Prohibited Items for Shipping: What Movers Can't Take
When preparing for a long-distance or international move, it's important to know that movers cannot transport certain items, either due to safety regulations, customs laws, or carrier restrictions.
Why this matters: This list helps you avoid last-minute surprises and ensures your shipment stays compliant and safe. Packing prohibited items can result in delays, fines, or shipment rejection.
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1. Hazardous Materials (Strictly Prohibited)
Due to fire, explosion, or chemical risks, movers are not allowed to transport:
Strictly Forbidden Items
- Paint, paint thinner, varnish
- Aerosols or spray cans
- Propane tanks
- Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or any flammable liquid
- Matches, lighters with fuel, charcoal
- Fireworks or explosives
- Cleaning chemicals (bleach, ammonia, acids)
- Pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers
- Car batteries or lithium batteries not inside a device
- Oxygen tanks
- Any pressurized or combustible material
What to do: These items must be disposed of at a local hazardous waste center or transported personally if absolutely necessary (following local regulations).
2. Perishable Items
Movers cannot take anything that can rot, mold, spill, or attract insects.
Prohibited Perishables
- Fresh food
- Frozen food
- Opened food containers
- Plants and soil
- Items requiring refrigeration
- Wine or beer in open cases (for long distance)
International Restrictions
Almost always prohibited internationally due to customs and agricultural restrictions:
- Plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables
- Soil or organic matter
- Any food items (fresh or packaged)
3. Personal, Valuable, or Sentimental Items
To avoid loss, theft, insurance issues, or customs complications, do not pack these with your household goods:
Items That Should Travel With You
- Passports, visas, ID documents
- Legal documents
- Wills, deeds, financial records
- Jewelry, watches, precious metals
- Cash or coins
- Collectibles (high-value stamps, cards, limited editions)
- Hard drives with sensitive data
Important: These items should always travel with you in your personal luggage or vehicle.
4. Weapons & Ammunition
Most movers cannot transport:
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Blades or weapons restricted by local laws
International moves: Firearm rules vary greatly — and improperly declared weapons can cause shipment seizure.
If you must move firearms, you'll need a specialized firearms relocation service.
5. Liquids (Conditional or Prohibited)
Long-Distance Truck Moves
Sealed liquids might be permitted (cleaning supplies, shampoo), but movers often prefer you avoid them to prevent leaks.
International Shipping
Liquids are generally restricted or discouraged because:
- They can leak under pressure
- They may trigger customs inspections
- They often show up as "potential hazard" in scanners
Avoid Shipping These Liquids
- Cleaning products
- Perfumes
- Alcohol (check country rules)
- Oils, sauces, condiments
- Lotions in bulk amounts
Small amounts for personal use may be fine — ask your mover.
6. Items Not Allowed by Customs Regulations
Depending on the country you're moving to, the following may be restricted or require special approval:
Commonly Restricted Items by Customs
Country-specific rules vary greatly
- Alcohol (varies by country)
- Tobacco or vaping products
- Medication or controlled substances
- Religious artifacts
- Cultural artifacts or antiques
- Animal products (leather, skins, horns, shells)
- Gold or precious stones
- Food items of any kind
- Seeds, nuts, spices
Important: Your moving company can provide a country-specific customs guide for your destination.
7. Items That Are Easy to Damage or Don't Travel Well
These aren't "illegal," but movers usually refuse them because they're too fragile or unsafe to pack:
- Candles (they melt in containers)
- Cheap particle board furniture (often collapses)
- Open containers with liquids
- Pressurized beauty products (hair spray, dry shampoo)
- Perfumes in thin glass bottles
- Anything leaking, fragile, or improperly packed
8. Items That Must Be Emptied Before Shipping
Movers will not move any item containing:
- Fuel (lawnmowers, snowblowers, generators)
- Water (dehumidifiers, water filters)
- Liquids in appliances
- Loose batteries
- Anything with mold or infestation
Critical: All fuel must be drained, and appliances must be defrosted and dried.
What to Do With Prohibited Items
Your Options
- Dispose of them at a local hazardous waste center
- Give away open liquids, food, or plants
- Transport personally sensitive items (documents, valuables)
- Use specialized shippers for firearms, wine collections, medical equipment
How Cubesheet Helps
Cubesheet's AI inventory tool helps you identify prohibited items automatically. If you snap pictures of rooms, our system flags:
- Liquids, hazardous materials, batteries
- Weapons, plants, food items
- Items that must be emptied or drained