What items will your movers not transport?

What items will your movers not transport?

What You'll Learn In This Article

Items Movers in Memphis Typically Won’t Move

While we move most household items, there are certain things we legally or safely cannot transport. This applies to all Memphis-area moves, whether local or long-distance. These items are categorized for your convenience below.

1. Hazardous or Flammable Materials

These items are considered dangerous and are banned by law from being transported in moving trucks:

  • Gasoline, motor oil, propane tanks
  • Paints, paint thinners, varnish
  • Aerosol cans (bug spray, cooking spray)
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Car batteries and chemical cleaners

Tip: Dispose of these items responsibly through Memphis’ local hazardous waste collection sites.

2. Perishable Food and Plants

Temperature-sensitive items can spoil or cause damage to other belongings:

  • Frozen or refrigerated foods
  • Open containers of dry goods
  • Fresh produce
  • Live plants (due to pests and soil moisture)

Why not? Long transport times and sealed truck environments create unsuitable conditions.

3. Pets and Animals

For safety and comfort reasons, pets must travel with their owners—not on moving trucks.

  • Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.
  • Fish tanks (especially filled)
  • Pet food in open containers

Suggestion: We recommend using pet carriers and planning for short breaks during long drives.

4. Firearms and Ammunition

While laws vary by state, we do not transport:

  • Loaded or unloaded firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Gun safes containing unsecured weapons

Important: Always transport these items in accordance with Tennessee firearm transportation laws or speak with a licensed firearms transport company.

5. Sensitive or High-Value Personal Items

These items should travel with you personally, not in the moving truck:

  • Passports and ID documents
  • Laptops, external hard drives
  • Jewelry or cash
  • Medical records or prescriptions

Important: Though we take every precaution, hard to replace or irreplaceable items are best kept in your possession.

Table: Summary of Non-Allowable Items That We Can’t Move

Category Examples Why They’re Not Allowed
Flammable Goods Gasoline, lighter fluid, fireworks Safety and fire hazard
Perishables Milk, frozen meals, fresh produce Risk of spoilage and contamination
Plants & Soil Potted plants, garden soil Pest control and mold risks
Pets & Animals Dogs, fish, reptiles Humane and legal transportation
Weapons Guns, ammunition Legal restrictions and liability
Personal Valuables Jewelry, IDs, cash, heirlooms Risk of loss or theft

How to Prepare: What to Do With These Items

Hazardous materials: Take to a local Memphis recycling or disposal center.

Food & plants: Eat, gift, or dispose of perishables the day before your move.

Pets: Arrange travel crates or boarding during moving day chaos.

Valuables: Pack in a personal bag or lockbox for direct transport.

Special Note for Memphis Movers

Due to Tennessee weather conditions, items like paint cans, pressurized sprays, and electronics are even more sensitive to high summer temperatures in sealed trucks. We’ll guide you on what’s safe to bring and what to leave behind.

Conclusion

To ensure a smooth, safe, and legal move in Memphis, it’s crucial to know what items your movers can’t transport. We provide every customer with a detailed “Do Not Move” checklist before moving day—so you’re never caught off guard.

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