What Can I Pack Into A Moving Vehicle?: A Guide On Items Movers Won’t Move

When you’re in the zone with packing your belongings and planning your house move, you sometimes forget that there are items that you cannot ask a removals company to move.

It’s understandable that it’s frustrating for you to go through so much trouble to pack stuff that is not allowed on the moving truck of your removal company. This is why we recommend discussing with your removal company what they can and cannot take prior to packing. Some items are deemed unsuitable, prohibited, or unsafe to be moved by professional movers.

We’ve come up with a list of some standard no-nos when it comes to removals companies. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to ask if they’ll allow it.

Items Movers Cannot Move

Hazardous Materials

Prioritise the safety of your items and your movers. Don’t pack flammable items, corrosives, explosives, poisonous substances, and other hazardous materials. The intense jostling from the moving van could lead to unfortunate accidents. Here are some items that fall under this category: 

• Cleaning supplies

• Propane tanks

• Motor oil

• Lighter fluid

• Pool chemicals

• Nail polish remover

• Lamp oil

• Fireworks

• Acids

• Weapons

• Pesticides and Fertilizers

• Aerosol containers

• Paint and paint thinners

• Petrol

• Matches

• Radioactive materials

Do note that this list of prohibited items only mentions some of the most common items removals companies cannot move. So, be sure to check with your removals company which items they consider as hazardous or dangerous materials. You may contact some of our removal service providers in Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, London, and Birmingham to enquire and get estimate quotes for your move.

Professional movers will generally advise you to dispose of such items before moving. You are, after all, better off purchasing these things again when you’ve settled into your new home. However, if you will need to take them with you, then you will have to handle and transport them yourself.  Be sure to research the proper safety protocols in transporting such items. Also, remember to keep such items away from extreme heat during transit.

Perishable Food Items

Perishable items are definitely not something you want to load into your moving van. Food spoils and bruises easily. Don’t bring food with you on the move unless you want to open your van and see a huge disaster.

Perishables also attract insects and rodents. This would wreak havoc not only on your items but also your removal company’s moving equipment. Depending on the contract you signed, you may be held liable for the damages caused. The same goes for non-perishable food stored in open containers.  You want to make sure your refrigerator is clean and empty before loading it into the moving van. Make sure that you’ve defrosted it too before you load it so you don’t open your van and see a flooded mess.

To minimise food waste, though, here are some things you can do:

• Plan out your meals around the items you have in your freezer, fridge, and cupboards. Only purchase the necessary ingredients.

• Serve a couple of appetisers based on the stuff in your kitchen during your going-away party.

• Turn the items into snacks for the journey to your new place.

• Donate them to charity

• Give them to your neighbours

Live Animals/Pets

A moving van is a dark place that can get either very hot or very cold, thus making it an unsuitable place to transport any live animal (or human) in. Moreover, with heavy and bulky items loaded in the moving truck, you wouldn’t want to risk your pet getting crushed in there!

So, make more comfortable moving arrangements for your pets. Consult both your pet and your removals company for tips on how you can safely transport your fur baby. Click here for more information on moving house with pets!

Read about moving house with pets here.

Plants

Similar to live animals, plants are susceptible to the volatile conditions in a moving truck as well. Hence, it would be best if you came up with an alternative moving plan for your plants as well.  It will be, however, best for you to move your plants via a vehicle which can help sustain their lives.

Electronics, Sentimental and High-Value Items

Do not have your movers transport tablets, computers, laptops, important documents, and any other irreplaceable, high-value items you may have.  Similarly, sentimental items like family heirlooms, photo albums, and jewellery, among many others, are also best handled by the owner of the goods themselves.

While your removals crew is exceptionally trustworthy, it would still be best to ensure your items are as safe as possible.  It is better to be safe than sorry, after all. Moving these items yourself will also give you the peace of mind you won’t have when you let someone else move such belongings. 

Some Things To Keep In Mind

Now that you know which items professional moving companies cannot move, here are a few reminders which you would want to take note of.  

Every removal company has a slightly different list of non-allowable items. To be sure you’re only packing allowed items, ask your moving company for a list of items they wouldn’t move. Get this list before you start packing to avoid sorting through all your packed boxes again.

DO NOT attempt to sneak prohibited items into your packed boxes. While this seems tempting, you must not put your or your professional movers’ lives in danger. Lastly, if you are unsure about an item being allowed or not, do not hesitate to ask your moving company.

Have you decided on a removals company yet? If not, use WhatRemovals to book a removals company in your area today! Check out this guide for questions you may want to ask your removals company, and this for a quick guide on how removals costs are computed.