12 Items Professional Movers Cannot Transport Legally
Why Knowing Transport Restrictions Matters Before Moving Day
So you’ve finally booked your move. Boxes are piling up. The tape gun is getting a workout. But here’s something most people don’t think about until a mover is standing in their driveway shaking their head — not everything in your house can actually go on that truck.
Sounds crazy, right? You’re paying for a full move, so everything should go. But nope. Federal regulations, safety laws, and plain common sense mean certain items are completely off-limits. And finding this out on moving day? That’s a headache nobody wants.
Working with a reliable Moving Company in Antwerp NY means getting this information upfront. But honestly, most people never ask. They just assume everything goes. Then moving day arrives and suddenly they’re scrambling to figure out what to do with a propane tank and three cans of paint.
Let’s walk through exactly what can’t go on a moving truck — and what to do about each item.
Hazardous Materials: The Biggest Category
This one makes sense when you think about it. A moving truck is basically a giant metal box sitting in the sun. Temperatures inside can hit 150 degrees on a hot day. Now imagine a can of spray paint in there. Or gasoline. Or ammunition.
Yeah. Bad stuff happens.
What Falls Under Hazardous Materials
The list is longer than most people expect:
- Gasoline, kerosene, and motor oil
- Propane tanks (even “empty” ones)
- Paint, stain, and varnish
- Cleaning solvents and ammonia
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Fireworks and ammunition
- Nail polish remover and aerosol cans
According to the Department of Transportation regulations on hazardous materials, these items require special handling, certification, and transport methods that standard moving companies simply aren’t equipped for.
What To Do With These Items
Don’t just toss them in the trash — that’s actually illegal for most hazardous materials. Check with your local waste management about hazardous waste collection days. Many communities run these monthly. For propane tanks, most hardware stores will take them back.
Perishable Foods Create Problems Too
Moving across town? Your frozen steaks might survive. But Long Distance Moving Companies near me handle trips that take days, not hours. And a truck full of thawing meat in summer is exactly as gross as it sounds.
The Food Rules
Anything that can spoil, rot, or attract pests is a no-go for long hauls:
- Frozen foods
- Refrigerated items
- Open packages of any food
- Produce and fresh fruits
Sealed, non-perishable items in original packaging? Those are usually fine. We’re talking canned goods, boxed pasta, that kind of stuff. But even then, check with your movers first.
Plants and Agricultural Items Face Restrictions
Here’s one that surprises people. You’d think plants would be easy. They’re not dangerous. But crossing state lines with plants can actually violate agricultural regulations.
Different states have different rules about what plants can come in. It’s all about preventing the spread of pests and diseases. That gorgeous houseplant you’ve had for ten years? Depending on where you’re moving, it might need to stay behind.
For local moves, plants are usually fine. But for anything interstate, research your destination state’s agricultural department rules first.
Personal Documents and Irreplaceable Items
Can movers technically transport your birth certificate? Sure. Should they? Absolutely not.
Keep These With You
Some things are too important or irreplaceable to trust to any moving truck:
- Passports and identification documents
- Financial records and tax documents
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Jewelry and family heirlooms
- Photo albums and home videos
- Cash and checkbooks
- Car titles and house deeds
These should travel with you personally. Period. If something happens to the truck — theft, accident, whatever — these are the items that cause the biggest problems to replace. Many literally can’t be replaced at all.
Pets Need Separate Arrangements
This should be obvious, but people ask about it constantly. No, your dog cannot ride in the moving truck. Neither can your cat, hamster, fish, or snake.
Moving trucks aren’t climate controlled. There’s no food, water, or bathroom access. And honestly, it would terrify any animal to ride in that dark, bumpy space for hours or days.
For reliable assistance with complex moving logistics, PT Movers provides guidance on coordinating pet transport alongside your household move. Most families either drive their pets themselves or use specialized pet transport services.
Items With Sentimental Value Beyond Insurance
Moving insurance covers replacement value. But what’s the replacement value of your grandmother’s handmade quilt? Or your kid’s first artwork? Some things can’t be replaced at any price.
Movers aren’t being dismissive when they suggest you transport sentimental items yourself. They’re being realistic about what insurance actually does. If that handmade pottery your mom gave you gets broken, insurance might give you fifty bucks. That doesn’t come close to covering what it meant to you.
What Happens If Prohibited Items Show Up
Let’s say you forgot about that can of paint thinner in the garage. The movers find it during loading. What now?
Best case: they set it aside and you deal with it yourself. Worse case: loading stops while you figure things out, and you’re paying hourly rates for a crew standing around waiting.
When searching for Long Distance Moving Companies near me, ask specifically about their prohibited items list. Good companies send this information well in advance. Great ones follow up to make sure you’ve handled everything before moving day.
Using a Moving Company in Antwerp NY that communicates clearly about these restrictions saves headaches on both sides.
Temperature-Sensitive Items Need Special Consideration
Beyond the obvious prohibited items, think about what extreme temperatures do to certain belongings:
- Candles melt into waxy puddles
- Vinyl records warp beyond use
- Makeup and cosmetics separate or spoil
- Certain medications lose effectiveness
- Wine can be ruined by heat exposure
These aren’t technically prohibited, but they’re items you might want to transport yourself if you’re moving in summer or dealing with extreme temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can movers transport alcohol during a move?
Sealed bottles in original packaging are usually fine for local moves. Interstate moves get tricky because alcohol transport laws vary by state. Check regulations for both your origin and destination states before assuming it can go on the truck.
What should I do with paint cans before moving?
Use what you can for touch-ups before you leave. Donate unopened cans to community theater groups or Habitat for Humanity. For disposal, let remaining paint dry out completely, then check local waste guidelines. Many areas allow dried paint cans in regular trash.
Are there exceptions for short distance moves?
Some restrictions relax for local moves since there’s less time for problems to develop. However, hazardous materials remain off-limits regardless of distance. Always confirm specific policies with your moving company before packing day.
Do I need to tell movers about lithium batteries in electronics?
Small lithium batteries in laptops and phones are generally fine. However, loose lithium batteries, spare battery packs, and large batteries for things like e-bikes should be mentioned. Some companies have specific handling requirements for these items.
What happens to liability if movers transport something they shouldn’t?
If prohibited items cause damage — say a leaking propane tank damages your furniture — you likely won’t be covered. Most moving contracts specifically exclude damage caused by prohibited items. It’s in everyone’s interest to follow the rules.
Moving involves enough logistics without discovering surprise restrictions on moving day. For additional information about preparing for a smooth relocation, understanding these transport limitations early makes everything easier when the truck finally arrives.
