When preparing for a big move, it’s easy to assume that your moving company will handle everything. However, that’s not always the case. Understanding what will movers not move is critical to avoiding last-minute surprises and unnecessary delays on moving day. Whether you’re relocating across town or across states, knowing this list helps you pack smarter, stay compliant with safety regulations, and work more efficiently with your moving company.
In this guide from Eastland Movers, a leading moving company serving the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), we’ll break down the specific items most professional movers won’t transport—and why.
Why Movers Refuse Certain Items: Safety, Liability & Legal Restrictions
The decision not to move certain items isn’t arbitrary. Professional moving companies, including Eastland Movers, must follow strict safety standards, federal laws, and insurance policies when transporting household goods. These restrictions exist to protect not only the movers but also the homeowners and their belongings.
There are three primary reasons movers will not handle specific items:
- Safety Hazards: Flammable, explosive, or toxic materials pose major risks during transit. Moving trucks are not equipped to handle chemical spills or combustion.
- Legal Regulations: Many local and federal laws prohibit the transportation of certain items across state lines, including live plants, perishable foods, and firearms.
- Company Policy & Liability: Some items are simply too valuable or irreplaceable. Movers typically avoid moving personal documents, cash, or heirlooms to avoid legal disputes over damage or loss.
Being proactive and understanding what will movers not move will make your moving day smoother and stress-free.
Hazardous Materials Movers Won’t Touch
Hazardous items top the list of things no moving company will handle. These are items that can cause fires, explosions, or toxic leaks under certain conditions.
Common Hazardous Items Movers Will Not Transport:
- Flammable Liquids and Gases: These include propane tanks, lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, and aerosols. Because these items are highly combustible, they pose a significant fire risk when transported in enclosed moving trucks.
- Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies: Household bleach, ammonia, and other harsh cleaners are not only toxic but can leak and corrode other items during the move. Eastland Movers advises disposing of these properly or giving them away before moving day.
- Pesticides and Fertilizers: These products contain hazardous substances that are both flammable and environmentally dangerous, especially when spilled.
- Fireworks and Ammunition: Transporting these items requires special permits and secure storage, which standard residential movers are not licensed to handle.
| Hazardous Item | Why It’s Not Allowed | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Propane Tanks | Risk of explosion due to pressure changes | Use or return to a refill station |
| Paint Thinner | Highly flammable and toxic fumes | Drop off at a hazardous waste facility |
| Ammunition/Fireworks | Explosive materials restricted by law | Dispose via local police department |
| Bleach/Ammonia | Chemical corrosion risk and toxic exposure | Use up or give away |
Perishable Foods and Plants: A Risk to Freshness and Ecosystems
Perishable goods and plants might seem harmless, but movers won’t transport them due to spoilage and agricultural laws. These items can attract pests, rot in hot trucks, or even violate interstate transport rules for living organisms.
Items That Fall in This Category:
- Fresh, Frozen, or Refrigerated Foods: Movers won’t risk transporting food that can spoil. A cooler with a few snacks may be fine if it’s in your personal vehicle, but movers won’t pack your fridge contents.
- Houseplants: Many states have laws that restrict the movement of plants across borders to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Even local movers may avoid them due to the risk of tipping over or dying during transit.
- Pet Food and Treats: Although not hazardous, movers avoid transporting these to prevent pests or spoilage during the move.
Eastland Movers recommends either using up these items before moving day or transporting them personally in a temperature-controlled vehicle.
Valuables and Personal Items: High Risk, High Liability
Professional movers are experts at protecting your belongings, but there are certain high-value or personal items that they simply won’t touch due to the potential liability.
High-Value or Personal Items Movers Won’t Move:
- Cash, Jewelry, and Collectibles: These small, high-value items are prone to theft or misplacement. Movers typically recommend you carry these with you.
- Important Documents: Birth certificates, passports, legal contracts, wills, and medical records should never be packed away in the moving truck. Keep them in a secure folder on your person.
- Electronics with Sensitive Data: Laptops, hard drives, and mobile devices may not be covered under moving insurance. Eastland Movers suggests backing up your data and transporting these yourself.
- Sentimental Items: Family heirlooms, photo albums, or keepsakes may not be replaceable. Even if movers agree to transport them, it’s best to keep these close to avoid emotional distress in case of damage.
What About Pets and Firearms?
Two other categories that are often misunderstood during moves are pets and firearms. It’s important to know that no reputable moving company, including Eastland Movers, will transport pets under any circumstances. Similarly, transporting firearms is complex and typically outside the scope of residential moving companies.
- Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish): Movers are not legally or ethically allowed to move animals. You should make separate arrangements for their transport—either by car or using a specialized pet relocation service.
- Firearms and Ammunition: While some movers may move unloaded and legally registered firearms, many do not. Federal and state laws vary, so always consult local regulations and confirm with your mover in advance.
How Eastland Movers Helps You Prepare
Knowing what will movers not move is the first step; preparing for it is the second. Eastland Movers goes the extra mile by offering homeowners in the DMV area detailed pre-move consultations where you’ll receive a checklist of restricted items and recommendations for handling them.
Here’s how Eastland Movers simplifies your move:
- Offers a custom checklist of non-allowable items
- Provides guidance on eco-friendly disposal or donation options
- Assists in identifying safe alternatives or special services for delicate belongings
- Encourages open communication to reduce day-of-move disruptions
Their team of trained consultants ensures you’re never caught off-guard by what can or cannot go on the truck.
