As you prepare for your move, one of the many questions that may come to mind is whether there are any items your moving company won’t transport. The answer to this question can vary depending on the specific moving company you hire.

In general, professional movers will not transport hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, or toxic substances. Firearms and ammunition may also be prohibited for transport.

In this article, we will discuss the common items that moving companies typically won’t move and why. We’ll also provide some tips on how to properly dispose of these items before your move.

Overview of moving company

When planning a move, it is important to understand the policies and regulations of your chosen moving company. Each company may have different restrictions on what items they are willing to transport, as well as guidelines for packing and labeling your belongings.

Before hiring a moving company, it is essential to thoroughly read their terms and conditions to ensure that you are aware of any limitations or additional fees that may apply. This will also give you an idea of how the company handles valuable or fragile items, as well as their insurance policies.

In addition to understanding the specific policies of your chosen moving company, it is also helpful to research reviews and recommendations from previous customers. This can give you insight into the quality of their services and any potential limitations or issues.

Items that are typically not transportable

As mentioned earlier, there are certain items that moving companies will not transport due to safety concerns and regulations. These can include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, and toxic substances.

Other common items that may be prohibited for transport include:

Perishable food items:

Perishable food items are another common category of items that moving companies typically won’t transport. This includes any food that may spoil or go bad during the moving process, such as fresh produce, dairy products, and frozen goods.

Transporting perishable food can not only be a safety hazard but also result in damage to your other belongings due to leakage or spoilage. Additionally, moving companies may not have the proper equipment or temperature-controlled storage to transport these items safely.

Plants:

Plants are another item that moving companies may not transport due to potential damage or restrictions on transporting live items across state lines. This includes both indoor and outdoor plants.

If you have a green thumb and want to bring your plants with you, it is recommended to transfer them into plastic pots before the move. This will make them easier to transport and reduce the risk of damage.

Valuables:

While professional movers are trained to handle your belongings with care, there are certain valuable items that they may not transport due to their high value or fragile nature. This can include jewelry, artwork, antiques, and collectibles.

In such cases, it is best to personally transport these items yourself or make arrangements with a separate specialized moving service that can handle them safely and securely.

Pets:

Pets are also not typically transportable by moving companies, as they require special care and accommodations during a move. This includes all types of pets such as cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and small animals.

Moving can be a stressful experience for pets, and transporting them in a moving truck or van can add to their anxiety. Additionally, having strangers handle and transport them can be unsettling for pets.

Vehicles:

Finally, most moving companies will not transport vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, or boats. This is because they require specialized equipment and proper licensing to transport.

If you need to move a vehicle along with your other belongings, it is best to make separate arrangements with an auto transport company that specializes in this type of service.

Polices and guidelines for moving items

In addition to understanding what items your moving company won’t transport, it is also important to know their policies and guidelines for packing and labeling your belongings. These may include specific instructions for fragile or valuable items, as well as weight restrictions for boxes.

It is recommended to follow these guidelines closely in order to ensure the safety of your belongings during the move. This may also help prevent any issues or damage that could result in additional fees or claims.

Proper disposal of restricted items

If you have any items that are prohibited for transport, it is important to properly dispose of them before your move. This can include hazardous materials, perishable food, and plants.

For hazardous materials, it is best to contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal instructions. Perishable food items can be donated to local food banks or simply consumed before the move. Plants can either be gifted to friends or family, donated to a local plant society, or disposed of through composting.

Tips on how to properly dispose of these items before your move

Here are some tips to properly dispose of the items that your moving company won’t transport:

Research local disposal guidelines:

Before disposing of any prohibited items, it is important to research the local guidelines for proper disposal. This may vary depending on your location and state regulations. Contacting your city or town’s waste management facility can provide you with information on how to properly dispose of hazardous materials and other restricted items.

Donate or give away usable items:

For non-hazardous items that are still in good condition, consider donating or giving them away to friends, family, or local charities. This can include items such as canned food, unopened household cleaning products, and gently used clothing or furniture.

Use alternative methods:

In some cases, there may be alternative methods for disposing of restricted items. For example, you can contact your local animal shelter for advice on how to safely rehome your pet, or inquire with a local auto transport company for vehicle transportation options.

Plan ahead:

It is important to plan ahead and start the disposal process early before your move. This will give you enough time to research guidelines, make necessary arrangements, and properly dispose of any items that cannot be transported by your moving company. It can also help minimize stress and avoid any last-minute issues or delays.

Follow proper disposal methods:

No matter how you choose to dispose of your restricted items, always follow proper disposal methods to ensure the safety of yourself and the environment. This may include wearing protective gear, using specialized containers for hazardous materials, or transporting items to designated disposal sites.

Methods for Properly Packing and Labeling Your Belongings

To ensure the safety of your belongings during a move, it is important to properly pack and label them according to your moving company’s guidelines. Here are some methods for doing so:

Use sturdy boxes:

Make sure to use sturdy boxes that can handle the weight and protect the contents inside. If using recycled boxes, make sure they are in good condition and not damaged.

Use packing materials:

Use packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts to protect fragile items. Wrap each item individually and fill any gaps in the box with these materials to prevent shifting during transport.

Label boxes clearly:

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking easier and help ensure that fragile items are handled with care.

Use weight restrictions:

Follow your moving company’s weight restrictions for boxes to prevent them from breaking or potentially injuring the movers. Heavier items should be packed in smaller boxes while lighter items can go in bigger boxes.

Protect valuable items:

For any valuable or sentimental items, it is best to pack them separately and transport them in your own vehicle. This will ensure their safety and give you peace of mind during the move.

FAQs

Are there restrictions on items that professional moving companies won’t shift?

Explore the restrictions imposed by professional moving companies on certain items and understand the considerations related to perishable food items and other cleaning supplies. Learn about the potential challenges and guidelines regarding the transportation of such items during the moving process.

What are the limitations when it comes to the transportation of family heirlooms?

Understand the limitations and considerations associated with the transportation of specific items, such as family heirlooms, high-value items, and nursery and greenhouse stock, when using removal companies. Explore any guidelines or precautions that may apply to ensure the safe handling of these possessions during the move.

How do regulations or guidelines from plant health agencies impact the transportation?

Learn about the regulations or guidelines set by plant health agencies that may impact the transportation of lawn and outdoor equipment. Understand whether there are specific preparations needed for these items, considering factors such as their actual cash value. Explore how professional moving companies address and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and compliant moving process.

Conclusion:

Understanding what items your moving company won’t transport and knowing their policies and guidelines for packing and labeling are crucial steps in preparing for a move. It is also important to properly dispose of any prohibited items before the move to avoid any issues or delays.

By following these tips and methods, you can ensure that your belongings are safely transported to your new home. Remember to always follow proper disposal methods and pack your belongings carefully to minimize the risk of damage during the move.