What will movers not move?
Understanding what movers cannot transport helps you plan properly and avoid moving day surprises. These restrictions exist to protect you, the moving crew, other customers’ belongings, and comply with federal transportation laws.
Complete list of items movers cannot transport
| Category | Prohibited Items | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials | Paint, propane, gasoline, motor oil, kerosene, lighter fluid, charcoal, fireworks, fertilizer, pesticides, pool chemicals, car batteries, ammunition | Fire hazard, explosion risk, toxic fumes |
| Liquids | All liquids including water, juice, soda, cooking oils, vinegar, liquid detergents, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, dish soap, liquid medications | Spill risk, container failure, damage to other items |
| High-Voltage Batteries | Lithium-ion batteries, power tool batteries, e-bike batteries, hoverboard batteries, laptop batteries (loose), portable power stations | Fire hazard, thermal runaway risk, explosion potential |
| Cleaning Chemicals | Bleach, drain cleaner, ammonia, oven cleaner, furniture polish, aerosol cans, nail polish remover | Corrosive, flammable, pressurized containers |
| Perishables | Fresh food, frozen items, refrigerated goods, opened pantry items | Spoilage, pest attraction, health code violations |
| Living Things | Pets, houseplants (interstate), fish tanks with water | Animal welfare, agricultural restrictions, survival needs |
| Weapons | Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks | Federal transportation laws, safety regulations |
| High-Value Items | Cash, jewelry, stock certificates, coin collections, important documents, family heirlooms | Liability limits, irreplaceable items, security risk |
| Vehicles | Cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, trailers | Requires specialized auto transport licensing |
| Illegal Items | Stolen property, illicit drugs, contraband | Legal liability, federal law compliance |
Why movers have prohibited items lists
Moving companies operate under strict federal regulations enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies mandate what can and cannot be transported on commercial moving trucks.
Violating hazardous materials regulations can result in fines up to $75,000 per violation for the moving company, criminal charges, and revocation of their operating license. More importantly, transporting dangerous materials puts lives at risk.
⚠️ Never hide prohibited items in boxes
Attempting to sneak hazardous materials onto a moving truck is illegal and extremely dangerous. Gasoline vapors can ignite from static electricity. Propane tanks can explode in hot trucks. Chemicals can leak and damage your entire shipment.
Consequences include:
- Immediate move cancellation with no refund
- Full financial liability for damaged cargo (yours and other customers’)
- Potential criminal charges for endangerment
- Voided insurance coverage for your entire shipment
- Personal injury or death in worst-case scenarios
Will movers move cleaning supplies?
Common cleaning products that movers refuse include:
- Bleach and chlorine products – Corrosive and creates toxic fumes when mixed with other chemicals
- Aerosol sprays – Pressurized containers can explode in hot environments
- Drain cleaners – Highly corrosive acids or bases that burn on contact
- Oven cleaners – Caustic chemicals that damage skin and other items
- Ammonia-based products – Toxic fumes and chemical reaction risks
- Paint thinners and solvents – Flammable and emit dangerous vapors
How to dispose of cleaning supplies before moving
- Use them up – Deep clean your old home before departure
- Donate to neighbors – Offer sealed products to friends staying in the area
- Hazardous waste collection – Take chemicals to designated disposal sites
- Community collection events – Many cities host periodic hazmat disposal days
- Buy new at destination – Cleaning supplies are inexpensive to replace
Why movers don’t transport any liquids
Liquids pose unique transportation hazards:
- Container failure – Plastic bottles crack, caps loosen, seals break during handling and road vibration
- Pressure changes – Temperature variations cause expansion that bursts containers
- Stacking weight – Heavy items placed on top crush bottles and trigger leaks
- Absorption damage – Spilled liquids soak into cardboard boxes, wood furniture, upholstery, and mattresses
- Cross-contamination – One leaking bottle can damage multiple boxes and items throughout the truck
Common liquids customers try to move (but shouldn’t)
- Water bottles and beverages
- Cooking oils, vinegar, soy sauce, condiments
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, liquid soap
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain removers
- Dish soap, hand soap refills
- Liquid medications and supplements
- Essential oils, perfumes, colognes
- Car fluids (windshield washer, antifreeze)
What to do with liquids before moving
Best practices for liquid items:
- Use up everything – Start using products 2-3 weeks before moving rather than replacing
- Gift or donate – Give unopened items to neighbors, friends, or local charities
- Dispose properly – Pour household liquids down drains (check local regulations for chemicals)
- Transport personally – If you must keep items, pack them securely in your personal vehicle
- Buy at destination – Most liquids are inexpensive and readily available to repurchase
High-voltage lithium batteries are prohibited
Lithium battery fires are extremely dangerous because they:
- Burn at extreme temperatures – Over 1,000°F, hot enough to melt metal truck components
- Cannot be easily extinguished – Water can make lithium fires worse, requiring specialized suppressants
- Release toxic gases – Burning batteries emit poisonous fumes harmful to anyone nearby
- Reignite unexpectedly – Lithium fires can restart hours or days after appearing extinguished
- Spread rapidly – Can ignite entire truckloads of furniture and belongings in minutes
Prohibited lithium battery items
- E-bike and e-scooter battery packs (especially high-wattage models)
- Power tool batteries (drills, saws, lawn equipment)
- Hoverboard and self-balancing scooter batteries
- Portable power stations and solar generators
- Loose laptop batteries removed from devices
- High-capacity camera batteries (over 100Wh)
- Aftermarket or damaged lithium batteries of any kind
What electronics ARE allowed
Devices with permanently installed or small lithium batteries are generally acceptable:
- Laptops and tablets (with batteries installed)
- Smartphones and smartwatches
- Bluetooth speakers and headphones
- Cordless vacuum cleaners (check with movers first)
- Digital cameras with standard batteries
💡 Safely handling battery-powered items
For equipment with removable high-voltage batteries:
- Remove all batteries – Take out battery packs from e-bikes, power tools, and equipment
- Transport batteries personally – Keep them in your vehicle in fireproof bags if possible
- Store at partial charge – 30-50% charge is safest for transport (not fully charged or dead)
- Avoid extreme temperatures – Keep batteries in climate-controlled environment, never in hot trunks
- Inspect for damage – Never transport swollen, dented, or damaged batteries
- Pack the equipment only – Movers can transport the e-bike frame, power tool housing, etc. without batteries
Frequently asked questions about prohibited items
Gasoline-powered equipment requires special preparation
Lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators, and other small engines can be moved only after proper preparation:
- Drain all gasoline from fuel tanks at least 24 hours before moving
- Run engines until they die to burn remaining fuel in carburetors
- Drain or stabilize oil according to manufacturer instructions
- Clean all grass, dirt, and debris from equipment exterior
- Disconnect and remove batteries from equipment
- Secure loose parts and remove any attachments that could shift
Inform movers that you have small engine equipment so they can properly position it in the truck away from other items.
Items movers strongly discourage but may accept
Some items fall into a gray area where movers have discretion based on company policy, insurance coverage, and move specifics:
Artwork and antiques
Most movers will transport valuable art and antiques but recommend professional crating services for items exceeding $5,000 in value. Discuss insurance coverage limits and consider purchasing additional valuation protection. Document condition with photographs before packing.
Electronics and computers
Movers transport electronics but recommend you back up all data before moving day. Standard moving insurance may not cover data loss. Consider transporting irreplaceable digital files, external hard drives, and laptops in your personal vehicle.
Important documents
While not prohibited, movers strongly recommend you personally transport birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, wills, deeds, tax records, medical records, and other irreplaceable documents. These items have minimal moving value but immense replacement difficulty.
Medications and medical equipment
Prescription medications should travel with you to ensure uninterrupted access. Medical equipment like CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or mobility devices should also remain accessible during your move rather than being packed on the truck.
✓ Pre-move prohibited items checklist
Complete these tasks 2-4 weeks before moving day:
- Schedule hazardous waste disposal appointment for paints, chemicals, batteries
- Use up or donate all cleaning supplies and toiletries
- Dispose of ALL liquids – beverages, oils, shampoos, detergents, condiments
- Remove high-voltage batteries from e-bikes, power tools, and equipment
- Consume, gift, or properly dispose of all perishable food items
- Drain fuel from lawn mowers, generators, and small engines
- Return propane tanks or leave for new homeowner
- Arrange separate transport for vehicles, boats, or motorcycles
- Plan personal transport for valuables, documents, and medications
- Give away or sell houseplants if moving interstate
- Arrange pet transportation or personal vehicle travel
- Back up all computer data and electronic files
What happens if prohibited items are discovered?
If movers discover prohibited items during loading, they have several options depending on the severity:
Minor violations (opened cleaning supplies)
Movers may refuse to load specific items and require you to dispose of them immediately. This causes delays but typically doesn’t halt the entire move. You’ll need to quickly find proper disposal or leave items behind.
Serious violations (flammable materials, propane)
Movers can refuse to load any items until dangerous materials are removed. In severe cases, they may cancel the move entirely with no refund. You’ll be responsible for rescheduling at additional cost.
Illegal items
Discovery of illegal items can result in immediate move cancellation, law enforcement notification, and potential criminal charges. Moving companies have legal obligations to report illegal substances or stolen property.
Liability and insurance implications
If prohibited items damage other belongings during transport, your insurance claim will be denied. You may be held financially liable for damage to other customers’ shipments sharing the truck. Costs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars.
💡 Pro tip: Be honest with your moving company
Always disclose questionable items to your movers during the estimate process. Experienced movers can often suggest solutions:
- Recommend specialty transporters for wine collections or artwork
- Provide guidance on proper equipment preparation
- Suggest alternative timing to use up cleaning supplies
- Connect you with auto transport companies for vehicles
- Advise on local disposal resources for hazardous materials
Transparency prevents moving day problems and demonstrates respect for crew safety.
State-specific plant and food restrictions
Interstate moves face additional agricultural restrictions that vary by state. Common prohibitions include:
California
Strict agricultural inspections at state borders. Prohibited items include citrus plants, certain fruits and vegetables, firewood, and plants with soil. Inspections can delay moves by several hours.
Hawaii
Among the strictest regulations in the nation. Nearly all plants, most foods, and any items with soil are prohibited to protect island ecosystems from invasive species.
Florida
Restrictions on citrus plants and specific tropical plants to prevent disease transmission. Some counties require agricultural certifications for plant transport.
Arizona
Agricultural inspection stations check for prohibited plants and produce. Firewood restrictions help prevent bark beetle transmission.
Research destination state agricultural regulations well before your move to avoid confiscation of items at state borders.
Alternatives for prohibited items
For hazardous materials
Take inventory of garage and basement chemicals at least one month before moving. Plan to use, donate, or dispose of everything. Purchase replacements at your destination – cleaning supplies and basic chemicals are inexpensive and readily available nationwide.
For plants
For local moves under 100 miles, transport plants in your personal vehicle with climate control. For long-distance moves, gift plants to friends and family, donate to schools or community centers, or sell through local marketplaces. Take cuttings of sentimental plants to propagate at your new home.
For perishable food
Plan meals to consume refrigerated and frozen items in the final two weeks before moving. Donate unopened non-perishable food to local food banks. Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter pantries and start fresh at your new location.
For firearms
Research firearm transport laws for your origin state, destination state, and all states you’ll drive through. Transport firearms personally in locked cases, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. Alternatively, use licensed FFL dealers to ship firearms legally between states.
For vehicles
Get quotes from multiple auto transport companies. Enclosed transport provides better protection but costs more. Open carrier transport is more economical for standard vehicles. Book auto transport 4-6 weeks in advance for best rates and availability.
Questions about what you can move?
Our experienced team can help you navigate prohibited items and plan your move safely
Licensed & Insured | PA PUC A-8916211 | USDOT 2173383
Final moving day preparations
Complete these steps the day before movers arrive:
- Final walkthrough of garage, basement, and storage areas – Verify all hazardous materials are disposed of properly
- Drain all fuel-powered equipment – Run engines until they die to ensure tanks are truly empty
- Pack valuables in personal vehicle – Load jewelry, documents, and electronics you’re transporting yourself
- Prepare essentials bag – Pack medications, important papers, and overnight necessities in luggage that won’t go on the truck
- Empty and clean refrigerator – Consume or discard all perishables, clean thoroughly, and prop doors open
- Disconnect propane – Remove propane tanks from grills and any propane appliances
- Review prohibited items list with family – Ensure everyone understands what cannot be packed
Proper preparation prevents moving day delays, protects everyone’s safety, and ensures your belongings arrive at your new home without incident. When in doubt about any item, contact your moving company in advance for guidance.
