There’s no denying the benefit that comes from hiring professional movers. They handle all the heavy lifting, tackle flights of stairs, trek through horrible weather and move you to wherever you need to go. From the boxes to the moving truck, there’s very few things professional movers won’t do for their customers. However, the law does restrict the type of items movers can move. As such, it’s important to be aware of such restrictions prior to the big day, so you can properly prepare non-moveable materials and make alternative arrangements for transportation. But first, you have to know what can’t be moved and we have the detailed list for you.
Hazardous Materials
It’s no surprise that professional movers can’t transport hazardous materials. After all, there are very few companies who can due to the high risk of contamination, injury, and danger, amongst many other things. However, the type of hazardous materials movers can’t transport for you extend well beyond the obvious items you already know of, such as ammunition, propane and gas tanks. Here are some examples of additional hazardous materials your movers won’t be able to move for you. As a rule of thumb, if it’s toxic, you have to transport or dispose of it yourself.
- Fire extinguisher
- Paint and paint thinners
- Pool chemicals
- Batteries
- Aerosols
- Pesticides
- Charcoal
- Matches and kerosene
- Fertilizer
- Motor oil
Food
Food is almost always on the list of items that are restricted from areas, transportation, facilities and yes, even moving trucks. They pose a risk to crops and further contamination in your new home and community, and can also attract pests, including rats which you certainly don’t want making the move with you. As a rule of thumb, if it’s perishable, it can’t be moved by professional movers. Here are some examples:
- Frozen food
- Produce
- Refrigerated food
- Any food that’s been opened
- Foods with a broken seal
Prized Possessions
Technically, movers can and will move your prized possessions, but it is highly recommended you instead move them yourself. You want to keep your valuables safe and secure, and the best way to do just that is to limit the amount of people that have access to them. As such, movers suggest personal or sentimental items stay with you to reduce the risk of loss or damage. So, if something is of extreme value, monetary and not, you should consider making alternative arrangements to have them moved. Such items include:
- Electronics
- Jewelry
- Cash
- Important documents, such as medical and financial records
- Airline tickets
- Checkbook
- Wedding albums and family photos
- Keys to car, safe, home, etc.
- Collections
Miscellaneous Items
There are many miscellaneous items that movers aren’t allowed to move, as per the law due to the risk of contamination, injury, and/or danger. As a rule of thumb, if an item can harbor pests, is considered living or contains a dangerous substance, it can’t be moved by movers.
- Plants
- Pets
- Power equipment that has fuel in it
- Weapons
While this list of items movers can’t move may seem large at first, in the grand scheme of things, the majority of your household can be moved without you having to lift a finger, strain your back, or work your muscles. So, let professional movers handle the tough stuff and focus on packing these items in your own form of transportation.
