When preparing for your upcoming move, it’s natural to ask: What will movers not pack? While movers can handle the heavy lifting, there are certain items—due to safety, legal, or liability concerns—that should be packed and transported by you.
Below are five categories of items that either can’t be moved by your moving company or are better off staying in your care.
1. Plants: Handle With Extra Care
Your leafy companions are best moved by you. Not only do many states have laws restricting the transport of certain plants across state lines to prevent the spread of pests and plant diseases, but insurance companies typically won’t cover live plants during a move.
Even if you’re moving locally, temperature fluctuations and lack of water access inside the moving truck can put your plants at risk. Pots may tip over, soil can spill, and extreme conditions may cause them to wilt or die. Keep them close, and water them as needed throughout your move.
For a complete guide on how to safely move plants, check out this Gentle Giant blog!
2. Perishable Food: Donate or Discard
Movers won’t transport food that can spoil, and for good reason. Perishables can attract pests, leak, or rot in transit. Instead of letting it go to waste, enjoy your remaining frozen dinners or takeout options in the days leading up to your move.
For unopened, non-perishable food, consider donating to a local food bank or organization like Move for Hunger, which partners with moving companies (like us!) to make giving back simple during your transition.
3. Hazardous or Combustible Items: Strictly Off-Limits
Items like gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid, fireworks, aerosol cans, and paint are all considered too dangerous to transport on a moving truck.
If you need to move a gas-powered item, like a lawnmower, drain it of fuel beforehand. And if you’re moving something larger, like a riding mower, let your move coordinator know in advance so we can prepare the right equipment for the job.
4. Household Chemicals: Leave These Behind
Topping our ‘what will movers not pack‘ list are Chemical cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and nail polish remover. These may be commonplace in your home, but movers won’t transport them. These products can spill or react with other substances, creating dangerous conditions in a sealed truck.
The best approach? Use them up before moving day or dispose of them according to local hazardous waste guidelines. You can always restock safely once you arrive at your new place.
5. Sentimental and Valuable Items: Keep Them With You
While not technically prohibited, we strongly recommend keeping personal valuables and irreplaceable items with you. This includes family heirlooms, legal documents, passports, prescription medications, jewelry, and electronics.
If you’d be heartbroken or inconvenienced to lose an item, carry it in your own vehicle or a personal bag. It’s the safest way to ensure peace of mind during your move.
Still Not Sure If It’s Safe to Pack?
The trained professionals at Gentle Giant are here to help. If you’re uncertain about a specific item, reach out to your move coordinator—we’re happy to guide you through what to pack, donate, and leave off the truck. Need a moving quote? Start here and let’s make your move smooth.