What Items Will Movers Not Transport?

We aim to be a one-stop move, but a short list of things simply cannot go on the truck, mostly for safety and legal reasons. Knowing what they are ahead of time lets you make other arrangements and keeps moving day free of last-minute surprises. Here is what we cannot take, and what we recommend you carry yourself.

Anything hazardous or flammable

For the safety of the crew, your belongings, and everyone on the road, we cannot transport materials that are flammable, explosive, or corrosive. Under the heat and movement of a loaded truck, these become a real danger. That includes:

• Fuels and gases: gasoline, kerosene, and propane tanks, even ones that look empty.
• Chemicals: paint thinners, pool chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.
• Aerosols and pressurized cans, plus fire extinguishers.
• Harsh cleaners like bleach and ammonia.

If an item is fuel-powered, like a mower, a generator, or a motorcycle, we handle it case by case, and the fuel needs to be drained first. Give our office a call before your move and we will tell you whether we can take it and how to prep it.

Perishables and plants

To keep our trucks clean and pest-free for every customer, a few everyday things are better off in your own car:

• Perishable and frozen food from the fridge, freezer, or opened pantry items. These spoil and can attract pests on the truck.
• Houseplants. On a local move we can often take plants if they are boxed up well. For a long-distance move, plants are generally restricted, partly because they do not travel well and partly because of state agricultural rules.

Things you should carry yourself

These we can technically move, but we strongly recommend you keep them with you, because they are irreplaceable and best kept under your own eye:

• Important documents: passports, birth certificates, deeds, financial records.
• Valuables: jewelry, cash, coin collections, and small family heirlooms.

Keeping these in your own vehicle means they are never out of your sight, and you are not digging through boxes for your passport on day one.

Firearms and ammunition

We do not transport firearms or ammunition. These fall outside standard residential moving and require specialized handling and documentation, so you will need to arrange their transport separately.

Not sure about something?

This is not a "gotcha" list. We would much rather you know now than find out on moving day. If you have an unusual item, a specialty hobby kit, a piece of equipment, anything you are not sure about, just call our office and ask. We are glad to tell you whether we can move it and, if not, how to handle it safely.

Clearing these few things off your inventory ahead of time lets our crew focus on moving the rest of your home quickly and carefully. Call (773) 275-4100 or email info@wcmoving.com with any questions, or read more in our FAQ. We would rather answer one question now than leave you scrambling later.