What Are the Items Movers Won’t Move

When preparing for relocation, most people focus on what to pack and how to organize their belongings. However, an equally important question often arises: what are the items movers will not move?

Understanding restricted and prohibited items in advance helps prevent delays, safety risks, and unexpected complications on moving day. Whether you are working with a local moving company or planning an international relocation, knowing what cannot be transported is essential to a secure and compliant move.

Professional movers follow strict safety regulations, customs requirements, and transportation laws. These guidelines protect you, your belongings, and the moving crew. Below is a comprehensive guide to items typically excluded from shipment and how to plan accordingly.

Hazardous Materials

One of the most common categories that movers will not transport is hazardous materials. These include flammable, explosive, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous substances.

Examples include gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid, fireworks, paint thinners, aerosol cans, pesticides, and certain cleaning chemicals. These materials pose safety risks during transportation, especially when goods are shipped by sea or air.

International relocation involves even stricter hazardous goods regulations. Customs authorities may inspect shipments for restricted substances, and non compliance can result in penalties or delays.

Before packing, review your household items carefully and dispose of hazardous materials responsibly. Your moving company can provide guidance if you are unsure about specific items.

Perishable Goods

Perishable items such as fresh food, frozen products, and open containers of pantry goods are generally not accepted by movers. During transit, especially in international relocation, shipments may be exposed to temperature changes and extended shipping times.

Transporting perishable goods can attract pests, cause spoilage, and create hygiene concerns within shipping containers or storage facilities.

Instead of attempting to ship food items, plan to consume or donate them before your move. This reduces risk and ensures compliance with shipping standards.

Plants and Soil

Plants are often subject to strict regulations, particularly during international relocation. Many countries have biosecurity laws that restrict the import of plants, seeds, and soil due to potential agricultural risks.

Even domestic moves may involve restrictions depending on state or regional laws.

If you are attached to specific plants, consult with your moving company early in the planning process. In some cases, specialized permits or quarantine procedures may apply. Otherwise, gifting plants to friends or neighbors may be the simplest solution.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are heavily regulated items. Many moving companies do not transport them due to liability and legal considerations.

International relocation adds further complexity, as customs regulations regarding firearms vary widely between countries. Import permits, documentation, and compliance checks may be required.

If you own firearms, consult local authorities for guidance on legal transport procedures. Do not assume that movers will handle these items without prior approval.

High Value Personal Items

Although professional movers are trained to handle valuable belongings, certain personal items are best transported personally rather than placed in the main shipment.

Examples include jewelry, cash, passports, financial documents, family heirlooms, and irreplaceable personal records. These items should remain in your possession throughout the relocation process.

Even the most experienced moving company cannot eliminate all risks associated with long distance or international transport. Keeping high value personal items with you ensures greater security and peace of mind.

Certain Electronics and Lithium Batteries

Items containing lithium batteries, such as electric scooters, e bikes, power tools, and some electronic devices, are subject to hazardous goods regulations.

Air freight in particular has strict limitations on lithium battery transport. Even sea freight shipments may require special declarations or packaging procedures.

Before moving, discuss electronic items with your movers. Proper planning prevents last minute complications and ensures compliance with safety standards.

Not sure if your item can be shipped? Ask Cindy, our AI assistant, about restricted items.

Medical and Controlled Substances

Prescription medications should always travel with you. In addition to safety concerns, customs authorities may require documentation for certain controlled substances.

If you are relocating internationally, research the legal status of your medications in the destination country. Some prescriptions that are legal in one country may be restricted in another.

Keep copies of prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before departure.

Pets

While professional movers specialize in household goods, pet relocation is often handled separately due to health, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Transporting animals involves vaccination records, health certificates, import permits, and sometimes quarantine arrangements. For pet relocation services, specialized providers with experience in animal transportation are recommended.

Planning ahead ensures that your pets travel safely and in compliance with destination regulations.

Items in Storage and Accessibility Concerns

If you have goods already placed in storage, review them carefully before shipment. Some items that were acceptable in a local storage facility may not meet international shipping regulations.

Short-term storage during relocation can provide flexibility when certain items need to be separated from your main shipment. Discuss storage options with your moving company to determine the most appropriate solution.

Secure storage facilities offer protection for items that cannot yet be delivered to your new home.

Why Movers Have Restrictions

Restrictions are not designed to create inconvenience. They exist to protect safety, comply with laws, and ensure that your relocation proceeds without disruption.

Professional movers operate under transportation regulations, insurance guidelines, and international customs rules. Adhering to these standards protects your belongings and reduces risk throughout the journey.

Clear communication with your moving company early in the process allows time to address restricted items responsibly.

Preparing for a Smooth Relocation

The key to avoiding moving day surprises is preparation. During your pre move survey, inform your movers about any unusual, fragile, or specialty items.

Ask questions if you are unsure whether something can be transported. Transparency supports accurate planning and prevents delays.

Relocation becomes significantly smoother when expectations are aligned from the beginning.

Putting Knowledge Into Action

Understanding what movers will not move is just as important as knowing how to pack. Hazardous materials, perishables, firearms, certain electronics, and high value personal items require special attention or alternative arrangements.

By planning ahead and working closely with a reputable moving company, you can ensure that your relocation remains compliant, efficient, and secure.

Asian Tigers Group has supported families and organizations across Asia for decades. Our experienced movers understand international regulations, customs procedures, and storage solutions that adapt to your timeline.

If you are preparing for a relocation and want expert guidance on restricted items, packing standards, or secure storage options, our team is here to help. Connect with Asian Tigers today and let our experienced movers help you prepare for a well coordinated move.

Have questions about what you can and cannot ship? Chat with Cindy, our AI assistant.

Let’s get moving.