What Will Movers Not Move: Non-Transportable Items

When planning a big move, you likely already know what items a moving company will move for you. But do you know what movers will not move? With an understanding of legal and safety concerns for non-transportable items, you can expertly pack your belongings before the movers arrive. This will prevent any delays in your relocation and keep both parties safe. 

These non-transportable items can range from hazardous materials to high-value items such as jewelry. Your irreplaceable belongings, such as family photos and sensitive documents, are also non-transportable items.

In this article, we'll explore the various items you should include in your list of what not to pack when moving. You can use this list to improve your packing strategy and make transportation arrangements for items that you cannot include in the move. Here's everything you need to know about whatitems movers will not move.

Why Movers Have Restrictions

Most movers have restrictions on hazardous materials that can pose a risk to the movers and other parties involved. Most restrictions are put in place to ensure the safety of others. These items may cause fires, accidents, or health and safety concerns. Movers will also want to confirm these items will not pose a risk to your other belongings in the moving truck. For example, hazardous materials such as explosives, compressed gasses, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials are not allowed for transport.

Irreplaceable items that hold a special place in your heart should also be handled with care and consideration. These items like family photos and heirlooms cannot be replaced with insurance or basic liability. 

Depending on where you're moving to and from, there may also be some legal regulations that restrict what movers can take across state lines. Moving these items may result in hefty fines or penalties. 

When building a moving plan with your relocation specialist, they'll discuss the items they can and can't assist with. The restrictions may vary by moving company. For a complete list of what not to pack when moving, reach out to the moving company you're working with for more information. 

How to Handle Non-Allowable Items

If you have any non-allowable items, you'll need to decide what you want to do with them before you move. If you're relocating by plane, you'll likely need to donate or throw these items away. However, if you're driving to your new home, you may want to transport them yourself. If you decide to transport the items yourself, take proper precautions to ensure your safety and that of others in your vehicle. 

Allied has put together a list of examples of non-transportable items you should not pack and transport with the rest of your shipment. As you go through the list, you can appropriately determine how to handle the non-transportable items for your upcoming move. At Allied, we always keep your best interest and safety in mind during a move.

Here are some examples of what not to pack when moving:

Common Non-Transportable Items

These are items you likely already have in your home sitting in your garage or underneath the sink. While you may be tempted to throw them in a box with the other items in the drawer or cupboard, you'll want to make sure you add these items to your list of what not to pack when moving:

• Nail polish remover
• Paints and paint thinners
• Lighter fluid
• Gasoline
• Fireworks
• Oxygen bottles
• Propane cylinders
• Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
• Radio-pharmaceuticals
• Matches

Other Items to Avoid Transporting

These items may not be top of mind when moving, but you'll still want to avoid packing them into moving boxes as well. This includes:

• Firearms
• Food in glass jars
• Perishable foods
• Prescription drugs needed for immediate use

Items With Personal Importance

Paperwork, family heirlooms, and other items of personal importance should never be packed away into a moving truck. Instead, they should stay in your possession. We recommend having a personal item box and a binder so you can keep all of your important paperwork. Some items you would include in your personal box include:

• Cash
• Collections (i.e., coins)
• Family photos
• Important personal papers (i.e., deeds, wills)
• Negotiable papers (i.e., bonds, stocks, certificates)
• Jewelry
• Moving documents

Special Considerations for Interstate and International Moves

It's important to note that there may be additional restrictions for interstate and international moves. Working with a reputable moving company will ensure you receive the right feedback and advice on the things movers cannot pack. 

Once you have a move date, a relocation specialist will discuss the unique state or country restrictions for non-transferable items. The cross-country movers may also provide alternative transportation recommendations and guidance for state-specific laws. 

For most interstate moves, your moving company will likely recommend keeping personal documents and family heirlooms in your possession. At the same time, they may recommend donating or throwing away hazardous materials, firearms, or food. 

Preparing for the Move with Allied Van Lines

Once you're set on moving, you'll want to request a free online quote from Allied Van Lines. Our long-distance movers will contact you to gather additional information about your move and provide a list of items that are included on our list of what movers will not move. Outside of our customizable moving services and moving plans, we also have a range of free moving resources and checklists you can use for the moving preparation. 

You’ll want to use our list of what not to pack when moving to prepare for your move. Not only are the hazardous materials dangerous to your movers' and drivers' safety, but they are also things that can be easily purchased again at your new residence. It's best to keep your high-value items with you at all times during a move, as most of these belongings are expensive and/or irreplaceable. Lastly, consider throwing away any leftover food or keeping it on you. With Allied's list of what movers won’t move, you and your movers will have a safer relocation experience. If you have any questions or concerns about other items 

Request a free quote today to get started.