Moving companies that are dedicated to ensuring a seamless move experience—like RL Relocation—will provide you with an important checklist of items movers will not move.
Keep in mind that moving companies’ restricted items may vary from mover to mover, so it’s a good idea to strategize about what to do with those items before you begin to pack.
These items are likely to be found in your garage or with your household cleaning supplies, while others may be scattered throughout your house. Some items may seem obvious, like gasoline and loaded guns, but others are not so blatant, such as wax candles and indoor plants.
Many people are surprised to find out that a smart move experience begins with the packing phase. That’s why we’ve put together this list of restricted items to ensure your packing process is efficient and hassle-free.
RL Relocation encourages you to read the information below before packing so that you can separate these prohibited items from the rest of your belongings. If you have questions about a specific item, please contact your move manager.
1. Prohibited Items
We will not transport hazardous items, including explosives, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Keep in mind these hazardous items must be disposed of properly. Contact your city or county to find out where to dispose of them.
The following items cannot be included in your shipment:
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Batteries: Alkaline and lead-acid (automobile)
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Household cleaning products: Bleach, ammonia, detergents, etc.
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Corrosive chemicals or poisons
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Lawn and garden chemicals: Pesticides, fertilizer, weed killer
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Flammables and explosives: Fireworks, flares, signal lights
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Live animals or plants
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Gas and oil products: Kerosene, gasoline, oil
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Compressed gas cylinders: Propane tanks (even for grills)
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Wax candles: These can melt in the heat of the truck and damage other goods
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Ammunition & Weapons: Including gunpowder (laws vary per entry and exit state)
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Illegal items or substances
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Note: Other items may be prohibited at the movers’ discretion.
Moving Tip: You may find you no longer need these materials. Consider using them up or disposing of them before the move, and replacing these items once you’ve moved into your new house.
2. Restricted Items
The following items may be included in your shipment after thorough preparation and prior written notice to your move coordinator.
Please be aware that you include these items at your own risk. Claims for loss or damage resulting from shipping these items, even if prepared properly, may be denied.
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Batteries powering personal mobility devices
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Cordless power tools
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Scuba tanks
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Clean gasoline cans and other fuel storage (Must be completely empty/washed out)
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Alcoholic beverages (Sealed and unopened)
Moving Tip: Research the average high and low temperatures during the season your possessions will be transported. You may wish to exclude any items that could be adversely affected by humidity, heat, or cold (like wine collections).
3. Personal or Sentimental Items
RL Relocation recommends that you keep sentimental or personally important items with you at all times during the move.
These are things that you’ll either need immediately or items that cannot be replaced because of their intense emotional connection or level of personal importance. Valuables in this category may include, but are not limited to:
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Wedding and other photo albums
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Jewelry and precious metals
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Heirlooms
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Children’s artwork
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Passports and official IDs
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Medications (including prescriptions)
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House and car keys
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Mobile phones
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Title documents
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Professional files
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Checkbooks, credit cards, and financial records
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Insurance policies
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School records
4. Travel Items (The “First Night” Box)
In addition to sentimental items, there are practical items you should transport in your own vehicle to ensure you are comfortable during the trip and on your first night in the new home.
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Eyeglasses or contacts
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Personal records
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Small electronics and chargers
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Bed linens and towels
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Toothbrushes, shampoo, and toilet paper
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Household cleaning products (Small amounts for immediate cleaning upon arrival)
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Personal suitcase
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Nail polish and remover
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Shaving items
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Animal records
Need Help?
If you are unsure about a specific item, don’t guess! Reach out to your RL Relocation move manager today to ensure your belongings are packed safely and legally.
