4 Items Moving Companies Do Not Move

Moving companies won’t move certain items because of the risk of damage to their movers and the public, or the likelihood that they’ll have angry customers on their hands if something goes wrong. Every company will have a written list of items that they won’t move, and they’ll warn you ahead of time to not pack those items. Here are 4 items most moving companies do not move:

1. Hazardous Materials

For liability reasons, federal laws and risk of death and injury to the public at large, moving companies won’t move hazardous materials. Anything that’s flammable or explosive is considered hazardous, and your moving company will have a list of things not to pack. If you have any questions as to whether an item is considered a hazardous material, ask the company about it. Also, ask them for a copy of their written policy on items they won’t move. Every company has its own unique policy, but here’s a list of typical items that are a “no-no”:

• Paint and paint thinners
• Charcoal and lighter fluid
• Gasoline
• Aerosols
• House cleaning supplies, including bleach
• Nail polish remover
• Propane, kerosene and other liquid fuels
• Fireworks
• Motor oil, car batteries and other batteries

Use up as much of these items as you can before the move, and sell or give away what you can’t use. Moving companies will not allow you to pack them, and you could find yourself in a terrible position if you try packing them anyway and they catch a moving truck on fire or cause an explosion.

2. Plants

Moving companies have their reasons for not moving plants, ranging from the risk of damage to not wanting to get their truck dirty. You’ll have to find alternatives to getting your plants to your new destination, such as mailing or shipping them using UPS or FedEx. Another option is to include your plants in your moving sale or giving them away to family and friends. If you’re moving a short distance, you might find a moving company that’s willing to move your plants, but plan to move them yourself as few moving companies are willing to take the risk.

3. Perishable Food

Moving companies won’t move perishable and other foods that could spoil during the move. They don’t want you to blame them for not arriving on time and causing your foods to spoil, and so they avoid the risk altogether. There’s also the risk of odor that can spread to your things, as well as other people’s items on the truck. Spoiled food can also grow mold, which can spread and cause damage to your other possessions. Plan to eat your foods prior to the move date, and don’t pack them for the move.

4.  Photos, Scrapbooks and Albums

Some moving companies steer clear of moving items of high sentimental value. No amount of insurance can restore your loss of precious family photos and other memorable photos. The lifeblood of a moving company is happy customers, and if you’re not happy because you can’t get your photos back, due to loss or damage, then you’ll never recommend the company to others. Knowing this,many moving companies stay away from that scenario by not moving photos, scrapbooks and albums in the first place.

If you’re not sure whether the moving companies you’re researching restrict any of the above items, ask them directly. When you get written estimates, ask for a copy of all of their policies, including what items they do not move.