What will a moving company not move? Because a vital part of your moving prep is sorting your belongings. Sorting them into what you can take, toss, and donate.
And you might be surprised at what you’re not allowed to move, legally. There’s probably a bunch of stuff in your home right now you can’t move in a moving truck.
So what will a moving company not move?
First of all, here’s what you can’t move within the USA, period.
WHAT WILL MOVERS NOT PACK: A SUMMARY
ANYTHING EXPLOSIVE
Yikes. Just make sure those leftover fireworks don’t make it onto the moving truck. Remember to check the back of your products too. Oven cleaner might be labelled explosive, in which case you can’t pack it.
OR ANYTHING CORROSIVE
Have drain problems where you live now? The drain cleaner can’t come, we’re afraid. It’s too much of a risk if there was a traffic accident.
If the corrosive liquid spilled, it would, unsurprisingly, risk corroding stuff. But that’s not all. Corrosive chemical spills can cause terrible environmental damage.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Check the labels on your DIY supplies for anything that could cause a fire. Oil-based paints are flammable, as are strong glues.
Because again, if there was a traffic accident, the moving truck and other vehicles would be at more of a risk.
UNDER PRESSURE
Pressure, pushing down on pressurized items may cause them to explode. Definitely NOT what we want in the truck.
SO WHAT ELSE WILL MOVERS NOT PACK THAT’S PROBABLY IN YOUR HOME?
Here’s what you may already own that you can’t move.
SOME PAINTS
Solvent based paints, because they have the potential to cause a fire. Also paint thinner. This means large quantities of nail polish and nail polish remover are out.
And check the labels on oil based paints for art, too. Because you may find they’re marked as flammable.
But art itself is OK to move. Do you have artwork to move? No problem, because Air1 Moving & Storage professionals are experienced art and art installation movers.
HAIR DYE
Or anything else containing ammonia. And this is because it’s corrosive as well as toxic. So check that your home cleaning products don’t have ammonia in before packing them.
ALCOHOL
Sometimes. It depends what state you’re going to. And it also depends on the strength of the alcohol because strong alcohol is more flammable.
Usually bottles of wine are OK, but liquor may not be. So if it’s not allowed where you’re going, make sure it’s gone before moving day.
FIREARMS
Gun laws are complex and vary by state. So if you’re moving to another state you should check the requirements. But movers won’t transport guns or ammo for safety reasons.
AEROSOLS
Even though they don’t look like anything special, aerosols are pressurized so they present a risk of explosion. This can happen if they are in a fire, making the situation even more dangerous.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Do you have a fire extinguisher? Same story. Although they’re much less likely than aerosols to explode in a fire, legally they can’t be transported.
DIVING TANKS
Scuba diving tanks full of oxygen are out too, for the same reason. But you don’t have to toss your equipment. All you need to do is open the valve and empty it of oxygen.
SOME GARDEN CHEMICALS
Think pesticides and weed killers. Check the labels on fertilizers too. Because fertilizers can be highly explosive. And while we’re outdoors…
CHEMICALS FOR THE POOL
Chlorine is both flammable and corrosive so it’s a no-go for moving.
FLUIDS FOR MOTORIZED GARDEN EQUIPMENT
This means lawnmowers, chainsaws and so on. We’ll take the actual equipment, but it just needs to be empty of fuel.
PROPANE TANKS
Are you a fan of camping? Make sure the camping gas tank doesn’t make it on to the moving truck. Propane tanks can also be found in barbecue sets and in farming equipment.
FLUIDS FOR THE CAR
You probably have a supply of motor oil and antifreeze, but it can’t go in the truck. Motor oil is combustible, of course, and antifreeze is flammable.
WHAT WILL A MOVING COMPANY NOT MOVE INTERNATIONALLY?
Moving internationally? Bear in mind you will have to check the particular requirements for where you’re going. International movers have to follow even more rules than usual.
So what will movers not pack for an international trip?
MEDICINES
Some medicines, such as those to control ADHD, are illegal in other places like Europe. So you’ll want to make sure you’re not accidentally breaking the law. And teeth whitening strips can be regulated differently elsewhere.
Did you get that medicine over the counter? You may need a prescription for it where you’re going.
CASH
In large amounts. We don’t recommend you pack cash on to the moving truck anyway. But even if you’re planning to carry a lot of cash, you should check how much cash you can bring to your destination country.
PLANTS OR SEEDS
Most countries have strict laws against what seeds and plants you can import. So you may find your seeds or plants are prohibited.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THE STUFF I CAN’T TAKE?
Some of our customers sell it. Or just give it away. Your friends, neighbors or local charities will be glad of the donations. And you can have peace of mind knowing there’s nothing going in the moving truck that’s illegal.
YOU CAN TRUST AIR1 MOVING & STORAGE FOR LEGAL & LICENSED MOVING
We know that you want to do everything right when you move. So you need a fully licensed moving company with a great reputation.
Then you’ll be able to relax, knowing everything is taken care of, and everything is above board.
Whether you need local movers, long distance movers, or international movers, Air1 Moving & Storage makes moving day a great day. Contact our professional team today at (866) 552-2916. Or alternatively, fill out a short form, or email us at [email protected].
