Movers Won't Transport Hazardous Items, Plants, or Perishables

Moving companies, while capable of transporting the majority of a household's belongings, have established a clear list of items they will not move due to safety, legal, or logistical reasons. This "no-go" list is crucial for individuals to understand before their moving day to avoid unexpected complications. Hazardous materials are strictly prohibited by federal law from being transported by moving companies. Lindsey Schaibly, operations coordinator for Two Men and a Truck, a franchised moving company based in Lansing, MI, confirmed this federal ban. The category of hazardous materials extends beyond obvious items like propane tanks, gasoline tanks, and ammunition to include less apparent substances. Atlas Van Lines specifies that car batteries, charcoal, darkroom chemicals, batteries, nail polish, scuba tanks, and liquid bleach are also forbidden on their moving trucks. For any hazardous or potentially toxic items, the recommended course of action is to dispose of them properly before the move and repurchase them at the destination.

Household plants also present a significant challenge for movers. James Sullivan, president of Humboldt Storage & Moving of Canton, MA, explained that while some companies might agree to move a few plants for very short, local moves, most will not transport them at all, especially for intrastate or cross-continental relocations. This restriction is often due to concerns about introducing pests or diseases into new environments, with some states being particularly sensitive to plant imports. Individuals who wish to keep their plants must plan to transport them personally.

Similarly, food and pantry items are subject to limitations. While nonperishable food items might seem straightforward, moving companies generally avoid transporting them. This is primarily because food can spoil, attract pests, or leak, potentially damaging other items in the moving truck or creating unsanitary conditions. Perishable food items, such as fresh produce, dairy, and frozen goods, are almost universally excluded due to their short shelf life and the need for refrigeration, which moving trucks typically do not provide. The advice for food items is to consume as much as possible before the move and to plan for purchasing groceries upon arrival at the new residence.

Beyond these categories, other items that movers commonly refuse include large, heavy, or unusually shaped objects that may not fit standard moving equipment or pose a risk during transit. This can sometimes include large musical instruments like pianos, antique furniture that requires specialized handling, or items with significant sentimental but little practical value that movers deem too risky to transport without specialized insurance. It is always advisable for customers to communicate directly with their chosen moving company to clarify any specific restrictions or concerns regarding their belongings well in advance of the scheduled moving date. This proactive approach helps ensure a smoother and more efficient moving process for all parties involved.