Written by: Madeline Blake
Date:

Hiring professional movers for your relocation is definitely something that you’re at least considering. Sure, you have to pay them to do their job, but in the end, you’re saving yourself so much more. Every moving expert will make sure your move goes smoothly and according to plan, and make it a stress-free experience for you. Therefore, having a few professional helping hands on moving day is something you will surely appreciate. However, there is one catch. Moving companies have a list of items they simply won’t move. You should get to know the common items moving companies refuse to relocate before you sign your moving contract. In this article, we’ll try to list a few of the most common ones you should know of!

What are some of the most common items moving companies refuse to relocate?

Let’s make something clear – there aren’t any exceptions to the list of forbidden items in the moving truck. Whether you are moving locally or long-distance, the movers will still have the same rules when it comes to packing the truck. To put it simply, these items are potentially dangerous and/or there are regulations forbidding their entry into a new state. Moving companies put safety first, namely:

  • Keeping their crew safe
  • Ensuring your belongings in the truck don’t get damaged
  • Making sure the truck doesn’t take any damage either
  • Keeping the general public and the environment safe

Even though some of your belongings can’t go with the movers, you are still more than welcome to move them in your own vehicle. However, you should still check the state regulations and make sure you stay safe during the drive. So, when you’re researching long-distance moving companies for your relocation, ask them to provide you with the list of prohibited items.

The movers won’t move your perishable food

First things first, perishables are one of those common items moving companies will surely refuse to move. Unfortunately, they can’t keep them cool in the truck, so they are very likely to go bad. That’s why it’s time to open your fridge and make meals using everything you’ve got inside. Get creative and try to use up as many perishables as you can before you move! Add this task to your moving checklist and have fun creating new recipes while trying to waste as little food as possible.

canned food on a shelf

Even though you cannot transport perishables, cans and dry food are allowed in the moving truck.

On the other hand, if you have any unopened canned goods, those are good to go. Your movers will accept cans, such as soups, sauces, or veggies, as well as any dry foods that haven’t been opened. For instance, you can pack pasta, rice, and everything else from your pantry. However, sometimes this food isn’t worth moving. Especially if you’re moving across the country! In case you decide you don’t need them, but don’t want to throw them away, there is a solution. There are a few non-profit organizations that will come to your door and pick these up, and deliver them to food banks. Alternatively, you can go visit one yourself and make a donation.

You might want to reconsider moving your plants too

Much like your food can’t stay cool, your plants won’t receive any air, light, or water during transport. That is why many moving companies refuse to relocate them, as they can’t guarantee they will stay alive when they reach the destination. Also, if you are moving to a new state, there are certain regulations in place when it comes to relocation plants. This is because they have to prevent the import of any insects or beings that can endanger other species as well.  If you really want to keep the same plants in your new home, you can cut off a piece and wrap it in damp paper towels. That way, you can re-grow it and still be able to move it wherever you want to go.

five potted plants on a table

Your plants are one of the items that simply cannot be relocated in the moving truck.

Hazardous materials are also among common items moving companies refuse to relocate

We’ve mentioned that movers really want to keep both themselves and your belongings safe during the transport. That is why many hazardous materials are not allowed in the moving truck. Luckily for you, many of these are fairly easy to get rid of before the move. Just make sure you throw them in appropriate places and not with the regular trash you take out every day. Items such as fertilizer, paint, pesticides, batteries, acids, propane tanks, and the like are prohibited in the moving truck. These can light on fire very easily and are very unstable materials.

yellow poison sign

Any flammables or explosives are also items you cannot relocate with you. Make sure you properly dispose of them before your moving day.

Other than these, any guns or ammunition have to be transported in your personal vehicle when you’re moving. No matter if it’s ten miles or ten thousand miles, movers will not accept them in their truck. Do your research on the regulations and laws on moving ammunition before you relocate, so you don’t run into any problems along the way.

Many items from your bathroom are also not allowed in the moving truck

For instance, nail polish or deodorants are also considered to be hazardous and easily explosive so your movers will not move them. Much like any candles, liquid cleaning products, nail polish remover, or bleach, you should probably dispose of them before you move. Also, it might surprise you to learn that you cannot pack any alcoholic beverages in the moving truck either. Alcohol is highly flammable and is therefore a risk to relocate. If you’re looking for the movers who will help you move and explain this in more detail, get in touch with Verified Movers today! We’ll find the right moving company for you, and even one that has special moving services you might need.