Safety First: Why These Items Are Prohibited
Moving trucks travel hundreds of miles, experiencing vibration, temperature changes, and pressure shifts. Items that are safe in your garage can become dangerous on the road.
By law (Department of Transportation regulations), professional movers cannot transport hazardous materials or perishables that pose a risk to the shipment. Please review this list of non-allowable items before you start packing to avoid delays or fines on moving day.
1. Hazardous Materials (Flammable, Explosive, Corrosive)
These items pose a fire or explosion risk. We cannot load them under any circumstances. If you hide them in a box and they cause a fire, you could be held liable for damages.
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Flammables: Gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, charcoal, matches, rubbing alcohol.
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Gases: Propane tanks (even empty ones are often rejected), scuba tanks, aerosol cans (hairspray, deodorant, spray paint).
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Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, flares, signal lights, black powder.
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Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, pool chemicals, pesticides, fertilizer, car batteries, motor oil.
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Household: Nail polish remover, paint thinner, darkroom chemicals.
Tip: If you are unsure about an item, check the label. If it says "Flammable" or "Explosive," it stays off the truck.
2. Perishables (Food & Plants)
[State-to-State Moves] can take several days or weeks. To prevent pests, mold, and bad odors that could ruin your furniture, we limit what organic matter goes on the truck.
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Frozen/Refrigerated Food: Milk, meat, ice cream, produce. (Exceptions may apply for moves under 24 hours, but generally, empty the fridge).
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Opened Dry Goods: Open boxes of cereal, rice, or flour. These attract ants and rodents instantly.
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Plants: Most houseplants will not survive the extreme heat/darkness of a long-haul truck.
Important: Many states (like CA, AZ, FL) have strict agricultural laws prohibiting the entry of outside soil/plants to prevent pest infestation. We recommend moving plants in your personal vehicle or gifting them to neighbors.
3. Personal & Sentimental (The "No-Go" Items)
While not "dangerous," these items are irreplaceable. If they are lost, no amount of insurance coverage can replace them. Do not pack them in boxes that go onto the truck. Keep them in your [First Night Box] or personal bag.
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Documents: Passports, birth certificates, medical records, financial documents, school records.
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Valuables: Cash, jewelry, precious metals, collections (coins/stamps).
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Tech: Laptops, tablets, hard drives (Back up your data before the move!), phone chargers.
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Essentials: Prescription medications, keys (house/car), glasses.
What To Do With Prohibited Items?
Don't throw everything in the trash! Here is how to handle the "Do Not Ship" pile:
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Use It Up: Start eating your frozen food and using up cleaning supplies 2-3 weeks before the move.
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Donate It: Unopened non-perishable food can be donated to a local food bank (organizations like Move for Hunger can help).
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Give It Away: Neighbors or friends are often happy to take half-full bottles of laundry detergent, fertilizer, or propane tanks.
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Dispose Properly: Take hazardous chemicals (old paint, oil) to your local hazardous waste disposal center. Do not throw them in the regular trash bin.
Still Unsure What to Pack?
If you are worried about a specific item, ask us! Or, let our professionals handle it for you. Our [Packing Services] team knows exactly what can and cannot go on the truck.