What We Can’t Move: Non-Transportable and Prohibited Items Policy
What We Can’t Move: Non-Transportable and Prohibited Items Policy
Safety is the first priority on every job. This policy from First Moving Company explains which items cannot be moved, which require special preparation, and what you should transport yourself. Clear guidelines help protect people, property, and your belongings while keeping your move compliant and on schedule.
Why Certain Items Are Restricted
Some goods are dangerous under heat, vibration, or pressure, while others are regulated by property rules, carriers, or local laws. Prohibitions reduce risks like fire, leaks, contamination, infestation, and injury. When in doubt, ask for clarification before move day.
| Section | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Strictly Prohibited Hazardous Materials | Overview | These items are not accepted for transport under any circumstances due to flammability, reactivity, toxicity, or environmental risk. |
| Fuels and combustibles | Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lighter fluid, charcoal, propane/butane cylinders, camping fuel. | |
| Chemicals and solvents | Paint thinners, varnish, adhesives, acetone, mineral spirits, automotive fluids. | |
| Pressurized containers | Aerosol sprays, propane tanks, CO₂ cylinders, scuba tanks (pressurized), helium tanks. | |
| Explosives and ignition sources | Fireworks, ammunition, gunpowder, signal flares, matches in bulk. | |
| Corrosives and toxics | Bleach, ammonia, pool chemicals, pesticides, weed killers, strong acids/alkalis. | |
| Other risks | Wet-cell batteries, e-bike or large loose lithium batteries, mercury-containing devices. | |
| Tip | Use up, donate, or dispose of hazardous items through community hazardous-waste programs before your move. Keep receipts if required by your building or HOA. | |
| 2) Perishables and Temperature-Sensitive Items | Overview | Perishables can spoil or attract pests; temperature swings inside a truck may damage sensitive goods. |
| Examples | Fresh or frozen foods, open food containers, produce, unsealed snacks. Refrigerated or temperature-controlled goods. Plants and soil (may be restricted). Medications requiring refrigeration. |
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| Recommendation | Consume, donate, or transport perishables yourself in insulated coolers. Move plants and sensitive goods in a temperature-stable personal vehicle. | |
| 3) Personal, Irreplaceable, and High-Sentimental-Value Items | Overview | For privacy and security, these should travel with you, not in the moving truck. |
| Official documents | Passports, IDs, birth/marriage certificates, financial records. | |
| Valuables | Cash, jewelry, collectibles, rare coins, precious metals, small heirlooms. | |
| Sensitive media and devices | Personal laptops, hard drives, backup disks, cameras with media cards. | |
| Keys and access devices | House keys, car keys/fobs, safes and safe keys, security tokens. | |
| Tip | Prepare a locked “personal carry” bag for essentials, documents, and valuables on move day. | |
| 4) Specialty and Restricted Items Requiring Advance Notice | Overview | Some goods may be movable with preparation, extra materials, or third-party services. |
| Examples | • Large appliances (gas/water lines require disconnect by qualified personnel). • Safes, firearms, locked containers (unloaded and compliant with rules). • Pianos, pool tables, fitness machines, large art pieces (require crating or disassembly). • Large aquariums/terrariums (must be empty). • E-bikes/scooters with lithium batteries (may require removal or special packing). |
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| Action step | Share full details during booking so the correct plan, materials, and scheduling can be arranged. | |
| 5) Live Animals and Pet-Related Items | Overview | Movers cannot transport live animals inside the truck. Pet food and accessories can be moved if sealed and clean. |
| Guidelines | • Transport animals in your own vehicle or with approved pet transport services. • Move aquariums and terrariums empty; stabilize habitats at destination before reintroducing animals. • Keep a pet travel kit with water, food, meds, and cleaning supplies. |
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| 6) Alcohol, Tobacco, and Controlled Goods | Overview | Policies vary by building, carrier, and jurisdiction. |
| Restrictions | • Open bottles or large quantities of alcohol may be limited. • Bulk tobacco products may be restricted. • Controlled substances cannot be transported. |
|
| Recommendation | Move small legal quantities in your personal vehicle and comply with destination rules. | |
| 7) Items That Must Be Emptied, Drained, or Disassembled | Overview | To prevent leaks, damage, or injury during transport. |
| Guidelines | • Drain fuel/oil from mowers, trimmers, and power tools; remove propane from grills. • Empty and defrost refrigerators/freezers 24 hours before the move; secure shelves and doors. • Drain washers, dishwashers, and hoses; cap lines and secure cables. • Remove ink/toner from printers if required; secure lids on containers. |
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| 8) Cleanliness and Pest Prevention | Overview | To prevent contamination and meet building or state regulations. |
| Guidelines | • Do not pack damp items, open chemicals, or leaking containers. • Inspect for pests; do not move infested items until treated. • Clean outdoor gear and planters to remove soil and insects. |
How to Prepare: A Simple Workflow
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Review this policy and identify prohibited or restricted items.
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Use up, donate, or safely dispose of hazardous and perishable goods.
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Separate valuables and documents for personal transport.
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Tell First Moving Company about specialty items early to plan materials and labor.
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Drain and disconnect appliances per guidelines.
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Prepare a “carry with you” essentials kit for move day.
What First Moving Company Provides
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Clear guidance on non-transportable items and safe alternatives
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Suggestions for local recycling, donation, and hazardous-waste options
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Packing solutions for specialty items that can be moved with proper preparation
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Coordinated scheduling for third‑party disconnects, crating, or special handling where applicable
Rules may vary by building, route, and local regulations. This policy is a general guide intended to keep your move safe and compliant. Share any uncertainties with First Moving Company at booking so the plan can be adjusted well before move day.
