It is easy to think that professional movers can handle any and everything when you decide to shift your home. But most of the companies do not necessarily help you with all the stuff you own. Understanding and knowing what items movers can’t help with can make a lot of difference for a smooth and quick relocation for you without having any last minute surprises. 

Let us break down everything movers are prohibited from transporting and why so that you can avoid any last minute hassle and prepare well in advance. 

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous or flammable materials cannot be transported by movers because of safety standards. These materials are not safe to transport, particularly over long distances or in changing temperatures.

Typical hazardous materials are:

• Gasoline, lighter fluid, propane tanks
• Paints, varnishes, and paint thinners
• Aerosol cans and compressed gases
• Fertilizers and pesticides
• Fireworks and explosives
• Toxic chemicals-containing cleaning supplies

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Tip: Dispose or utilize them safely prior to your moving day. If in doubt as to whether something is toxic or flammable look for toxic or flammable markings on the label.

Perishable Food

Perishable items are not the most favourite to carry while relocating especially for long distance or cross country moves. Movers will usually not transport:

• Fresh food 
• Frozen or refrigerated food
• Open containers of food 

These items can spoil quickly and attract pests which can lead to damage or contamination during the move.

Tip: Use or donate or dispose off the perishable items before moving. Non perishable items like canned goods are allowed especially if unopened. 

Vegetation

There are regulations in some states prohibiting transporting plants from state to state in order to prevent disease and insects. Second, plants don't adjust to environmental change and could die during lengthy transport.

Typically, movers will not relocate:

• Potted plants
• Outdoor garden plants
• Soil with organic matter

Tip: Transport small plants yourself in your own vehicle or share them with neighbors and friends before your relocation.

Personal Items and Valuables

Your professional movers will most likely discourage you from including valuable or irreplaceable items in the rest of your household goods. These kinds of items need to be moved personally to avoid loss or damage.

Examples:

• Cash and jewelry
• Passports and legal documents
• Family heirlooms
• Sentimental photos
• Personal electronics and laptops

Tip: Put these items into a "personal essentials" box and take them with you during your move.

Guns and Ammo

Firearm laws are specific to each state, and the majority of moving companies won't transport guns or ammunition due to safety and liability issues.

Typically forbidden:

• Loaded or unloaded weapons
• Reloading supplies or ammo
• Gunpowder or primers that are explosive

Tip: If you must transport firearms, reach out to your local firearms dealer or hire a federally licensed firearms transporter.

Pets and Animals

Movers don't move animals—no matter how long the move—for legal and ethical reasons. Pets need special care, temperature control, and frequent stops.

Tip: Move pets in your car or hire a professional pet moving company.

Medical and Health Supplies

Movers typically won't move:

• Oxygen tanks (extremely flammable when pressurized)
• Certain prescription medications (because of legal reasons)
• Medical waste or sharps

Tip: Bring your necessary health equipment, medications, and medical records with you.

Scuba Tanks and Pressurized Containers

Scuba tanks and other pressurized containers are dangerous to move because they may explode or leak. They are hazardous even when they are empty.

Tip: Ask your scuba supplier or your local dive shop for guidance on how to move or store these items safely.

Why These Restrictions Matter

The main reasons movers won't move some items are:

• Legal Laws: Federal and state law restrict transportation of certain products.
• Safety: Inflammable, explosive, or toxic materials can lead to great risk to movers and equipment.
• Liability: Important items and sensitive documents are best left in your own custody.

Knowledge protects you and your moving team from miscommunication and potential risks.

What Should You Do?

• Request a list: Ask your mover to provide a list of forbidden items.
• Sort early: Begin marking items that are not allowed at the early stages of packing.
• Plan alternatives: Make arrangements for moving restricted items yourself or safely disposing of them.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What not to take when you move?
Avoid taking hazardous materials and plants along with pets and other valuables that should be taken care of personally.  

What will packers not pack?

Packers usually will not pack flammable items and chemicals or other firearms and high value personal items like jewelry or cash.

Can movers pack candles?
Most movers will not recommend packing candles especially during the hot months since they can melt and damage the other items. 

Why Online Movers & Storage?

We don't simply relocate your items online at Online Movers & Storage. Our professionals make your relocation process simple and hassle-free for you. With proper information regarding what to relocate and what not we give you clear communication and scheduled timings to make your relocation simple from start to end.

We customize our services to meet your individual needs whether you're moving locally or long distance. You're not only renting a moving service when you book with us but you're paying for a team committed to your peace of mind.

About Us

Online Movers & Storage is a reliable moving company with extensive experience in assisting households and companies move within South Florida and beyond. What differentiates us is our professionalism and commitment to making our clients happy. Whether it's expert packing or dealing with logistics we're by your side throughout.

Take a look at https://www.onlinemovers.miami/ for our portfolio of services or inquire about a free quote today.

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