Two people on the phone and reading a list over boxes

You never realize how much stuff you have until it’s time to pack up and empty a household. It never seems to fail that even during the final walk-through of a supposedly empty home, you find a few items left behind here or there.

The whole process of moving can be quite challenging and starts in the planning phase. Even if you hire a long-distance mover, you’ll still have some work to get done. At the same time, making your plans consider what to do with the items that moving companies won’t move.

Identifying Non-Allowable Items

Although it might be frustrating to leave out particular items during packing, residential movers won’t allow certain risks. It’s a matter of safety and risk to you and the moving company. You can check with your moving company for a specific list, but in general, most movers won’t take:

  • Flammables
  • Certain Liquids
  • Perishable Foods
  • Explosives

Some of these items might be difficult to identify because they’re part of everyday household uses. Go room by room, check labels, and make a list of potentially prohibited items before planning what to do with them instead. Here are some places to start:

  • Kitchen: You might find several items in the kitchen that don’t belong on transportation. In the weeks leading up to the move, plan your menu around remaining perishable foods. You can leave behind or dispose of fire extinguishers. Finish using chemical cleaners or consider giving them away.
  • Common Areas: Perhaps you have a family fish tank in the living room or household plants. You can possibly transfer them to smaller containers and move them yourself or give them to a family friend or relative. The back of a moving truck is not ideally suited for these items.
  • Bedrooms: Firearms, ammunition, or fireworks are prohibited from being transported by a moving company. Check with a local firearm shipping professional or interstate laws to make sure you travel within compliance with these items.
  • Outdoor areas: The propane from outdoor grills will need to be disconnected. If you plan to take these items with you, lawn care equipment will need to have fluids drained. You might be able to recycle your propane tank.

Preparing for a move can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can start early by identifying and making alternative arrangements for non-allowable items. Getting ahead of moving day with a plan will make for a smoother transition.