Items Movers Cannot Move

While professional movers can handle a wide range of items, there are certain items that they may not be able to move due to safety, legal, or logistical reasons. The specific restrictions can vary depending on the moving company and local regulations, but here are some common examples of items that movers may refuse to transport:

1. Hazardous materials
2. Perishable items
3. Live animals and plants
4. Valuables and personal items
5. Restricted or illegal items

It is essential to communicate with your chosen moving company in advance to understand their specific policies and any restrictions they may have regarding particular items. They can guide how to handle these items or recommend alternative solutions for transporting them if necessary.

Hazardous Materials Movers Can’t Move

Professional movers are generally prohibited from transporting hazardous materials due to safety regulations and the potential risks of handling and transporting such items. Hazardous materials are substances that are flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive, or pose other health and safety hazards. Here are some examples of hazardous materials that movers typically cannot transport:

1. Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids are considered hazardous materials and are generally prohibited for transport by moving companies.
2. Aerosols: Items such as spray paint, hair spray, insecticides, and other pressurised aerosol products are often classified as hazardous materials and are not permitted for transport by movers.
3. Corrosive Substances: Strong acids, alkaline solutions, and other corrosive substances like battery acid or specific cleaning agents are hazardous and are generally not allowed to be transported by movers.
4. Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, blasting caps, and other explosive materials are highly dangerous and prohibited from being transported by moving companies.
5. Toxic Substances: Certain chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers, and other toxic substances that can cause harm to human health or the environment are generally not allowed to be transported by movers.

It's important to note that regulations and restrictions can vary based on local laws and the specific policies of moving companies. If hazardous materials need to be moved, consulting with specialised carriers or appropriate authorities is best to ensure safe and legal transportation. They can guide proper handling, packaging, and transportation methods for these materials.

Perishable Items Movers Can't Move

Movers typically have restrictions on transporting perishable items due to the potential for spoilage, contamination, and other issues that can arise during transportation. Perishable items have a limited shelf life or require specific temperature control to maintain freshness. Here are some examples of perishable items that movers may not transport:

1. Food Items: Movers generally do not transport perishable food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, seafood, or frozen goods. These items can spoil or pose health risks if not properly stored and transported under controlled conditions.
2. Temperature-Sensitive Items: Items that require specific temperature control, such as refrigerated medications or certain types of cosmetics, may only be suitable for transport by movers if they provide the necessary storage conditions.

It is essential to make alternative arrangements for the transportation of perishable items. Here are a few options:

1. Consume or Donate: To avoid waste, consider consuming or donating perishable food items before the move.
2. Use a Cooler or Insulated Container: If you are transporting perishable items over a short distance, you can use coolers or insulated containers with ice packs to keep the items fresh.
3. Hire Specialised Services: Specialised services are available for transporting perishable goods, including refrigerated trucks or professional food delivery services. These services are equipped to handle perishable items safely and maintain the required temperature conditions.

Before your move, you must communicate with your moving company to understand their specific policies regarding perishable items. They can guide what can and cannot be transported and offer recommendations for alternative solutions.

Live Animals and Plants Movers Can’t Move

Movers typically do not transport live animals and plants due to various factors, including the welfare of the living organisms and the potential legal and regulatory considerations. Here's why movers may not move live animals and plants:

1. Animal Welfare: Moving can be stressful for animals, and the conditions in a moving truck may not suit their well-being. Transporting live animals requires specialised care, including proper ventilation, temperature control, and access to food and water. Movers may need the necessary facilities or expertise to ensure live animals' safe and comfortable transport.
2. Legal and Regulatory Restrictions: Transporting live animals and certain plant species may be subject to specific regulations, permits, or certifications. Movers may not have the required licenses or expertise to comply with these regulations, which vary by country, state, and local jurisdictions.
3. Potential Liability: Live animals and plants are valuable and delicate possessions, and any harm or damage during transport can lead to significant financial or emotional consequences. Many moving companies have policies that exclude transporting live animals and plants to avoid liability issues.

If you need to transport live animals or plants, it’s advisable to explore alternative options, such as:

1. Pet Relocation Services: There are specialised pet relocation services that can assist with transporting animals safely. These services have the necessary knowledge and equipment to ensure the comfort and well-being of your pets during the move.
2. Plant Transport Services: Similarly, professional plant transport services specialise in moving plants. They can provide appropriate packaging, climate control, and handling techniques to minimise stress and maintain plant health during transportation.
3. Personal Transportation: In some cases, it may be more practical to transport your live animals or plants in your vehicle personally. This allows you to ensure their well-being and provide any necessary care along the way.

Valuables and Personal Items Movers Can't Move

While movers can handle a wide range of items, certain valuables and personal items are typically excluded from their liability coverage or require special arrangements due to their high value or sentimental significance. Here are some examples of valuables and personal items that movers may not move or have limited liability for:

1. Cash and financial documents: Movers generally do not transport cash, banknotes, coins, or documents like passports, wills, or legal papers. It is advisable to carry such items with you during the move.
2. Jewellery and precious stones: Items of high value, such as expensive jewellery, precious stones, or valuable gemstones, may be excluded from the mover's liability coverage. It is recommended to keep these items in your possession or consider insuring them separately.
3. Important personal documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, and medical records are typically considered personal and confidential. It is recommended to keep them with you or store them securely.
4. Irreplaceable items: Items with sentimental or irreplaceable value, such as family photo albums, heirlooms, or mementoes, are often better transported personally to ensure safety.
5. Collectables and antiques: Valuable collectables, antiques, or artwork may require specialised packing, handling, or climate-controlled transportation. It is advisable to consult with professionals experienced in handling such items or consider using specialised art or antique transport services.

If you have valuable or personal items that you want to ensure are protected during the move, consider the following options:

1. Carry them with you: For items of significant value or sentimental importance, it is often best to keep them in your possession throughout the move. This way, you have complete control over their safety and security.
2. Purchase additional insurance: Consider obtaining additional insurance coverage specifically for high-value items. This can provide extra protection and peace of mind during the move.
3. Use a specialised shipping service: For extremely valuable or fragile items, consider using specialised shipping services that specialise in handling delicate or high-value goods.

Restricted or Illegal Items

1. Firearms and Ammunition: Moving companies typically have restrictions on transporting firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and their corresponding ammunition. Special permits and compliance with specific regulations are often required to transport firearms legally.
2. Explosives and Fireworks: Highly explosive materials, including fireworks, dynamite, blasting caps, and other explosive devices, are strictly prohibited from being transported by movers due to the significant safety risks involved.
3. Controlled Substances: Movers cannot transport illegal drugs, narcotics, or other controlled substances prohibited by law. This includes substances classified as illegal drugs and certain prescription medications without proper documentation.