What Are Non-Allowable Items in a Move? A Complete Guide to What Movers Won’t Take (and Why)

When preparing for a move, most people assume they can pack everything and load it onto the moving truck.

However, professional moving companies have strict rules about what they can and cannot transport.

These rules exist for legal, safety, and liability reasons, and they cover a wide range of items known as non-allowables.

Why Some Items Are Non-Allowable

State and federal laws regulate moving companies, and they must comply with safety standards set by agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Non-allowable items generally fall into three categories:

• Hazardous or dangerous materials
• Perishable goods
• Personal or irreplaceable items

Each category poses a different risk, either to the moving crew, the moving truck, or to you as the customer in terms of potential loss or liability.

You may also like to read: 100 Packing Tips. If you decide to pack some of these items and move them yourself, you will find this guide to packing over 100 different items invaluable.

1. Hazardous Materials, Safety Comes First

Hazardous materials are any substances that are flammable, corrosive, explosive, or otherwise dangerous. Movers cannot transport these due to the risk of fire, spills, or chemical reactions.

Common Hazardous Materials You Can’t Pack

Type	Examples
Flammable Liquids	Gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinners, kerosene
Compressed Gases	Propane tanks, oxygen tanks, SCUBA tanks
Chemicals and Cleaners	Ammonia, bleach, pool chemicals, pesticides
Explosives	Fireworks, ammunition, gunpowder
Other Hazards	Nail polish remover, aerosols, car batteries

  What To Do With These Items

• Use them up before the move (especially cleaning supplies and fuel).
• Donate sealed, unused chemicals to friends or local organizations.
• Contact your local hazardous waste facility for safe disposal.

2. Perishable Items, Risk of Spoilage and Pests

Movers generally avoid transporting perishable goods because they can spoil quickly, attract pests, or create foul odors, especially on long-distance moves.

Perishables Movers Will Not Move

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Frozen or refrigerated food
• Dairy and meat products
• Open containers of food
• Live plants (in many cases)
• Pet food (especially opened)

Exceptions: If you’re doing a short, local move and the items are properly sealed or packed in coolers, some companies may allow these items, but always check in first.

What to Do Instead

• Eat or donate perishables in the week before your move.
• Transport plants or food items yourself in a temperature-controlled vehicle.
• Use coolers and ice packs if you must travel with food.

You may also like to read: What to Do With Food When Moving Home. In this guide, we share some tips to help reduce food waste when moving home.

3. Personal & Sentimental Items, Keep These With You

Movers also avoid transporting items that are irreplaceable or carry high personal or financial value. While these aren’t legally restricted, they are on the non-allowable list due to liability concerns.

Items You Should Move Yourself:

• Documents: Passports, birth certificates, wills, insurance papers, tax records
• Valuables: Cash, jewelry, collectibles, family heirlooms
• Electronics: Laptops, cameras, external hard drives, chargers
• Sentimental keepsakes: Photo albums, childhood mementos
• Medications: Prescription drugs and anything needed immediately

Moving trucks are often subject to delays or damage. To ensure your most important items are protected, keep them with you during your move, especially on interstate moves.

You may also like to read: Things You Should Not Entrust to Movers. In this guide, we look at the items that must never go with the movers and why.

Moving Checklist, What NOT to Pack

Here’s a reference list to keep handy while packing:

DO NOT PACK:

• Gasoline or propane tanks
• Paints, solvents, or thinners
• Fireworks or ammunition
• Opened food or produce
• Live plants
• Important paperwork or personal ID
• Jewelry, collectibles, or cash
• Prescription drugs
• Scuba tanks or oxygen tanks
• Bleach, pesticides, pool chemicals

Tips for Handling Non-Allowables

• Ask your mover for their complete list of non-allowables ahead of time. Each company may vary slightly.
• Label everything clearly to avoid accidentally packing restricted items.
• Create a “Do Not Load” box or corner in your home for items you plan to take yourself.
• Start early with disposal or donation to avoid last-minute stress.

Contact your local Environmental Protection Agency Office for guidance on how to dispose of hazardous materials.

FAQ Non-Allowable Items in Moving Trucks

Can movers transport plants?

Some local movers may allow houseplants if the move is under 150 miles and takes less than 24 hours. For interstate or long-distance moves, most won’t due to pest regulations and temperature concerns.

You may also like to read: How to Pack Plants for Moving. In this guide, we share tips to ensure that your plants arrive safely at your new home.

Can I pack cleaning supplies?

No. Anything flammable or chemically reactive, such as bleach, ammonia, or aerosol sprays, is not allowed. Use them up or give them away before the move.

You may also like to read: The Ultimate Home Cleaning Checklist. In this guide, we share tips for cleaning every room of the home.

Are alcohol and liquor allowed?

Unopened alcohol may be allowed by some movers, especially for local moves. However, due to its flammable nature and varying state laws, many companies prefer that you move alcohol yourself.

You may also like to read: How to Pack Wine Bottles for Moving. In this guide, we share packing tips for your wine bottle collection.

What happens if I accidentally pack a restricted item?

If movers discover a prohibited item during packing or loading, they will typically remove it and may ask you to dispose of it or take it yourself. This could delay your move or even void your moving contract.

What about firearms?

Laws vary by state, but most professional movers will not transport firearms or ammunition. Always transport them legally yourself or through a licensed firearms shipping service.

Plan Ahead to Prevent Problems

Knowing what movers can’t or won’t transport is important, as you may invalidate your insurance if there is an incident with a prohibited item that you had packed.

Get the list of prohibited items from your mover so that you can dispose of or use up these items ahead of moving day.

Before your move, always:

• Get your mover’s restricted items list
• Sort those items well in advance
• Make a plan for perishables, valuables, and hazards
• Keep those prohibited items well away from items that will be packed onto the moving truck

Good luck with your home move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog for guides on how to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.