Items Movers Won't Move: What You Shouldn't Pack

You might be thinking, “It’s my stuff, why can’t they just move it?” And that’s a fair question! But from a mover’s perspective, it’s all about managing risk – for you, for them, for your belongings, and even for the general public.

Think about it: moving trucks travel long distances, sometimes across state lines. Understanding these rules is a key part of planning, especially if you’re researching the cheapest way to move cross-country. They’re carrying the contents of multiple households. If something dangerous leaks, ignites, or spoils, it could damage not just your belongings but also everyone else’s. Plus, there are federal and state regulations that movers have to follow. They aren’t just being picky; they’re being responsible.

My time in freight logistics really hammered this home for me – certain materials just don’t mix with long-haul transportation, especially when we’re talking about the precious cargo that is your life’s belongings. And honestly, when you’re dealing with something fragile, understanding these limitations helps you better prepare for packing fragile items and more accurately budget for your move, which you can start with our moving cost calculator.

This category is probably the biggest and most straightforward. Hazardous materials pose a clear risk of fire, explosion, corrosion, or poisoning. No reputable mover will touch these with a ten-foot pole, and for good reason. Imagine a can of paint thinner tipping over and leaking onto your antique wooden dresser or, worse, causing a fire. Yikes!

Here’s a rundown of common hazardous items movers will generally refuse:

Remember, even if an aerosol can seems harmless, the temperature changes in a moving truck can cause it to burst. It’s just not worth the risk. When I was working in Houston, we saw a few near misses with improperly declared items. This is often a concern when people learn how to pack tools for moving and have to sort out associated oils and solvents. Trust me, it’s a headache you don’t need.

This one’s all about freshness and avoiding unwanted guests (read: pests). Movers typically won’t take perishable items because they can spoil, attract insects or rodents, and create a nasty mess.

My sister Megan, the queen of frequent moves, learned this the hard way with a prized collection of herbs. She thought they’d be fine for a two-day trip, but, well, let’s just say her new apartment didn’t smell of fresh basil upon arrival. If you’re moving plants yourself, treat them like the fragile objects they are and make sure they’re secure.

Now, this category is less about “won’t move” and more about “really, really shouldn’t let them move.” These are items that are irreplaceable, highly personal, or essential for your immediate arrival at your new home.

While a mover might technically pack them if you insist (and they aren’t hazardous), it’s generally a bad idea due to the risk of loss or damage to items that money can’t replace.

Think about how to pack fragile items for moving when it comes to these treasures; if you’re taking them with you, ensure they are handled with extreme care.

I always tell people: if the thought of it getting lost or broken makes your stomach clench, it belongs in your car, not the moving truck. My mom still talks about the “Great Earring Debacle of ’98” when one of her favorite earrings, packed by movers, went missing. For items you can’t take personally but want to send securely, you could look into the cheapest ways to ship boxes separately. It was just one earring, but the sentimental value was huge.

This is a tricky one. Movers can transport valuable items, but their liability for loss or damage might be limited, especially if you haven’t declared them properly or purchased additional insurance.

Many moving companies have a “statement of extraordinary value” that you must fill out for items exceeding a certain worth per pound (often $100 per pound). If you don’t declare them, you might not get much back if something goes wrong.

When it comes to these items, communication with your moving company is key. Ask about their policies and insurance options. But honestly, for the really precious stuff? Your personal car is your best friend. I once moved a small, but very old, grandfather clock for a friend.

We decided it was too risky for the general movers, even though it wasn’t on their “won’t move” list. We padded it like crazy (talk about packing fragile items!) and drove it over in a minivan. Peace of mind is priceless.

This overlaps with hazardous materials but deserves its own mention due to specific legalities and safety concerns. Movers will not transport firearms, ammunition, or explosives. Period.

Navigating the laws around transporting firearms can be complex, especially if you’re moving state-to-state. It’s your responsibility to understand and comply with all regulations. Don’t put your movers in a difficult or illegal position by trying to include these items.

This should go without saying, but your furry, scaly, or feathered family members cannot travel in the back of a moving truck. It’s inhumane, unsafe, and movers simply aren’t equipped or licensed to transport live animals.

Your pet’s safety and comfort are paramount. Plan to transport them in your personal vehicle. If that’s not possible (like for a very long-distance or international move), look into professional pet relocation services. They specialize in knowing how can I ship my dog to another state safely.

They specialize in moving animals safely and humanely. My Labrador, Max, gets anxious in the car, so when we moved to Nashville, we made sure his crate was super comfy, and we took plenty of breaks. It’s all about planning for their needs.

Beyond the strictly prohibited items, some things fall into a gray area or might be refused based on the specific moving company’s policies or if they deem an item unsafe to move.

The best policy? When in doubt, ask! A good moving company, like the ones we feature here at National Movers, will be happy to clarify what they can and cannot take. It saves everyone surprises and stress on moving day.

Phew! That’s quite a list, isn’t it? Moving day is already a whirlwind, and the last thing you need is to find out at the eleventh hour that half your stuff can’t go on the truck. By understanding what movers typically won’t move, you can plan better, dispose of or transport restricted items appropriately, and ensure a smoother transition to your new home. That transition starts with a good plan, from figuring out what to pack first when moving to having your moving into a new house checklist ready.

Remember my sister Megan and her ten moves? She’s practically a pro now at decluttering and knowing what to pack where. Each move was a learning curve, but she’ll tell you that understanding these restrictions upfront saved her a lot of hassle in her later relocations.

Here at National Movers, we aim to connect you with companies that are transparent and helpful. Knowing these limitations is part of a well-informed move. Good luck with your packing, and here’s to a stress-free relocation!