When planning for a move it’s natural to think about what you need to pack, but many people overlook the 8 things that should not be loaded on the moving truck. As nice as it would be to wrap up all your belongings in well-labeled boxes, not everything lends itself to a box or a moving van, and for good reason.

It is critical for those moving to know which items are not acceptable for the moving truck. This keeps them from having to open a box to remove taboo items the day of the move, and it is also an investment in keeping their other items safe during transit. When it comes to moving, what not to do can be almost as important as what to do.

8 Things That Should Not Be Loaded on the Moving Truck

While some objects could be a fire hazard, others, like perishable food, could damage items if they are punctured. As tempting as it might be to try to put everything in a neat little box, you will be better protecting the movers and your belongings if you can steer clear of these 8 things that should not be loaded on the moving truck:

1. Perishable food. Anything that needs refrigeration should be put in an ice chest and taken in your personal vehicle. This does not include non-perishable food such as canned beans or vegetables, or dried goods and pasta. Items that are already in use or are stored in your freezer or refrigerator such as cheese, meats, salad dressings, dips, and produce should not be packed for the moving van. Many people choose to use up their perishable items in the weeks leading up to the move to avoid having to take them along.
2. Medicine. Whether it is prescription medication or over the counter supplements, many come with a warning to avoid extreme temperatures. For this reason, it is better to keep these with you in a personal vehicle rather than in a box on the moving truck. In addition, if the truck gets delayed and medication is needed, it is better to have it with you than be without.
3. Alcohol. Some forms of alcohol may not be as hard to leave behind, such as the twelve pack of off-brand beer that was purchased at the grocery store last week. However, if you have a special bottle of wine that you have been saving for just the right occasion, it is understandable that you would want to bring it to your new home. Some moving companies will allow liquor on the truck if it’s completely sealed and hasn’t been opened, while others won’t allow it on the truck at all, so be sure to check with your moving company for their policy on transporting alcohol.
4. Pet food. In some ways, for the purposes of moving, pet food can be considered perishable food. Many types of pet food have instructions to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment so it is not subjected to harmful temperatures. In order to keep pets healthy, it is best to ensure that pet food be purchased upon arrival and that any pet food that is transported by the owners is kept at the manufacturer suggested temperature.
5. Plants. The fact that most movers will not take plants often surprises people. One of the reasons for this is that states have different regulations about what types of plants can cross their state lines. Even if a plant is legal to transport, the individuals moving will need to do so themselves. This is because plants can be messy and spill dirt or water that the dirt has not yet soaked up, which could damage other belongings. They will also not do well with the heat inside the moving van, which would likely result in severe wilting and/or death of the plant.
6. Substances that are considered flammable or hazardous. Many people look at this statement and think they do not own anything that fits this description, but most households do. Some of the most common offenders in this category can be nail polish, nail polish remover, aerosol cans, household cleaners, bleach, pesticides, weedkiller, fire extinguishers, and pool chemicals. Other more obvious substances that are also a problem are gasoline, matches, propane tanks, paint thinner, and even fireworks. If flammable and/or hazardous materials were to spill and catch fire, it could not only damage the boxes and belongings on the moving truck, but also harm the truck and the people driving it.
7. Weapons. If you are the owner of a firearm, knives, or other types of weaponry, keep in mind that each moving company will have a policy in place regarding these items. For instance, some movers will transport these items with certain safety protocols, such as making sure the firearm is unloaded and locked open. Additional protocols may require logging the serial number, make, and model of any firearms being moved. To avoid any surprises on moving day, be sure to verify the moving company’s policy on weaponry in advance.
8. Sentimental or valuable items. It goes without saying that any sentimental or high value items such as family photos, jewelry, or identification and financial documents should be kept with you rather than boxed up for the movers to take. This can give you added peace of mind and will allow you to know where these items are at all times.

In addition to the above, many professional moving companies will opt not to move particularly big and cumbersome items that come with substantial liability problems. Some examples of these types of items can include cars and recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and hot tubs. If these items must be moved, it may require specialized help to do so.

Now that you know the 8 things that should not be loaded on the moving truck, you can start packing and preparing for moving day with confidence. Handling these items yourself will avoid delays on moving day and keep the moving crew and your items safe.