Planning a move? One of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “What items can’t a moving company move?”

Federal transportation regulations and safety requirements prohibit professional movers from transporting certain hazardous, perishable, or restricted items. Understanding these restrictions before packing can help prevent delays, avoid safety issues, and ensure a smoother moving experience.

At Molloy Moving & Storage, an agent for Mayflower Transit, we want your move to be as stress-free as possible. Use this guide to understand which items are prohibited, which items require special preparation, and which belongings are best transported personally.

Before you begin packing, we recommend reviewing our 8 Week Moving Checklist to stay organized and on schedule.

Why Are Some Items Not Allowed on a Moving Truck?

Professional movers transport household goods across local, interstate, and international routes. Certain items create safety risks due to:

  • Fire hazards
  • Explosion risks
  • Chemical exposure
  • Federal transportation regulations
  • Environmental concerns
  • Potential damage to other household goods

For the safety of your family, our crews, and your belongings, these items cannot be included in your shipment.

Prohibited Items Movers Cannot Transport

Batteries (Alkaline and Lead-Acid)

Remove batteries from:

  • Toys
  • Remote controls
  • Radios
  • Electronic devices

Loose batteries, even in original packaging, should not be packed with your shipment.

Household Cleaning Products

Many common cleaning products contain chemicals that are considered hazardous during transportation, including:

  • Bleach
  • Ammonia
  • Oven cleaners
  • Industrial cleaning products
  • Chemical disinfectants

Before your move, review our guide to Moving Out Cleaning Tips to learn what supplies you’ll need before disposing of restricted products.

Corrosive Chemicals and Poisons

Examples include:

  • Drain cleaners
  • Pool chemicals
  • Photography chemicals
  • Chemistry sets
  • Flea powder
  • Toxic household chemicals

These items are prohibited because they can leak, react with other materials, or create hazardous conditions during transit.

Lawn and Garden Chemicals

Movers cannot transport:

  • Fertilizers
  • Pesticides
  • Weed killers
  • Insecticides
  • Bug bombs

Dispose of these products according to local regulations before moving day.

Aerosol Spray Cans

Many aerosol products contain flammable propellants such as propane or methane.

Examples include:

  • Hairspray
  • Sunscreen sprays
  • Cooking sprays
  • Insect repellents
  • Spray lubricants

These items should not be packed in your household shipment.

Flammable and Explosive Materials

The following items are prohibited:

  • Matches
  • Lighters
  • Fireworks
  • Road flares
  • Gunpowder
  • Explosive materials

These products present serious safety hazards and cannot be transported.

Gasoline, Fuel, and Oil Products

Movers cannot transport:

  • Gasoline
  • Diesel fuel
  • Kerosene
  • Lighter fluid
  • Lamp oil
  • Paint thinner
  • Sterno fuel
  • Paints and varnishes
  • Charcoal starter products

Even empty fuel containers may be prohibited if residual fuel or odors remain.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Examples include:

  • Propane tanks
  • Oxygen tanks
  • Carbon dioxide cylinders
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Carbonation cartridges

These items are not allowed because pressure changes and transportation conditions can create safety risks.

Live Plants and Animals

Professional movers generally cannot transport:

  • Houseplants
  • Outdoor plants
  • Pets
  • Live animals

If you’re relocating with a pet, review our guide to Moving with Pets for helpful tips on keeping your furry family members safe and comfortable during the move.

Illegal or Federally Restricted Substances

Items prohibited under federal or state transportation laws cannot be moved.

This may include:

  • Illegal drugs
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Federally restricted substances
  • Certain controlled medications

 

Restricted Items That May Be Moved with Special Preparation

Some items may be accepted only after proper preparation and advance notification to your move coordinator.

Firearms

Firearms may be transported if:

  • They are unloaded
  • Properly declared
  • Documented by make, model, serial number, and gauge where applicable

Ammunition cannot be transported.

Cordless Power Tools

Tools powered by removable lithium-ion batteries may be transported if:

  • Batteries are removed
  • Battery terminals are protected
  • Batteries are transported separately

 

Mobility Devices

Wheelchairs and scooters may require special preparation, particularly when equipped with batteries. Contact your move coordinator for guidance.

Scuba Tanks

Scuba tanks may be accepted only when completely empty and free of compressed gases.

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer, wine, and spirits may be transported under certain conditions, but temperature fluctuations can affect quality during transit. Discuss options with your move coordinator if you plan to include alcohol in your shipment.

Items You Should Transport Yourself

Some belongings are simply too valuable, sensitive, or important to entrust to a moving truck.

Important Documents

Keep these items with you:

  • Passports
  • Driver’s licenses
  • Social Security cards
  • Titles and deeds
  • Insurance documents
  • Financial records
  • School records

 

Prescription Medications

Always carry prescription medications, medical devices, and essential health supplies with you during your move.

Jewelry and Sentimental Items

We recommend personally transporting:

  • Jewelry
  • Watches
  • Precious metals
  • Family heirlooms
  • Wedding albums
  • Children’s artwork
  • Irreplaceable keepsakes

While valuation coverage may provide reimbursement, many sentimental items simply cannot be replaced.

Electronics and Everyday Essentials

Pack a personal travel bag or essentials box containing:

  • Mobile phones
  • Laptops
  • Chargers
  • Keys
  • Wallets
  • Credit cards
  • Eyeglasses
  • Important records

For a complete packing guide, see our First Night Essentials Box Checklist.

Additional Moving Tips Before Packing

A successful move starts long before moving day arrives.

To prepare for your relocation, we recommend:

Declutter Before Packing

Reducing what you move can lower costs and simplify unpacking. Read our guide on Decluttering Before Your Move for practical tips on deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

Prepare Children for the Move

Relocation can be stressful for kids. Our article on Helping Kids Thrive Through Relocation offers advice for making the transition easier for the entire family.

Work with a Professional Moving Company

Not all moving companies operate the same way. Learn the difference between a licensed moving company and a broker in our guide, Real Movers vs. Moving Brokers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can movers transport paint?

Generally no. Most paints and paint-related products are considered flammable and cannot be transported.

Can movers move propane tanks?

No. Propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders are prohibited.

Can movers transport alcohol?

Alcohol may be accepted under certain circumstances, but restrictions and temperature concerns may apply.

Can movers move plants?

Many interstate moves restrict or prohibit plant transportation. Check with your move coordinator for guidance.

Can movers transport ammunition?

No. Ammunition and gunpowder are prohibited from household goods shipments.

Need Help Planning Your Move?

Understanding what movers can and cannot transport is an important part of a successful relocation. If you have questions about specific items, contact Molloy Moving & Storage before packing.

Our experienced relocation team can help you determine whether an item is prohibited, requires special handling, or should travel with you instead.

Start planning today with our complete Moving Checklist and let Molloy Moving & Storage help make your move easier from start to finish.