5 Things Your Pro Movers May Not Transport

While working with a professional moving company to help you relocate is always ideal, knowing what to expect with your belongings will ensure a smooth process. Some moving companies will move just about anything, from your furniture to your car. However, certain items may pose unnecessary risks to either your belongings or the movers. Therefore, you may have a few belongings in your collection that you will have to handle independently. Check out a few of the restricted items your hired moving company may not transport on your behalf.

1. Pets or Animals

Pets or other animals are best kept with you or transported in a way other than in a moving truck. Most moving companies will expressly state that they cannot move live animals. This can include your dog or cat, but don't forget to make alternative arrangements for fish, reptiles, birds, or other small pets as well. 

2. Perishable Belongings 

While movers may move some perishable items if you are moving relatively close, the general rule is that movers cannot load perishable items onto the moving truck. Keep in mind that your movers will let you know the case with your particular circumstances. Some of the perishable items that the movers may not load onto the moving truck include: 

• Indoor or outdoor live plants 

• Refrigerated or frozen foods 

• Items that must be kept at a specific temperature 

• Open food containers 

• Produce 

• Pet food 

3. Personal or Sentimental Items 

Personal or sentimental items may not necessarily be restricted, but some residential movers recommend that you handle things that are especially valuable to you personally. A few examples may include:

• Family photos or photo albums 

• Financial, legal, medical, or personal documents 

• Keys

• Prescription medications 

• Cell phones 

• Family heirlooms or keepsakes 

4. Combustible, Explosive, or Flammable Items

Hazardous items are prohibited on a moving truck for several reasons. First, these items may be in danger of combusting or releasing chemicals or toxic substances during transit. Two, transporting these items along with your other belongings can pose unnecessary risks. Finally, most people don't realize how many hazardous items they have in their homes. A few examples include: 

• Household or automotive batteries 

• Cleaning chemicals, including bleach and ammonia 

• Kerosene, gasoline, or propane 

• Ammunition 

• Aerosol cans 

• Weedkiller, lawn fertilizer, and pesticides

• Paint, varnish, paint thinner, nail polish remover 

• Pool chemicals 

• Fireworks 

• Nail polish remover

If you come across an item you are not sure about, the best plan is to go ahead and dispose of the item or handle it independently. However, you can also get clarity from your chosen moving company about any substances that you're not sure about. 

5. High-Value Items

High-value items like cash, precious artwork, jewelry, coin collections, and antique valuables are something to consider moving on your own as well. A moving company may or may not have specific stipulations about moving these items, but you may want to make alternative arrangements to be safe. 

Ready to schedule your big move?

Every move involves a lot of work. Even if some items may be prohibited by a moving company, having this level of help is still exceptionally valuable. If you are planning your next move, be sure to reach out and get your free residential moving quote today!