When you’re packing to move, it pays to know what your moving company can’t handle to avoid delays on moving day. If you find yourself with a pile of extra items that you have to move yourself, it will likely disrupt your plans for a smooth move. These items aren’t uncommon, and most people will have the majority on the list. Here is that list and why we can’t handle each item.

Chemicals

We cannot carry any dangerous, poisonous, flammable, corrosive or explosive liquids or chemicals. This is for the safety of our movers and to protect your belongings while in transit. One accident could have disastrous consequences. We also can’t carry any chemicals that can interact and become dangerous. A mixture of bleach and vinegar, for example, produces chlorine gas, which is a toxic agent used in chemical warfare. We don’t want that on the moving truck or anywhere else.

Here is the full list of chemicals we cannot carry:

• Cleaning solvents, including nail polish remover.
• Ammonia, bleach or liquid chlorine. 
• Firelighters, kerosene, petrol and diesel.
• Pool chemicals as liquids or powders.
• Methylated spirits, turpentine, paint thinners and strippers.
• Cooking oils. 
• Weedkillers. 
• Photographic chemicals.
• Fire extinguishers, aerosol cans or any other pressurised chemical products.

It is also dangerous to move these chemicals yourself. If you can’t dispose of them safely, we suggest you move them in discreet lots, so there is no chance of accidentally creating a very nasty mix. But the best advice is to use them up and don’t replace them. Then you don’t have to move them at all.

Firearms and ammunition

For the obvious reason that guns are dangerous, we cannot move them unless under specific conditions. These conditions include that you have a current firearms licence and that you have unloaded each weapon and made it inoperable so it cannot be fired in any circumstances. We cannot carry ammunition or any of its components at all. If you cannot move ammunition yourself, you will have to surrender it to an appropriate authority, such as the police.

Gas bottles 

Like petrol or other flammable gases or liquids, we can’t carry LPG bottles unless they are empty and entirely purged of gas. We will also need a certificate from a gas testing station to prove they are safe to handle. Always go to a gas testing centre to get your bottles purged. Never open the valve to release the gas into the air. LPG, in its gaseous state, is heavier than our atmosphere, so it sits on the ground in dangerous, explosive puddles. LPG gas leaks have caused many very serious accidents, so put safety first.

Petrol power tools

We cannot move your petrol-powered tools for the home or garden unless you completely drain the petrol and oil from the tanks. It pays to clean these tools too, as there is always a risk of dirt contamination if items move around in the truck. We also highly recommend that you clean your tools thoroughly if you’re putting them into storage for the same reason.

Important documents, heirlooms and precious personal items

We can move these items for you, but we prefer that you carry them as they are usually difficult to replace or altogether irreplaceable. Make provision to take these items with you on moving day, regardless of whether you’re moving across town or overseas.

Perishable food

If there is one certainty about moving, it’s that items move around in the truck. We cannot mitigate vibration, bumps in the road, or the motion of the vehicle. So, we always seek to avoid potential problems caused by items moving. We do it partly with careful packing and handling and by loading the truck to minimise movement. And we also do it by excluding items that may not be dangerous but can cause a mess and consequently damage your other possessions. That’s why we only move food that has been dried, canned or is still in a sealed packet.

It doesn’t make good sense to move food anyway, as it adds to the time and cost of moving. You have to pack and unpack it and pay for us to carry it. Eating down your fridge and cupboards is a much smarter option.

Washing machines and certain other appliances

While a washing machine doesn’t present any obvious restrictions for movers, we can’t carry them unless they are prepared for removal according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Certain fridges and other appliances are the same. Refer to your instruction manuals or contact the manufacturer for help.

Other prohibited items

We don’t carry pets in our moving vehicles, as moving is stressful for pets and needs to be managed by an expert handler. We do provide separate pet transport services, so ask us about it when you get your quote.

Finally, and for obvious reasons, we can’t handle any prohibited, illegal or dangerous goods.

If you need any more information or advice about how to deal with any items we can’t carry for you, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.