Moving into your new home? Planning to use movers? Before you grab those boxes and tape, there are a few things you should know about what movers won’t transport.

1. PETS

If you have any pets, you need to make arrangements for their move since movers will not transport them. A federal regulation prohibits moving companies from transferring any animals in moving vans, so plan on taking your pets with you. If you will be traveling for several hours, make sure you don’t pack items your pet will need for the trip like kitty litter, dishes, and, of course, food. Although your animal may not like traveling in a cage, some dogs, cats, and other assorted pets do well in a car, especially if you are scheduling frequent stops. With a pet in a cage there is no chance of the pet escaping at a rest area during a bathroom break.

2. LIVE PLANTS

Federal regulations also restrict professional movers when transporting live plants. If the destination is within 150 miles or can be reached in less than 24 hours’ driving time, the plants can be transported by the moving company. However, you might want to double-check with your movers before planning on them taking your live plants.

3. PERISHABLE FOOD

Once you have a designated moving date, make a concerted effort to use the opened and perishable food items you have in the freezer, the refrigerator, or the pantry. These items cannot be transported by the movers, so you would be responsible for moving them. Rather than worrying about dragging them along in a box or a cooler, it is best to try to use the items. Alternatively, consider giving them to a neighbor or a family member, or you may want to just throw them away prior to moving day.

4. VALUABLES

Other items we suggest you personally transport are jewelry, your laptop, and all cell phones. It also is suggested that family photographs and heirlooms, things that are precious to your family and cannot easily be replaced, should be hand-carried by you to your new home to ensure their safe arrival.

5. FLAMMABLE ITEMS

There are a number of items the moving companies are forbidden to transport, including anything flammable and combustible. That means it is up to you to make sure that the gasoline and/or oil from your lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other power equipment items are drained, and the fluids properly disposed of, prior to the move. Other items that are considered too dangerous to move are propane tanks for gas grills, gas cans, fuel for tiki torches, and any other fuels. 

Varnish, turpentine, and household paints also are forbidden, as are some cleaning fluids, bleaches, and aerosol cans. Also arrange to transport your firearms and ammunition, as well as extra batteries, especially car batteries, which are considered corrosive.

6. YOUR ESSENTIALS

Remember to pack enough clothes, including undergarments, medications, and toiletries, for every member in the family to last from the date the truck is loaded to a day after the planned delivery date. 

So keep this list handy once you start packing.  As soon as you have chosen a professional mover, it is best to inquire if there are any additional items they will not transport for you.