What Movers Will Not Pack and Move

In addition, how to pack your household items for an upcoming move, it is also very important to be aware of items that should not be packed. There are some items in your home that require proper packaging and handling, but there are also some items that should not be packed up at all. There are some things movers will not move because of rules and regulations. This is typically referred to as a "list of prohibited items". Contact your moving company before the moving day if you have any specific questions about any particular item.

Understanding the Moving Process

Starting a move can feel like navigating uncharted waters, but understanding the process can make it less daunting. Professional movers play a pivotal role in this journey, acting as your trusted guides. They bring expertise, equipment, and efficiency to the table, ensuring your belongings are packed properly and transported safely. However, it's crucial to remember that movers have certain restrictions due to safety regulations and legal constraints. For instance, hazardous materials, perishable items, and high-value possessions often fall into the category of items movers won't transport.

The Role of Professional Movers

Professional movers are more than just heavy lifters; they are logistics experts who can streamline your move. They assess the volume of your belongings, devise a strategic packing plan, and execute it with precision. They also handle the disassembly and reassembly of furniture, ensuring each piece reaches its destination unscathed. However, the moving process isn't just about packing and transporting.

It's about understanding what can and cannot be moved. For example, items like propane tanks, certain chemicals, and even some large appliances may be off-limits due to safety concerns. Being aware of these restrictions can help you plan better and avoid last-minute surprises. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with your moving company to ensure a smooth and hassle-free move.

What Movers Will Not Move and Why

When moving long distance with a professional moving company, it's important to know what items movers won't move. Hazardous items such as chemicals, paint, propane tanks, and gasoline are generally not accepted by moving companies due to safety concerns. In addition, perishable items such as food, plants, and pets may also be excluded from the list of items that movers will transport. Other items that movers won't move include high-value items like cash, jewelry, and family heirlooms. To avoid any surprises or delays on moving day, it's important to review the list of prohibited items provided by the moving company and make alternate arrangements as needed. Following these moving tips and guidelines can also help ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

For the items that require special disassembly or crating, such as grand pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, exercise equipment, grandfather clocks or large glass table tops are the best to hire licensed and insured movers. The professional moving companies have the experience and right equipment to move those items safely.

Prior to your move, drain oil and fuel from garden tools and other machinery equipment.

Battery operated equipment should be disconnected from the battery. The battery is also a non-allowable item and should be discarded appropriately according to local regulations. Propane tanks need to be disconnected and returned to collection centers for that purpose. Leave partially used cans of paint, oil or other substances that might leak for the new residents of your home.

Dangerous Items

All items that are considered flammable, hazardous, corrosive or explosive are dangerous and illegal for movers to transport. If you have dangerous items, give them to your neighbors or friends if they could use them, or call your local recycling company, fire station, the closest Environmental Protection Agency Office to find out how you can properly dispose of these items.

The following is a list of items that should not be packed or moved for safety reasons. These items are non-allowable because they are flammable, corrosive or explosive.

Acid, aerosol, batteries, lamp oil, car oil, charcoal, gasoline, lighter fluid, matches, fertilizer, weed killer, cleaning fluids, polish remover, ammunition, bleach, nail polish and remover, chemistry sets, kerosene, fireworks, poisons, propane tanks, loaded weapons.

Fertilizers

You're good with plants. The fertilizer and weed killer should not be packed away with your gardening tools in order to be put into the moving truck. Fertilizers and weed killers are highly flammable and should not be stored in hot environments, especially during a lengthy trip. They are also highly flammable, just like the compounds mentioned above.

Guns and Ammo

Although it may seem apparent, you shouldn't transport guns and ammo in the moving truck. If the ammo heats up, a fatal situation will develop. Ammunition should only be packed and transported in a cool, air-conditioned vehicle. Additionally, make sure to store your firearms and ammo apart.

Perishable Items

Refrigerators and freezers should be emptied and cleaned for at least 24 hours before moving day. Keep the appliance doors open, so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor. Food, animals and live plants are perishable; they can easily spoil, die or suffer damages if not properly packed. If you are moving locally, some movers may agree to move perishable items (no animals, of course) if they are properly packed and require no servicing, but they will not be responsible for any damages.

If it is a long-distance move, dispose of all perishables products and find a new home for your household and outdoor plants. If you're going to move your plants, make sure they are properly packed and stored. Check with the US Department of Agriculture to find out about regulations before driving out of state, there may be restrictions about moving perishable food or plants across a state border. A few agricultural states have strict laws and rules about bringing plants.

Irreplaceable Items

Some items do not create a threat and can be moved by your hired movers, but there is a possibility that your load may be delayed or lost. It is a good idea to carry your irreplaceable items such as personal files, address books, photos, car and house keys, financial statements, checkbooks, medical records, bonds, stocks, software, medicine, etc.

Moving companies do not usually transport jewelry, cash, and other valuable items. It is recommended that the customer takes all those items with them.

Live Animals

Live animal transportation is banned by a number of laws and regulations. Animals must be handled, cared for, and treated humanely while being transported, according to the 1966 Animal Welfare Act. To prevent any possible harm to the animals during transportation, movers must abide by these laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Therefore, live animals cannot be moved by movers; instead, it is advised to use specialist animal transportation services.

Dirty or Contaminated Items

Movers may decline to transport items that are dirty or contaminated in order to protect their own safety and prevent contaminating other items. Items exposed to hazardous materials or those coated in mold, mildew, or bacteria could all fall under this category.

In particular, when handling items that are being moved from one house to another, hygiene is a top worry for movers. The health and safety of the movers as well as the residents of the new house may be at risk when moving contaminated or dirty items. Because of this, movers may take safety measures like wearing gloves or protective apparel, as well as cleaning contaminated items with disinfectants before moving them.

Items That are Too Large or Heavy

Items that are too big or heavy for movers to securely transport may be refused. This is due to the fact that transporting large or heavy pieces can seriously endanger the movers' health and well-being. Additionally, some items might need specialized tools or equipment, like cranes or heavy-duty dollies, to be moved securely.

Before agreeing to move something, movers are trained to determine its weight and size. Movers may decline to move an object if they determine that it is too heavy or large to be transported securely. In some circumstances, they might insist that the client employ a specialized mover with the capacity to handle oversized items.

Items That Will Require Preparation

While there are indeed items that movers won't transport, there are also those that can be moved, but require a bit of preparation. These items often include large appliances, electronics, and certain types of furniture.

For instance, your lawnmower and chainsaw, all need to be drained of gasoline and oil before the move. This is a crucial step as movers will not transport items containing flammable liquids. Similarly, if you have a barbeque with a propane tank, the tank must be removed and transported separately. Movers will not put a propane tank in the moving truck due to safety regulations.

Your refrigerator is another item that requires preparation. It should be emptied, unplugged, and cleaned 24 hours before the movers arrive. This prevents the growth of mold and unpleasant odors during the move. Don't forget to clean the coils behind the refrigerator to keep it in good energy-efficient running condition. In addition, dusting your furniture and cleaning your sofa are also important steps. Movers prefer not to deal with accumulated dust or crumbs in the sofa. By taking these steps, you not only ensure a smoother moving process but also help maintain the condition of your items.

What to Do With Items Movers Won't Transport

It is very important to plan ahead for goods that movers will not transport as you prepare for your move. Begin by compiling a list of these items, then determine whether you want to relocate them yourself, dispose of them, or find an alternative option. Pack these items you're moving yourself carefully and separately from the rest of your household belongings. Dispose of objects responsibly and in compliance with the local laws.

Pro Tip: Do Not Pack Items You Don't Use

Get rid of whatever you don't need, and you'll lighten your load considerably. Consider donating or using junk removal services to minimize the amount of items you need to move. Give your sofa to charity if the time has come. Don't pack old clutter that you've been holding onto for a long time. Sell anything that you didn't use in the past two years to help offset the cost of your move.

Why Moving Companies Can't Move Certain Items

There are often limitations on what things moving companies are permitted to move. These restrictions are due to a number of factors. First and foremost, some objects could be dangerous to the movers as well as the items themselves.

Legal or regulatory limitations may also prevent moving companies from transporting specific objects. For instance, certain commodities might be restricted or illegal by federal, state, or local regulations, and movers might not have the right authorizations or licenses to move them.

Additionally, moving companies may have their own procedures and regulations prohibiting the transportation of some items, such as sentimental or irreplaceable artifacts, as well as anything deemed to be too risky or harmful.

Compared to local movers, long distance movers may have more limitations on what they won't move. Certain types of devices or appliances might be prohibited by some long distance moving companies, especially those that need special handling or contain hazardous components.

Understanding the Legal Restrictions on Moving Certain Items

When planning a relocation, it's important to be aware of the legal limits that apply to the transport of particular goods. The laws and regulations differ by state and country, but generally, things that are hazardous, perishable, or of high value are restricted. Transporting flammable or explosive items across state lines, for example, may be unlawful due to potential safety issues. Transporting perishable things such as food and plants may also be forbidden in order to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. Understanding these legal constraints can help you avoid any fines or legal complications throughout your move.

Alternative Solutions for Moving Prohibited Items

If you have things that professional movers are unable to transport, don't panic - there are alternatives. Think about hiring a specialized moving service for large or heavy things. These companies have the necessary equipment and knowledge to transport things such as safes and hot tubs safely. You should consider secure courier services for valuable items. Consider self-transporting hazardous or perishable goods. Before you load up your car, be sure you understand the legal and safety requirements.

Transporting Items that Moving Companies are Not Allowed To

When requesting moving quotes, it's important to inquire about the items movers won't move. It is typically not advised to try to move certain items yourself if professional movers are prohibited from doing so for safety or legal reasons. The reason for this is that, should something go wrong, you could suffer serious consequences. Some goods can pose legal or safety hazards during transport.

When deciding how to transport items that movers do not permit, it is important to get advice from a regulatory organization. They can offer advice on how to handle and move these things safely, as well as make sure that all applicable laws and regulations are followed.

How to Properly Dispose of Items Movers Won't Move

If you have items that movers will not transport, you have to find an appropriate way to dispose of them. Check with your local waste disposal facility to discover if hazardous materials such as chemicals or fuel are accepted. Food that is still edible can be donated, and food that is no longer edible can be composted. If you don't want to transport high-value items yourself, consider selling or donating them to a reputable charity. Keep in mind that the purpose is to get rid of such items in a safe, legal, and environmentally responsible way.

In conclusion, knowing what movers will not move is crucial to a successful and stress-free move. While it's easy to focus on what movers can move, it's equally important to be aware of what they can't move. Hazardous items, perishable goods, and high-value items are just a few examples of what movers will not transport. Failing to understand these restrictions can lead to delays, additional fees, or even safety hazards. By taking the time to review what movers can't move, you can make alternate arrangements and avoid any surprises on moving day. Ultimately, this can help ensure a smooth and successful move for you and your belongings.