Items movers will not move
Most interstate movers won't transport hazardous materials, perishables, plants, or your most important valuables and documents — some for federal safety regulations, others for practical or liability reasons. Knowing what's excluded ahead of moving day avoids a last-minute scramble.
What movers typically won't take
Hazardous materials
- Propane tanks and gas grills
- Gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels
- Paint, paint thinner, and solvents
- Aerosol cans
- Ammunition and fireworks
- Pool chemicals and pesticides
- Car batteries and motor oil
Perishables and plants
- Fresh or frozen food
- Refrigerated/frozen items in general
- Houseplants (most interstate movers won't accept them — some states also restrict crossing plants over state lines)
Valuables and important items
- Cash and financial documents
- Jewelry and other small valuables
- Passports, ID, and legal documents
- Family photos and irreplaceable sentimental items
Other common exclusions
- Pets (need separate transport arrangements)
- Vehicles (need a separate auto-transport service)
- Firearms in some cases — check your mover's specific policy and applicable state law
- Extremely hazardous or illegal items
Why these items are excluded
Hazardous materials are federally regulated — interstate carriers can face real legal liability for transporting flammable, corrosive, or combustible items, so this isn't a company preference so much as a legal requirement. Perishables and plants are excluded largely for practical reasons (survival in a dark truck for days, and in the case of plants, some states' pest-prevention rules on crossing state lines). Valuables and documents are excluded because standard moving insurance doesn't meaningfully cover them if lost — see our guide on moving insurance.
What to do with excluded items
- Hazardous materials: use them up before the move, give them to a neighbor, or take them to a household hazardous waste collection event — check your city or county's schedule
- Perishables: plan meals to use up food in the weeks before moving, or donate unopened non-perishables to a local food bank
- Plants: transport valuable ones yourself in your car if the distance allows, or gift/sell ones you can't take
- Valuables and documents: keep with you at all times during the move, never in the truck
- Vehicles: drive it yourself, have a friend/family member drive it, or book a separate auto-transport service
Frequently asked questions
Why won't movers transport propane tanks or gasoline?
Federal hazardous materials regulations prohibit interstate carriers from transporting most flammable, corrosive, and combustible materials — it's a safety and legal requirement, not a company preference.
Can movers transport my houseplants?
Most movers won't accept plants on a long-distance move, partly due to survival concerns (heat, cold, and days in a dark truck) and partly because some states restrict bringing plants across state lines to prevent pest spread. Transport valuable plants yourself if possible.
What should I do with items movers won't take?
Use them up, give them away, or dispose of them properly before moving day for hazardous materials — many communities have household hazardous waste collection events. For valuables, cash, and documents, keep them with you rather than trying to find another shipping method.
Will movers transport my car?
Standard moving trucks don't carry vehicles. If you're not driving it yourself, you'll need a separate auto transport service — some full-service movers offer this as an add-on, others require booking it separately.