What Movers Won’t Move

It’s not the load that breaks you; it’s the way you carry it.

Now imagine this: you’ve boxed up your entire home, double-taped every corner, labeled every carton, and the moving truck finally pulls into your driveway. But then, the crew starts pointing things out — “We can’t take this… this has to stay… this isn’t allowed…” and suddenly, your smooth move turns into a chaotic puzzle.

This kind of last-minute surprise is more common than you might think, and it almost always comes down to one thing — not knowing what movers won’t move.

In fact, a recent report from the American Moving & Storage Association revealed that one of the top five reasons for moving day delays is a misunderstanding about items movers won’t transport.

And here’s the thing: it’s not just about safety. There are legal regulations, company policies, and even insurance limitations that all affect what movers can’t take.

So if you want to avoid frustration, confusion, or worse — a delay in your move — keep reading. We’ll discuss everything what movers won’t move, how to deal with it, and what you can do instead.

General Categories of Items Movers Won’t Move

If you’re wondering what movers won’t move, it’s not just a random list of things — it’s actually broken down into a few clear categories.

These categories are based on safety laws, liability concerns, and, in some cases, just plain common sense.

Hazardous or Flammable Materials

Anything that can explode, leak, catch fire, or release toxic fumes is on the mover’s restrictions list. That means:

• Gasoline and propane tanks
• Paint thinners and nail polish remover
• Fireworks
• Car batteries
• Aerosol cans
• Bleach, ammonia, and other strong cleaning agents

Federal law actually prohibits moving companies from transporting hazardous materials across state lines, so it’s not just a company policy; it’s the law. These are some of the most common items prohibited by movers, and trying to sneak them in can create serious safety risks.

Perishable Food

If it can spoil, melt, rot, or attract pests, it’s not getting on the truck. Things movers refuse to move include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Frozen meals
• Refrigerated items
• Leftovers
• Anything that requires climate control

Now, sealed and non-perishable items like canned goods or boxed cereal might be allowed, but it’s always best to double-check. Movers don’t want to deal with a box of spoiled milk tipping over in the middle of a cross-country move.

Plants

In many cases, movers won’t take your houseplants, especially if you’re moving across state lines. Why? Some states have strict agricultural regulations to prevent the spread of pests or plant diseases. Plus, plants need sunlight, water, and ventilation, three things they won’t get in the back of a dark, hot moving truck.

So, your pothos and fiddle leaf fig fall into the category of non-movable items during a move.

Pets and Animals

As much as we all wish we could just load up our dog’s crate and let them ride with the boxes, no legitimate moving company will ever agree to transport live animals. It’s dangerous, it’s inhumane, and it’s illegal in most cases.

Whether it’s a cat, hamster, bird, or fish, pets are definitely part of the things movers can’t move list. You’ll need to make separate arrangements for your furry (or scaly) friends.

Valuable and Sentimental Items

While movers technically can move some of these things, most companies will advise against it — and many will ask you to sign a waiver if you insist. Why? Because they don’t want to be liable if something gets lost, damaged, or stolen. This includes:

• Jewelry
• Family heirlooms
• Cash and collectibles
• Birth certificates and passports
• Important medical records or legal documents

Firearms and Ammunition

This one varies by state, but many movers will not handle firearms or ammunition at all. Even if it’s legal in your state, movers don’t want to take the risk of transporting weapons, especially across state lines. These definitely fall into mover regulations on dangerous items.

If you’re planning to move with firearms, you may need to handle them personally or go through a licensed firearm shipping service.

Reasons Why Movers Refuse Certain Items

Ever wonder why movers have a list of things they won’t take? It’s not just about being picky; there are real reasons behind every item on the “no” list. Let’s break it down quickly and clearly.

Safety Comes First

Some things are simply too dangerous to move. Items like propane tanks, fireworks, and harsh chemicals can cause fires or explosions. That’s why these are always on the mover restrictions list.

It’s the Law

Certain items are restricted by federal or state laws. For example, moving flammable liquids or firearms across state lines may be illegal. That’s why these fall under mover regulations on dangerous items and are strictly off-limits for moving trucks.

Insurance Won’t Cover Everything

Movers don’t want to be liable for expensive or irreplaceable items. Things like jewelry, cash, legal documents, or antiques are often considered items prohibited by movers simply because they’re too risky to insure.

Sanitation & Health Concerns

Perishable food, live plants, and pets can spoil, die, or attract pests during transport. These are classic non-movable items during a move, and no professional mover wants to risk damage, mess, or contamination.

Some Things Are Just Too Personal

There are also ethical lines that movers won’t cross. They’ll steer clear of transporting things like pets or personal medical supplies because those require care and handling they simply can’t provide. These are clear examples of things movers refuse to move.

Company Policies

Not every mover follows the exact same rules. Some have stricter policies based on past incidents or internal safety standards. So even if one company agrees to something, another might not. That’s why it’s smart to ask for their official items movers won’t transport list before moving day.

What to Do With Items Movers Won’t Move

Now the big question is: what are you supposed to do with all that stuff? Here’s how to handle those items movers won’t transport:

Move Them Yourself

For personal valuables, important documents, medications, small electronics, or sentimental items — just keep them with you. Pack them in a clearly marked box or bag and take them in your own car.

Ship Certain Items

If something’s allowed to be shipped but not moved (like certain tools, unopened alcohol, or legal firearms), you might be able to use UPS, FedEx, or a specialized shipping company. Just be sure to check local laws.

Use Them Up or Toss Them

For cleaning supplies, open food, or old paint cans, try to use them before the move; if you can’t, dispose of them safely. Many cities in the U.S. have hazardous waste drop-off locations or bulk trash pickup services.

Donate What You Can

If you have unopened non-perishable food, extra toiletries, or even certain household items, consider donating them. Organizations like Move For Hunger work with moving companies to deliver food to local shelters. It’s a great way to reduce waste and help someone else out.

Talk to Your Moving Company

Every mover has slightly different policies. So before moving day, ask for their official mover restrictions list and get clarity on anything you’re unsure about. Some companies might offer advice or even limited solutions.

How to Check Your Mover’s List of Prohibited Items

While there are general guidelines for what movers won’t move, each company can add its own restrictions based on policies, past experiences, or the states it operates in.

That’s why it’s so important to double-check their list before the packing even starts.

Here’s how to do it:

Ask for Their Written Policy

Every reputable moving company should have a written document or checklist of items movers won’t transport. This may be part of your estimate paperwork or given to you during the pre-move consultation.

If they don’t offer it upfront — ask directly:

“Can you send me your official list of items prohibited by movers?”

Look for It on Their Website

Most major moving companies publish their mover restrictions list right on their websites. It’s often in a “Resources” or “FAQs” section. Just search their site for phrases like “non-allowable items” or “what not to pack for moving.”

Don’t Rely on Generic Lists

One company might allow sealed cleaning products; another might not. One might move unopened alcohol within a state; another won’t touch it at all.

That’s why it’s risky to assume something isn’t on the things movers can’t move list just because your neighbor’s movers took it. Confirm with your company.

Use the Estimate Appointment Wisely

When your moving company sends someone to give you an estimate, use that time to ask about things movers refuse to move. Point out anything questionable and get clarity right then and there.

Recommended Resources
How to Move Plants Safely
How to Plan a Smooth Move When Moving with Pets
How to Manage Moving Anxiety and Stress During Relocation
How to Pack Fragile Items for a Damage-Free Move