When you’re getting ready for a big move, you probably already know what the moving company will take. But do you know what they won’t? Some items are not allowed because of safety rules or legal reasons. If you understand this early, it helps you pack better, avoid delays and keeps everyone safe during the move.

These items that movers don’t take can include fish dangerous things like chemicals or gas, as well as expensive or personal items like jewelry. Special things that can’t be replaced — like family photos or important papers — also fall into this category.

In this guide, you’ll find out what types of items should stay off your moving list. Knowing this will help you plan ahead, pack the right way and figure out how to handle things that movers won’t take with them. This is everything you need to know about what items movers do not move.

Why Movers Have Restrictions

Moving companies have rules about certain items for safety reasons. Many of these items are dangerous and could cause fires, leaks or health problems during the move. Movers also want to make sure these things don’t damage your other belongings while in the truck. That’s why they don’t allow things like explosives, gas tanks, flammable liquids, poisons or anything that’s corrosive or radioactive.

There are also some items that may not be dangerous but are too personal or valuable to risk losing. Things like family photos or special keepsakes can’t be replaced with money or insurance, so it’s best to keep them with you.

If you’re moving to another state, there might be laws that stop movers from carrying certain things across state lines. Moving those items anyway could lead to big fines.

When you plan your move with the company, they’ll go over what they can and can’t take. The rules might be different depending on the company, so it’s always a good idea to ask them for a full list of restricted items.

How to Handle Non-Allowable Items

If you have items that movers won’t take, you’ll need to figure out what to do with them before moving day. If you’re flying to your new home, you may have to either donate these items or safely throw them away. But if you’re driving, you might be able to take them with you. Just be sure to pack them safely so you and everyone else in the car stay safe.

Some moving companies provide a list of items that shouldn’t go in the moving truck. You can use this list to decide what to do with those things before the move. Think about what makes the most sense — whether that’s getting rid of them or taking them yourself. The goal is to make sure everything goes smoothly and safely during your move.

Here are some examples of what not to pack when moving:

Common Non-Transportable Items

These are items you likely already have in your home sitting in your garage or underneath the sink. While you may be tempted to throw them in a box with the other items in the drawer or cupboard, you’ll want to make sure you add these items to your list of what not to pack when moving.

  • Nail polish remover
  • Paints & paint thinners
  • Lighter fluid
  • Gasoline
  • Fireworks
  • Oxygen bottles
  • Propane cylinders
  • Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
  • Radio-pharmaceuticals
  • Matches

Other Items to Avoid Transporting

These items may not be top of mind when moving but you’ll still want to avoid packing them into moving boxes as well. This includes:

  • Firearms
  • Food in glass jars
  • Perishable foods
  • Prescription drugs needed for immediate use

Items With Personal Importance

Paperwork, family heirlooms and other items of personal importance should never be packed away into a moving truck. Instead, they should stay in your possession. We recommend having a personal item box and a binder so you can keep all of your important paperwork. Some items you would include in your personal box include:

  • Cash
  • Collections (i.e., coins)
  • Important personal papers (i.e., deeds, wills)
  • Negotiable papers (i.e., bonds, stocks, certificates)
  • Jewelry
  • Moving documents

Special Considerations for Interstate & International Moves

It’s important to understand that moving to another state or country may come with extra rules about what you can and can’t take. Choosing a trusted moving company will help you get the right advice about which items movers aren’t allowed to pack.

Once your moving date is set, a relocation specialist will talk to you about any special rules related to the state or country you’re moving to. Cross-country movers might also offer other ways to move restricted items and help you understand the laws that apply to your new location.

For most out-of-state moves, the moving company will usually suggest that you keep personal documents and family keepsakes with you. They may also advise you to donate or safely throw away items like hazardous materials, weapons or food.

Preparing for the Move with STI Moving & Storage Company

Once you’re ready to move, you can ask STI, Movers in Chicago for a free online quote. Our long-distance moving team will reach out to collect more details about your move and give you a list of items that we do not transport. In addition to our personalized moving services and plans, we also offer several free tools and checklists to help you get ready.

You can use our list of items not to pack to plan ahead. Hazardous items aren’t just a risk for the movers — they’re also things you can easily replace once you’ve moved in. It’s a good idea to keep your valuable items with you during the move, especially since most of them are costly or can’t be replaced. You should also think about getting rid of leftover food or carrying it with you. With the STI Moving Company list of non-allowable items, your move will be safer and smoother for everyone involved. If you have questions or aren’t sure about certain items, feel free to reach out.

Request a free quote today to begin your move.