You’ve hired a great moving company, you’re almost packed, and then you notice something: a half-full propane tank in the garage. A shelf of cleaning chemicals under the sink. A beloved house plant you’ve been nursing for three years. What happens to all of it?
The truth is, professional movers, including Mayflower Agents like Premier Relocations, are legally prohibited from transporting certain items. These restrictions exist to protect you, your belongings, and the crew handling your move. Knowing what falls into this category ahead of time means no surprises on moving day.
Why Movers Can’t Transport Certain Items
Federal and state regulations govern what can be transported in a moving truck. Hazardous materials pose obvious safety risks, but the restrictions also cover items that could spoil, leak, or contaminate other belongings during transit. Violating these rules can void your insurance coverage, meaning damage to your other items may not be covered if prohibited items were present.
Hazardous Materials: Dispose Before You Move
This is the most critical category. Items that are flammable, corrosive, explosive, or toxic cannot be loaded onto a moving truck. Common household examples include:
- Propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders
- Gasoline, motor oil, and lighter fluid
- Paint, paint thinner, and turpentine
- Bleach, ammonia, and pool chemicals
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Car batteries and lithium batteries (in some cases)
- Fire extinguishers
What to do: Use up what you can before the move. Many communities have hazardous waste drop-off programs, check with your local municipality for scheduled collection events. Hardware stores sometimes accept partial cans of paint for recycling.
Perishable Food and Open Packages
Most movers won’t transport open food containers, produce, or refrigerated items, and for good reason. Even short moves can expose food to temperatures that accelerate spoilage, which can attract pests and ruin other belongings in transit.
What to do: In the weeks before your move, shop strategically and use up perishables. Donate unopened non-perishables to a local food bank. Pack a cooler for essentials you’ll need in the first 24 hours at your new home.
Plants
Many movers decline to transport houseplants, especially for long-distance moves. Plants can carry soil pests that are regulated at state borders, and they’re vulnerable to temperature extremes inside a truck. Some states have strict agricultural regulations about which plants can cross state lines.
What to do: For local moves, transport plants in your own vehicle. For long-distance moves, consider giving beloved plants to friends or family and starting fresh. If you’re moving a prized specimen, research the plant transport regulations for your destination state beforehand.
Pets
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: no reputable moving company will transport live animals. Beyond the ethical concerns, pets can suffer serious harm in an unventilated truck with no climate control.
What to do: Arrange pet transport yourself; via your personal vehicle, a pet-friendly airline, or a licensed pet relocation service. Book early, especially for air travel with larger animals.
High-Value Items: Consider Carrying These Yourself
While not prohibited, there are certain items your mover may advise you to transport personally, or that may not be fully covered under standard valuation protection:
- Jewelry, cash, and important documents
- Medications and medical devices
- Irreplaceable photos, keepsakes, or collectibles
- Electronics like laptops and tablets
Carrying these yourself gives you direct control and eliminates the risk of loss or damage during transit.
When in Doubt, Ask
If you’re not sure whether something can be moved, just ask. Our team at Premier Relocations will give you a straight answer and help you figure out the best plan for anything that doesn’t make it onto the truck. A good mover isn’t just there for the boxes, we’re here to help the whole process go smoothly.
Have questions about your upcoming move? Reach out to Premier Relocations, we’re happy to help you plan every detail.
