Relocating can often be a daunting task, leading many individuals to seek assistance from professional moving services. While such services may prove to be highly beneficial in facilitating a seamless transition, it is important to acknowledge that even moving companies have certain constraints.

In the context of reputable moving companies, specific regulations are in place regarding the types of items they are willing to transport. Such protocols are designed with the aim of safeguarding the interests of both the service provider and their clients’ belongings. In order to avoid any unforeseen issues, it is prudent to gain a comprehensive understanding of what articles the movers are willing to relocate and what they are not. This proactive approach will help avoid any last-minute complications, and ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

What They Will Move

Big Furniture: The majority of moving companies offer their services for relocating sizable household items such as bookshelves, tables, and sofas. The level of flexibility exhibited by these companies, however, can vary significantly. Certain moving companies are even prepared to undertake the dismantling and reassembly of large furniture pieces if required.

Large appliances: Certain moving companies offer comprehensive services that extend to disconnection and transportation of large home appliances including dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers.

Kitchen appliances: In addition to non-built-in appliances such as stoves, ranges, and microwave ovens, competent moving professionals ensure that all appliances are packed securely to minimize any potential damage during transportation.

Delicate Items: Fragile items, including glassware, artwork, and small decorative items such as curios or figurines, require special handling during a move. Skilled moving professionals take the necessary precautions to ensure that these delicate items are carefully wrapped and protected to prevent any damage during transit.

Big Electronic items: May include devices such as laptops, computers, TVs.

Billiard/ Pool Table: Given the complex nature of pool and billiards tables, which often require disassembly and reassembly for transportation, it is recommended to entrust their relocation to experienced professionals.

Books: Moving companies typically provide customers with a specific type of box designed for books. These boxes are constructed with sturdier materials that can withstand the weight of multiple books stacked together.

Glass objects: Professional movers are equipped to transport larger glass items such as chandeliers or table-tops with the necessary care and precaution.

Special pieces: While professional moving companies may offer relocation services for specialty items like pianos and hot tubs, it is often advisable to engage the services of a company that specializes in moving such items.

Rugs: The majority of moving companies offer relocation services for rugs, including larger area rugs commonly found in homes.

What They Won’t Move

Plants: The transportation of plants is subject to stringent regulations by the US Department of Agriculture and other plant health agencies to safeguard against the propagation of pests, diseases, and environmental hazards.

Fresh food products: Most moving companies do not transport perishable food items, including open or frozen foods that have the potential to spoil during transit. If you wish to transport food items, it is recommended to use your own means of transportation. Sealed non-perishable food items are typically acceptable for transportation.

Dangerous materials: It is recommended to dispose of or use up items such as cleaning fluids, aerosols, nail polish, and nail polish remover prior to the move. These items are not typically recommended for transportation due to safety and regulatory considerations.

Valuables: While most moving companies may not have a strict policy against relocating personal or sentimental items, it is recommended to keep such valuables close at hand during the move. It is advised to assess the replace-ability of each item and, if the item is irreplaceable, to transport it personally.

Pets: Despite being caged or well-behaved, moving trucks may expose living creatures to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. As such, it is not recommended to transport living creatures within these vehicles, as it is not an ideal environment for their well-being.

Power equipment (with fuel): Moving companies will transport power equipment, such as lawnmowers, only after ensuring that the fuel has been drained completely. It is advisable to operate the equipment until it is dry after draining. Companies usually recommend doing this at least 24 hours before the scheduled move.

Flammable products: Typically, items such as aerosols, propane tanks, charcoal and paint are not permitted on a moving truck. It is advisable to either use them up or dispose of them before the scheduled move.

Corrosive items: Moving companies have restrictions on certain hazardous materials such as batteries with acid, muriatic acid, and nitric acid. If it’s necessary to move batteries, they must be gel-type and non-spillable.

Explosives: In adherence to safety regulations, moving companies strictly prohibit the transportation of hazardous materials that could pose a potential risk to their staff and your belongings. These materials include explosives, such as ammunition and fireworks, among others.

Scuba gears: Scuba gear typically contains pressurized oxygen and other fragile components that can be easily damaged. Since pressurized air can explode with minimal impact, it is not recommended to transport scuba gear on a moving truck due to safety concerns. It is advisable to transport scuba gear in a personal vehicle or through a specialized shipping service.

Note: Each moving company may have unique limitations, and it’s recommended to compare multiple companies to find the best fit for your needs. Additionally, moving companies often provide a comprehensive list of items they do and do not transport. Therefore, it’s advised to ask for this list and inquire about any questions or concerns you may have when planning your move.