeping when moving? ›

Personal Records – Obviously, you'll want to keep important documents with you when moving, such as your marriage license, family birth certificates and financial records.

Can you move a self propelled lawn mower? ›

As we talked, even though a self-propelled mower moves by itself, you can still push it.

Is it easier to move a lawn mower? ›

Because when you pull the lawnmower at some angle, one component of force is in the upward direction and one in horizontal (to move). The vertical force reduces the effective weight of the motor which makes it easier.

How do you transfer a lawn mower? ›

  1. Clean the Mower First. Before you pack your lawn mower, be sure it is clean. ...
  2. Remove the Blades. Photo: korchemkin / Adobe Stock. ...
  3. Drain All of the Mower's Liquids. ...
  4. Disconnect the Spark Plugs. ...
  5. Secure Any Loose Parts. ...
  6. Rent a Moving Truck. ...
  7. Hire a Professional to Load and Unload the Mower. ...
  8. Secure the Mower.

Can you put a lawn mower in a moving pod? ›

PODS prohibited items include toxic chemicals, lawn mowers, or illicit goods. If you're not sure if something belongs in storage, consult the PODS website or your storage rental agreement.

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