Moving can be challenging, especially when you find out there are items your moving company won’t transport. To avoid surprises, here’s a guide on 16 things your moving company won’t move, along with tips on handling these items. This guide is useful for anyone planning a move with movers in Toronto.
Common Items Moving Companies Won’t Transport and How to Handle Them
| Item | Reason Moving Companies Won’t Move | Alternative Solution |
| 1. Gasoline and Fuel-Containing Items | Flammable and poses a safety risk | Drain fuel and transport in your own vehicle |
| 2. Pool Chemicals | Hazardous and reactive | Consult local hazardous waste disposal guidelines |
| 3. Weed Killers, Fertilizers, and Pesticides | Hazardous materials | Dispose of or give to neighbors |
| 4. BBQ Charcoal and Lighter Fluid | Flammable and dangerous | Dispose of charcoal and store empty propane tanks |
| 5. Fireworks | Volatile and explosive | Check with local authorities for safe disposal |
| 6. Cleaning Supplies | Toxic and flammable | Transport yourself or give them away |
| 7. Nail Polish and Remover | Flammable | Pack in your personal vehicle |
| 8. Chemistry Sets | Can cause chemical reactions | Pack and transport yourself carefully |
| 9. Firearms and Ammunition | Legal restrictions and safety issues | Ship using a licensed firearm dealer |
| 10. Pets | Can’t be transported in a moving truck | Use climate-controlled transportation or pet relocation services |
| 11. Perishable Food | No temperature control in moving trucks | Pack in coolers or donate perishables |
| 12. Alcohol | Flammable and temperature-sensitive | Transport in your vehicle or hire a wine relocation company |
| 13. Scuba Gear | Contains pressurized gases | Empty tanks and transport them securely in a ventilated vehicle |
| 14. Live Plants | Risk of damage or pest control regulations | Transport yourself or give them away |
| 15. Personal Documents | Movers won’t take responsibility for valuable documents | Keep these items with you during the move |
| 16. Expensive Jewelry | Usually excluded from moving company insurance | Transport valuables yourself in secure, discreet containers |
1. Gasoline and Fuel-Containing Items
Gasoline and anything containing fuel are not allowed on moving trucks. Fuel is highly flammable and poses a significant safety risk during transport. To prepare lawnmowers, leaf blowers, or other gas-powered tools for moving, emptying, and drying their oil and gas tanks thoroughly.
2. Pool Chemicals
Pool chemicals are hazardous and should be disposed of or left behind for the new homeowners. These chemicals can react dangerously if they come into contact with other substances during the move. Pool owners should consult local hazardous waste disposal guidelines for proper disposal methods.
3. Weed Killers, Fertilizers, and Pesticides
These items cannot travel in your moving truck. They are considered hazardous materials due to their chemical composition. Before moving, check with your local hazardous waste facility for disposal options, or give them to neighbors who might use them.
4. BBQ Charcoal and Lighter Fluid
Charcoal and lighter fluids are highly flammable. Ensure propane tanks are empty before moving. For safety, dispose of any leftover charcoal and store empty propane tanks in a well-ventilated area until they can be transported safely.
5. Fireworks
Fireworks contain dangerous chemicals and must be left behind or disposed of safely. They are highly volatile and can cause significant damage if mishandled. Check with local authorities on how to safely dispose of fireworks.
6. Cleaning Supplies
Many household cleaning supplies are toxic and flammable. These products, such as bleach, ammonia, and other chemical cleaners, pose risks if they leak or spill. Transport these items yourself or give them away before moving.
7. Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover
Nail polishes and nail polish remover are flammable and should not be transported in a moving truck. These items should be packed carefully and moved in your personal vehicle to avoid any hazards.
8. Chemistry Sets
Chemistry sets contain materials that can create chemical reactions and are unsafe for transport in a moving truck. These sets should be handled with extreme care. If possible, pack them securely and move them yourself.
9. Firearms and Ammunition
Moving companies won’t transport firearms or ammunition. Firearms must be handled according to strict legal guidelines. Use a federally licensed firearm dealer to ship firearms and ammunition safely and legally.
10. Pets
Moving companies can’t move pets. Use climate-controlled transportation for them. Ensure pets have adequate ventilation, water, and comfort during transit. Consider using a specialized pet relocation service for long-distance moves.
11. Perishable Food (Including Pet Food)
Perishable food cannot be transported by moving trucks as they lack temperature control. Pack dairy and freezer items into coolers for local moves, or donate perishables to a food bank. For pet food, ensure it is properly sealed and stored.
12. Alcohol
Alcohol is flammable and can be damaged by temperature changes. Transport alcohol in your vehicle or hire a wine relocation company for valuable collections. They ensure your wines are moved in climate-controlled conditions.
13. Scuba Gear
Scuba tanks contain pressurized gases and are dangerous to transport in a moving truck. Empty them before moving and transport them in a secure, ventilated vehicle.
14. Live Plants
Live plants are often not moved due to the risk of pests and their delicate nature. Transport them yourself or give them away. Some states also have restrictions on transporting certain plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
15. Personal or Important Documents
Moving companies typically won’t take responsibility for important documents. These include passports, legal documents, financial records, and irreplaceable papers. Keep these items with you during the move to ensure they remain safe.
16. Expensive Jewelry
Jewelry is usually excluded from insurance coverage. Transport valuable items like jewelry, watches, and family heirlooms yourself to ensure their safety. Pack them in secure, discreet containers and keep them with you at all times.
Why Moving Companies Won’t Move Flammable and Hazardous Materials
Legal and Safety Considerations
Safety Concerns: Flammable and hazardous items pose significant risks to everyone involved, including the movers, other customers, and the general public. Moving companies avoid transporting these materials due to the potential for fires, explosions, or toxic exposures if mishandled. These safety risks are too great for most moving services to manage.
Legal Regulations: Strict regulations govern the transportation of hazardous materials. These laws ensure the protection of public safety and the environment. Toronto movers and moving companies in Toronto must comply with these regulations, as violating them can result in severe legal penalties and fines.
Insurance Issues: Most moving companies in Toronto have insurance policies that exclude coverage for damages caused by hazardous materials. If an incident involving these items occurs, it could lead to significant financial losses that aren’t covered by the company’s insurance. This is a critical reason why professional movers in Toronto refuse to move such items.
Damage to Property: Hazardous materials can also damage the moving truck or other belongings being transported. For instance, flammable substances could ignite, causing extensive damage to both the truck and the items inside. This risk is another reason why moving services in Toronto do not handle these materials.
Special Handling Requirements: Dangerous items often require special handling, packaging, and transportation that most Toronto movers are not equipped to provide. Typically, these items need to be handled by specialized movers or companies with specific certifications to manage hazardous materials safely.
What to Do with Prohibited Items – Your Alternatives with One Day Movers
Handling Flammable and Hazardous Materials: A Practical Solution
When relocating, dealing with flammable and hazardous materials can be challenging, particularly because most Toronto moving companies cannot transport these items due to safety, legal, and insurance constraints. However, you can manage these materials effectively with the following steps:
Separate and Label: Start by sorting out all flammable and hazardous items from the rest of your belongings. This includes substances like paint, cleaning agents, propane tanks, and batteries. Clearly label the containers or boxes holding these items to indicate their contents and potential risks. Proper labeling ensures safe handling and prevents accidental exposure or mishandling.
Notify Your Movers: It’s essential to inform your moving company in Toronto about the presence of these items. Although they won’t transport them, your transparency will help them prepare for any special considerations needed during the loading process.
Transport in Your Vehicle: Since these hazardous items are usually limited in number, consider transporting them in your own vehicle. This approach allows you to monitor these materials closely and ensures they are handled according to safety regulations. Your Toronto movers can assist with loading and unloading these items from your vehicle, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Fast and Affordable Solution: By following these steps, you can effectively address the challenge of moving hazardous materials in a way that is both practical and cost-effective. This method minimizes risks and ensures that all items, including sensitive ones, are transported safely.
This approach guarantees that your hazardous materials are managed safely and efficiently, avoiding potential complications with your Toronto moving company.
Why Choose One Day Movers in Toronto
If you’re planning a move in Toronto, consider hiring One Day Movers, one of the leading moving companies in Toronto. Here’s why:
Comprehensive Services
One Day Movers handle everything from packing to transportation. They offer a full range of services to make your move easy and stress-free.
Experienced Professionals
Their team of experienced professionals ensures that all your belongings are handled with care and arrive safely at your new home. They are well-versed in the best practices for moving and can provide expert advice.
Customer Satisfaction
One Day Movers are known for their excellent customer service. They have a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. Many customers have praised their efficiency and professionalism.
Affordable Pricing
They offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Get a free quote and see how affordable your move can be. One Day Movers provide value for money with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Local Knowledge
As a local company, One Day Movers have in-depth knowledge of Toronto. This helps them navigate the city efficiently and avoid potential issues during your move. Their familiarity with Toronto neighborhoods ensures smooth and timely relocations.
Conclusion
Moving can be daunting, especially when certain items can’t be transported by your moving company. From hazardous materials to sentimental items, knowing what you can’t move and how to handle these items is crucial. Always dispose of hazardous materials properly and consider specialized services for items like pets and valuable collections.
For those moving in Toronto, One Day Movers offers the expertise and reliability needed for a seamless move. Contact them today for a free quote and enjoy a stress-free moving experience with one of the best Toronto moving companies.
FAQs
Q. Why can’t moving companies transport hazardous materials?
A: Moving companies can’t transport hazardous materials due to safety and legal regulations. These items pose a risk of fire, explosion, or contamination.
Q. How should I transport my pets during a move?
A: Transport pets in a climate-controlled vehicle. Use a pet relocation service if you can’t take them by car or plane.
Q. What should I do with perishable food during a move?
A: For local moves, pack perishable food in coolers and transport it yourself. For long-distance moves, donate or dispose of perishable items.
Q. Why won’t moving companies move firearms and ammunition?
A: Firearms and ammunition require special handling due to safety and legal concerns. Use a licensed firearm dealer for safe transportation.
Q. How can I dispose of hazardous materials before my move?
A: Take hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Never throw them in regular trash.
Q. Can moving companies transport live plants?
A: Most moving companies won’t transport live plants due to the risk of pests and their delicate nature. Transport them yourself or give them away.
Q. What should I do with cleaning supplies I can’t move?
A: Transport small quantities yourself or give them away to friends or neighbors. For large quantities, follow local disposal guidelines.
Q. How should I transport valuable jewelry and important documents?
A: Transport valuable items like jewelry and important documents in your personal vehicle. Keep them with you during the move to ensure their safety.
Q. Can moving companies move alcohol?
A: Moving companies typically won’t transport alcohol due to its flammability and the risk of damage from temperature changes. Transport it yourself or hire a wine relocation service.
Q. Why should I choose One Day Movers for my move in Toronto?
A: One Day Movers offers comprehensive services, experienced professionals, affordable pricing, and excellent customer service, making them a top choice for movers in Toronto.
Q. What should I do with perishable food during a move?
A: For local moves, pack perishable food in coolers and transport it yourself. For long-distance moves, donate or dispose of perishable items.
Q. Why won’t moving companies move firearms and ammunition?
A: Firearms and ammunition require special handling due to safety and legal concerns. Use a licensed firearm dealer for safe transportation.
Q. How can I dispose of hazardous materials before my move?
A: Take hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Never throw them in regular trash.
Q. Can moving companies transport live plants?
A: Most moving companies won’t transport live plants due to the risk of pests and their delicate nature. Transport them yourself or give them away.
Q. What should I do with cleaning supplies I can’t move?
A: Transport small quantities yourself or give them away to friends or neighbors. For large quantities, follow local disposal guidelines.
Q. How should I transport valuable jewelry and important documents?
A: Transport valuable items like jewelry and important documents in your personal vehicle. Keep them with you during the move to ensure their safety.
Q. Can moving companies move alcohol?
A: Moving companies typically won’t transport alcohol due to its flammability and the risk of damage from temperature changes. Transport it yourself or hire a wine relocation service.
Q. Why should I choose One Day Movers for my move in Toronto?
A: One Day Movers offers comprehensive services, experienced professionals, affordable pricing, and excellent customer service, making them a top choice for movers in Toronto.