Packing for a move is already a big job without the need for last-minute surprises, which is why it helps to know what is not allowed on a moving truck before you accidentally pack a prohibited item. Some banned moving items are restricted for safety or legal reasons, while others just aren’t covered under insurance if something goes wrong.
Below, we’ve explained what can’t go on a moving truck and why, along with a few smart tips to help you pack with confidence, avoid last-minute delays, and keep your belongings safe from start to finish.
Perishables: Items That Can Spoil on the Truck
These banned moving items mainly include food and houseplants:
Houseplants fall in this category, too, since they don’t hold up well in the extreme temperatures often found in the back of a moving truck.
Aside from the risk of spoiled food or wilted plants, transporting perishables, especially plants in soil, can attract pests. This is why movers typically won’t allow them.
Combustibles and Other Dangerous Items
Transporting a gallon of ice cream in the back of a moving truck is a bad idea, but it is legal. Transporting a gallon of gasoline is not. Thankfully, it’s entirely safe and lawful to put that lawn mower on your moving truck, provided you drain all the oil and gasoline out of it first.
There are plenty of other items that fall into this category, some of which might surprise you:
Generally, if it’s explosive or combustible, it’s not going.
To be clear, some items may or may not be forbidden, depending on the moving company or the rental truck you’re using. U-Haul allows loading propane tanks onto their trucks, but Budget does not. Meanwhile, U-Pack’s list of prohibited items includes spear guns having charged heads. So it’s always best to ask for the rules and policies when you’re renting your truck.
If you’re moving with a major van line, check the company website for what is and isn’t allowed. Here is the United Van Lines list, which best reflects the industry standards.
Plants, Pistols, and Alcohol
Crossing state lines with certain plants or guns can be illegal. Even when you’re just driving through, every state’s laws apply. To protect yourself and avoid having anything confiscated, check these U.S. state laws for plants and firearms before your move to ensure compliance.
“[Movers] can, and they should, [refuse to move an item] if something isn’t safe to load. Movers have to follow strict policies when it comes to what goes in the truck, especially with anything hazardous or restricted.”
Laws prohibiting the interstate transport of alcohol tend to be less restrictive, provided it’s for personal consumption. Still, double-check with the states you’ll be entering.
Valuables, Antiques, and Irreplaceable Items
This category includes items that either have incredible sentimental value or are difficult and time-consuming to replace if lost during the move.
So, it’s best to keep the following items with you at all times during your move:
Shoeboxes full of cash (don’t label them “CASH”!)
Checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards, insurance cards, and policies
Official documents, like birth/marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, visas, residence cards
Sentimental valuables and family heirlooms
Bank statements, financial records, mortgages, stocks/bonds
Tax returns
Medical/dental records and any medications/prescriptions
Works of art
Laptops, PCs, and any work-related documents and research papers
Final Thoughts
The list of what’s not allowed seems pretty long. But getting your packing list right the first time could save time in the long run. Take the steps necessary to ensure that you, your stuff, and your truck all make it there safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack cleaning supplies in a moving truck?
It depends. Some basic supplies like sponges or unopened soaps are fine, but liquids like bleach or anything flammable (like aerosol sprays or ammonia) usually aren’t allowed. If you’re unsure, check the label or ask your mover before loading day rolls around.
What happens if movers find prohibited items?
Most movers will set the item aside and let you know right away. It’s not meant to slow you down; they’re just following safety and insurance rules. You’ll need to make another plan for that item, whether that means tossing it or taking it in your own vehicle.
Can movers refuse to transport items?
They can, and they should, if something isn’t safe to load. Movers have to follow strict policies when it comes to what goes in the truck, especially with anything hazardous or restricted. A quick heads-up before the move can save everyone time and trouble.
What To Do When Your Stuff Gets Lost or Damaged While Moving
After all the stress, money spent, and late nights packing, you’re finally at your new home and ready to unpack and settle in for the last leg of your move. Only, you discover your pricey, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table has been shattered. Or the box filled with family heirlooms is missing. Or while pulling in, the moving truck dings the fence and knocks over your mailbox.
These can be nightmare scenarios, depending on how precious the item is and how expensive it could be to replace. But there are some things you can do once you discover any damage — as well as some things you should try before you move.
If my stuff was broken during a move, what do I do?
Did you hire movers who you suspect damaged or outright broke something? Know that even if money can’t wholly replace the item you lost, there are usually steps you can take to get compensation, both before and immediately after anything gets damaged.
1. Document the damage
For broken or damaged items, the first step is to get plenty of photos.
Those pictures will be very helpful when you file a claim, either with the moving company or with insurance (if you have it). Right after you discover the damage is the best time to do this, but even if some time has passed, any documentation is better than none.
If you’re lucky enough to have any photos of your belongings before the move (which is highly recommended), include those too for a before-and-after. Photos are mandatory for showing exactly what type of damage occurred and the potential cost to repair or replace the item.
My stuff is missing!
But what if after taking stock of everything in your new home, you realize the lamp that’s at the perfect angle for a reading light isn’t there? You’re absolutely sure you packed it, but it’s simply gone.
Obviously, you can’t take photos of something missing. Ideally, if you have one, you should go through your entire moving inventory thoroughly when your movers are finished and still there. Rushing through the process and confirming that everything made it to your destination when that’s not the case will make it much harder to locate a missing item or file a claim.
“…it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. Which is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted.”
If it turns out something truly is missing, your only true recourse is to ask the moving company to track it down. It could have been left behind or delivered to the wrong address. (Ask your old property manager/check your old place too, of course.) Alerting the moving company ASAP is key, since the more time that passes, the higher the chance of it getting lost for good.
(If this isn’t an accident and you think there’s been a crime, read about what to do.)
2. File a claim
Once you’ve taken stock of what’s damaged or missing, it’s time to inform the moving company of what happened.
Below is the contact information for a number of national moving companies and where you should file a claim for your lost or broken items.
How To File a Claim With National Moving Companies:
Allied Van Lines: Fill out their online claim form. You can also e-mail claimstrace@alliedvan.com or call (800) 470-2851 to discuss a missing item or coverage prior to filing a claim
Arpin Van Lines: If you need information or help filing a claim, call (855) 405-9293 and dial option 3 to speak to a claims representative or email claims@wvlcorp.com. You can also file a claim online
Atlas: You can file a claim directly through the Atlas® Customer Portal. If you need help, call (800) 638-9797 (ext. 2846# or 2850#)
Mayflower: Most claims can be submitted online. However, if your move took place within the state of Texas, call (800) 325-9970 to get the appropriate form
Moving Help (U-Haul): You can contact them or fill out an Issue Resolution request online. You’re also able to file a claim directly under the subcategory “Safeload”
North American Van Lines: File a claim online, or call (800) 348-3746 or email claims@navl.com for help. Note that intra-Texas moves use a separate claims form and it must be filed within 90 days of delivery
U-Pack: Email moving@upack.com with your name and reference number, and they’ll send you a claim form to complete and submit
United Van Lines: Most claims can be filed online. For intra-Texas moves, call (800) 325-9970 for assistance
Unfortunately, there is no formal process for damages caused by a local moving company that you hire directly. That said, many local moving companies will offer to help or partially pay for damages, but it’s entirely up to them to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis.
However, if you hire a local moving company through an online mover marketplace like HireAHelper, you will be covered in all instances of damages. HireAHelper automatically steps in to mediate and get your money back.
HireAHelper: You can call (800) 995-5003, or email customer-support@hireahelper.com. They are available seven days a week, so you should always be able to get ahold of somebody to help.
3. File a third-party complaint (maybe)
If you submitted a claim but the moving company is not responding, or you feel that they’re not taking enough responsibility, you should file a complaint with a third-party organization.
The first organization to contact is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You can file a complaint online for issues such as lost or damaged items, issues with the company’s license or insurance, overcharges and more.
Once you file a complaint, the movers have 30 days to acknowledge it, plus another 120 days to dispute or resolve it. (Not ideal, but it’s something.)
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You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. After filing your complaint, the BBB processes it within two business days. The business then has 14 days to respond from the date you filed. Complaints are usually closed within 30 days. However, if the business fails to respond, it can negatively impact its BBB rating.
If you think something was actually stolen or intentionally damaged, you should contact your local police department and file a report.
4. You can also seek arbitration from the government
Another option you have if a claim isn’t being handled properly is arbitration. It’s a form of dispute resolution that allows everyone to avoid going to court. Interstate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program, such as the one offered by the FMCSA. (Click here to get started.)
What about moving insurance?
If you’re worried about any possessions being damaged, but you haven’t even hired movers yet, insurance is a possibility. Unfortunately, for reasons all too familiar, you probably won’t be able to rely on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for items lost or damaged while moving. But you’re not necessarily out of luck.
Hired movers are generally responsible for the items they’re transporting. However, if you move across state lines, all moving companies are federally required (that means in every single state) to offer two insurance options:
Full value protection: This means the moving company is responsible for covering the total replacement value of any possessions that are lost or damaged. They can opt to repair or replace the damaged item, or give you cash. This is the most comprehensive coverage, which means it’s also the most expensive.
Released value protection: It’s free… but you get what you pay for. It provides up to $0.60 per pound of an item that’s lost or damaged. So if your 40 lb. flat-screen TV worth $1,000 gets cracked, the most you would be compensated is about $24.
Third-party liability insurance: Some movers may offer this separately. It costs extra but will cover any damages beyond the released value coverage, up to the policy’s limits.
Hiring movers directly means you’re responsible for most of this research and decision-making. But companies such as HireAHelper that curate and help you find the best movers also help you with all the moving insurance stuff.
See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.
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On top of full value protection, HireAHelper automatically offers a $1,000 Safety Guarantee with every order for free, with plenty of other options to upgrade. After curating thousands and thousands of moves, HireAHelper knows everything about what can go wrong and how to fix it. It’s much easier to work with a company that knows the ins and outs of claims and insurance and has a vested interest in your satisfaction, rather than muddling through things on your own.
Again, if you have no insurance, you should still be able to receive some kind of compensation, as long as you’re working with a licensed and reputable moving company. (It’s important to check before hiring anyone!)
What happens after filing a claim with the insurance company?
In many cases, you have up to nine months to file a claim with the company. But again, the faster you file, the sooner you’ll resolve the issue.
After you file the claim (usually this is done online but possibly over the phone):
The company will respond to acknowledge they received it (generally within 30 days)
They will investigate the situation and eventually either offer compensation or deny the claim
Keep in mind there are some situations when the insurance company isn’t responsible for covering your damages. For example, if you choose to pack your own items yourself and something breaks, that’s typically on you, not the movers. The same is true if you pack anything that’s perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable without notifying the movers. Damage from natural disasters is also usually not covered.
Hiring Reputable Movers Is Important
You might assume that if you hire a professional moving company, they have all the necessary processes in place to handle damages. But the truth is a lot of local moving companies don’t actually have insurance or customer service in a traditional sense. And scarily enough, in some cases, you could be dealing with a moving scam. (Click here to learn more if you think you’re being scammed.)
Of course, it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. This is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted. And that’s exactly why HireAHelper exists — we built a national database of reputable movers who not only pass our strict requirements to be listed, but also get publically rated by verfied customers to hold them accountable.
How to Use a Moving Container for a Long Distance Move
The first time I visited Hawaii, I fell in love. After a couple of days of snorkeling, hiking, and eating some of the best food I’ve ever had, I began fantasizing about packing up my home in Los Angeles and moving long-distance to the island of Oahu to live my dream life.
For now, that’s still just a fantasy. But for thousands of people every year, moving long-distance is very much a reality. If you’re considering a long-distance move, you may be wondering how to get all your belongings to your new destination for the least amount of money and headache. That’s where a moving container company may be able to help.
How Do Moving Containers Work?
Moving containers (sometimes called “shipping containers”) are large, portable storage units that can be used to store and move belongings, including over long-distances. They act as a portable storage unit while you get settled in. They are made out of either metal or wood and are weather-proofed to protect your items from the elements.
Typically, after you book, a truck will drop off the container(s) at your home. After you’re done loading (or in some cases, within an allotted amount of days), a driver comes and picks it all up, then drives it all to your new destination. Once you’ve unpacked the container(s), a truck will come to haul everything away.
The smallest sizes hold the equivalent of a studio apartment, while the largest containers can hold three to four bedrooms worth of furniture. Depending on how much stuff you plan to move, you may need more than one container.
The cost of using a moving container is based on several factors:
The distance of the move
Size and number of containers
Length of time you have the containers
The season
One thing you should know, however, is that moving long-distance is generally more expensive than moving locally. More on that below.
What Is Considered “Long Distance,” Anyway?
Usually, any relocation over 100 miles is considered “a long-distance move”.
Here’s some lingo to know: if you’re moving within your own state, it’s known as an “intrastate move”. Moving across state lines is an “interstate move”. And if you’re relocating somewhere several states away, it’s often known as a “long-haul” or “cross country move”.
Are Shipping Containers Better than Moving Trucks?
You might be wondering how using a shipping container is different from renting a moving truck. There are a few similarities, but also a few key differences.
Shipping containers allow you to take more time packing, unpacking and even storing your belongings. In fact, it’s possible to rent a moving container for several months! For that reason, moving containers usually cost a lot more than trucks, so you should really take advantage of it if you go with one.
You also put the driving in someone else’s hands. If you don’t want to drive a big truck, this is a huge perk. Once your belongings are packed and on their way to the new destination, you can’t access them.
A moving truck, on the other hand, means you are in control of every part of the move. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your goals. You are responsible for transporting your items from your old place to the new destination, but you can also access your stuff at any point if need be. Though renting a moving truck is cheaper, you also don’t have the added benefit of extra time or storage.
Pros and Cons of Using A Moving Container For Your Long-Distance Move
If you’re weighing the decision to use a moving container for your long-distance move versus going with a truck or full-service movers instead, here’s a look at the major pros and cons.
Long Distance Moving Container Pros
Cheaper than hiring full-service movers: One of the biggest benefits of using a shipping container is the savings. It can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 on average, or more, to hire movers for a long-distance move, according to Consumer Affairs. However, that cost can greatly increase if you have several rooms worth of furniture to move, many miles to travel, extra stops to make, specialty items, added materials, storage and more. Shipping containers, on the other hand, on average cost around $2,000 to $3,000, with storage included.
Storage at your new destination: Speaking of storage, it’s one of the biggest benefits to using a shipping container for your long-distance move. Not only can you pack up at your own pace, you can keep your items in storage while you get your new place in order. Renting a truck or movers, on the other hand, means you have to stick to a tighter schedule and have everything unloaded right away. No need to have to perfectly coordinate movers to the minute!
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Long Distance Moving Container Cons
You have to do the heavy lifting: Getting an entire house packed up and ready to move long-distance can be time consuming and exhausting. Not to mention, it takes strength and a few helping hands to get everything from Point A to Point B. If you want to focus on other aspects of your move and leave the major work to professionals, hiring labor from a moving company to load and unload your container may be the better choice, and might still cost less overall than full-service van lines.
They take up space: Neighbors won’t appreciate having their parking spaces or driveways blocked by the container. That means you’ll need a driveway or other large space where the moving container can sit as you pack up your home, as well as unload furniture at your new destination. Or if you’re moving to a busy city, you’ll need a permit ahead of time to place one for any amount of time. Plus, even though moving containers lock up, it’s a good idea to have yours in a secure area.
What Are The Best Moving Container Companies For a Long Distance Move?
Keep in mind that not all moving container companies will do long-distance moves. Below are some of the top companies that do!
PODS
Short for “Portable On-Demand Self-Storage,” PODS is one of the more expensive companies on the list. However, they’re known for durable containers and have the most locations by far.
Container material: Steel
Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 7’
Average long-distance move cost: $3,352
1-800-PACK-RAT
This company is similar to PODS in the cost, sizes available and number of locations. However, 1-800-PACK-RAT is more spread out geographically, meaning there’s likely a facility near you to speed up pick up and delivery.
Container material: Steel
Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 8’
Average long-distance move cost: $3,551
U-Pack
U-Pack only offers one size of moving containers through its Relocubes long-distance moving service. You also have only three days on either end of your move to pack and unload. The plus side is that this makes it much more cost-effective to move long-distance.
Container material: Metal
Container sizes: (one size) 6’3” x 7′ x 8’4”
Average long-distance move cost: $2,393
U-Box/U-Haul
You may know U-Haul for its orange moving trucks. For long-distance moves, the company offers its U-Box service, which only offers one size of container that’s not quite as durable as some metal options. However, it also provides flexible billing and live container tracking.
Container material: Plywood with weatherproof cover
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