You Can’t Take It With You

When we hear this phrase, we generally think of all the material possessions-and money-we have accumulated over a lifetime as those that will not travel with us after death. None of these items will hold any value to us once we’re gone, and it’s a reminder to focus on the relationships and non-materials things in our lives that truly matter. It’s also a nudge toward using our resources wisely, while we have them, for our benefit and for the benefit of others.

In the world of move management, it is also a phrase that refers to several items that are not permitted to be loaded on a moving truck. Safety, damage and legal issues, for both the mover and client, prohibit their transport. 

When preparing for a move, it’s best to sort through belongings and decide which ones make the cut. Sometimes, though, people find it easier to pack it all up and decide later what to do with it all. There are several drawbacks to this approach and that’s another article altogether. Suffice it for this article to focus on those items that for a variety of reasons, simply cannot be put on a moving truck.

Moving Truck No-Nos

When packing for a move, these are the excluded items by category:

Flammables/Combustables/Chemicals

The more common household items in this category include paint and paint thinner, aerosol cans, nail polish remover, lighters, matches, gasoline and charcoal. The obvious threat is that they pose a significant fire hazard. 

Corrosives/Compressed Gas/Hazardous Materials

Propane and oxygen tanks fall into this category as well as any pressurized items. Also included are some cleaning solutions like bleach and ammonia, pool chemicals, batteries and some pesticides. Corrosive items and hazardous materials can potentially cause damage to the truck and other belongings and pose a threat to potential injury.

Perishable Goods

Frozen, refrigerated and fresh foods-produce and meats-are not permitted for obvious reasons of spoilage. Another concern in this category is the unintentional transport of pests and other vermin. Their leakage can also damage other, surrounding packed items. Perishable goods also include live houseplants, and if it needs to be said, animals. Some medications are considered perishable, so they too, cannot be packed for the moving truck

Many states have particular rules about non-acceptable items, so while this list provides an overview, other regulations and products may apply. You may also be surprised to learn that alcoholic beverages can be labeled a prohibited truck item. When in doubt, it’s best to speak with the moving company about the specifics.

What Else Not to Put on the Moving Truck?

So, what to do with these prohibited items? Use up as much of them as you can, of course, in the weeks prior to the move. Take advantage of recycling and zero-waste collections in your community. This may require some advance planning so be sure to check for these opportunities locally and mark the dates on your calendar. Other ideas include inviting neighbors in to take some of these items off your hands or posting to social media groups for quick removal.

Beyond the list of regulated items, special care should be taken in transporting other items such as valuables or belongings of a personal nature. This will differ for everyone but generally speaking it includes jewelry, cash, keys, important documents, medication, family heirlooms or anything considered irreplaceable. It is best to transport these items personally if you can. Most moving companies are very skilled in handling all types of belongings; still, it warrants conversation about the best, safest approach. Valuation coverage is available at different levels and costs, and it is up to you to identify valuable items and how much coverage to purchase. 

While every reputable and registered moving company has its own policies about what and how to transport, there are overarching state and federal regulations that govern the industry. When packing for a move, be aware of the no transport list so that you can plan accordingly. There's no sense in risking damage, injury or financial penalty.

Now get moving!