Movers can take almost everything you own — but not quite everything. A short list of items are left off the truck for safety, legal or practical reasons. Knowing what these are ahead of time saves confusion on moving day.
Hazardous materials
For everyone's safety, moving companies can't transport hazardous goods. These are flammable, explosive or corrosive and don't belong in a loaded truck:
- Propane tanks and other gas cylinders
- Gasoline, diesel and motor oil
- Paint, solvents, thinners and aerosols
- Fireworks and ammunition
- Pool chemicals, bleach and other corrosives
- Car batteries and other leaking or reactive items
Perishables and plants
Food that can spoil and living plants generally shouldn't go on a moving truck, especially in warm weather or on longer moves. Use up or give away perishable food before moving day, and plan to carry houseplants yourself if you want them to survive the trip.
Valuables and irreplaceables
This isn't a safety rule so much as good sense: keep anything irreplaceable with you rather than on the truck. That includes:
- Cash, jewellery and precious keepsakes
- Passports, ID and important documents
- Medication you need daily
- Laptops, hard drives and small electronics with irreplaceable data
- Keys, spare fobs and access cards
What about specialty items?
Pianos, safes, large appliances and oversized items can be moved, but they're usually quoted separately because they need special handling or equipment. Just let us know about them in advance so we bring the right gear and crew. Mention any specialty items when you request a quote.
Everything else? That's what we're here for. See how our local moving and packing services take the rest off your plate.
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