When you're preparing to move, hiring professional movers and packers can make the process much easier. They take care of packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. However, there are certain items they won’t transport due to safety concerns, legal restrictions, or company policies. Knowing these restrictions in advance can save you time and help you plan better.

In this article, we’ll go over eight common items that movers and packers typically won’t handle, and what you can do about them.

1. Hazardous Materials

What Are Hazardous Materials?

Hazardous materials are items that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment if not handled properly. These include flammable, explosive, or toxic substances.

Examples of Hazardous Materials

• Gasoline, diesel, or kerosene
• Paints, varnishes, and paint thinners
• Fireworks and explosives
• Propane tanks
• Household cleaners with strong chemicals, like bleach or ammonia
• Pesticides and fertilizers

Why Movers Won’t Transport Them

Movers avoid hazardous materials because they pose significant safety risks. They can leak, explode, or catch fire during transport. Additionally, transporting such items may violate local, state, or federal laws.

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What You Can Do

Dispose of hazardous materials responsibly before your move. Many cities have special facilities for hazardous waste disposal. Alternatively, you can give them to a neighbor or friend who might use them.

2. Perishable Food Items

What Counts as Perishable Food?

Perishable food includes anything that can spoil or go bad quickly without proper storage. This typically means items that need refrigeration or have a short shelf life.

Examples of Perishable Food

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Meat, poultry, and seafood
• Frozen foods
• Leftovers or opened food packages

Why Movers Won’t Transport Them

Perishable food can spoil during the move, especially if it’s a long-distance relocation. Spoiled food can attract pests, create bad odors, and even cause health risks.

What You Can Do

Use up or donate perishable food before moving day. You can also pack a cooler for items you want to keep and transport them yourself.

3. Plants

Why Plants Are a Problem

Plants are living organisms that require specific conditions to survive. Moving companies often refuse to transport them because:

• They can wilt or die in a moving truck.
• They might carry pests or soil-borne diseases.
• Some states have regulations against transporting certain plants to prevent the spread of invasive species.

What You Can Do

If you want to bring your plants, plan to transport them yourself in your vehicle. Make sure they are watered and placed in a stable, upright position. For long-distance moves, research state regulations about plant transportation.

4. Valuables and Personal Documents

What Are Valuables?

Valuables include items that are expensive, sentimental, or irreplaceable. Personal documents refer to important papers you might need during or after your move.

Examples of Valuables and Documents

• Jewelry, watches, and heirlooms
• Cash, credit cards, and checkbooks
• Passports, birth certificates, and social security cards
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Legal documents like wills and property deeds

Why Movers Won’t Transport Them

Movers don’t want the responsibility of handling items that are highly valuable or irreplaceable. There’s always a risk of loss, theft, or damage.

What You Can Do

Keep valuables and personal documents with you during the move. Pack them in a secure bag or box that you can carry yourself.

5. Pets

Why Movers Can’t Handle Pets

Pets are living beings that require special care and attention. Moving companies are not equipped to provide the necessary conditions for transporting animals. Additionally, it’s against the law for movers to transport pets in most places.

What You Can Do

Make separate arrangements for your pets. Depending on the distance of your move, you can:

• Drive them yourself.
• Use a pet transportation service.
• Consult your veterinarian for advice on keeping them comfortable during the move.

6. Weapons and Ammunition

Examples of Weapons and Ammunition

• Firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns
• Knives and other sharp weapons
• Ammunition and gunpowder

Why Movers Won’t Transport Them

Weapons and ammunition are highly regulated and pose safety risks. Transporting them without proper authorization can lead to legal issues.

What You Can Do

If you own firearms, consult local laws about transporting them yourself. Use a secure, locked case and ensure you follow all legal requirements. For long-distance moves, consider using a licensed firearms dealer or shipping service.

7. Medications

Why Medications Are Restricted

While most medications are not dangerous, movers may refuse to transport them due to liability concerns. You might need access to your medications during the move, and losing them could be problematic.

What You Can Do

Pack your medications separately and keep them with you. Ensure they are stored at the appropriate temperature, especially if they are sensitive to heat or cold.

8. Sentimental Items

What Are Sentimental Items?

Sentimental items are belongings that hold personal or emotional value. While they may not have high monetary worth, their loss or damage can be heartbreaking.

Examples of Sentimental Items

• Family photo albums
• Handwritten letters
• Childhood mementos
• Custom artwork or crafts

Why Movers Won’t Transport Them

Movers prefer not to handle sentimental items because they can’t replace them if they are lost or damaged.

What You Can Do

Pack sentimental items yourself and transport them in your vehicle. Use protective packaging to prevent damage during the move.

Conclusion

Knowing what items movers and packers won’t transport can help you prepare for your move more effectively. By handling these items yourself or making alternative arrangements, you can avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smoother moving process. Plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to ask your moving company for specific guidance about their policies.

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