Understand the Limits of Moving Services
Not everything in your home is eligible for transport by professional movers. Certain items are restricted due to safety, legal, or policy reasons. Knowing what movers won’t move allows you to plan ahead and avoid delays on moving day.
While reputable Hamilton movers like Morrison Moving offer comprehensive residential moving services, there are still guidelines they must follow. This list will help you separate what stays in the truck from what stays in your car.
1. Hazardous Materials
Paint, propane tanks, gasoline, and other flammable substances are not permitted. These items pose a serious safety risk and must be transported separately or properly disposed of.
2. Perishable Foods
Frozen, refrigerated, or fresh food that can spoil is not typically moved. Food can attract pests and may leak during transit, causing damage to your belongings.
3. Plants
Due to provincial regulations and pest control policies, movers often cannot transport live plants across certain distances. Climate sensitivity also makes plants difficult to protect in a truck.
4. Pets
For safety and ethical reasons, pets should always travel with their owners. Professional movers are not equipped to handle live animals.
5. Firearms and Ammunition
Transporting guns and ammunition requires specific licensing. Most moving companies will not handle these items without proper documentation and prior arrangements.
6. Valuable Documents
Birth certificates, passports, legal documents, and medical records should remain in your personal possession to avoid loss or delays.
7. Cash and Jewellery
High-value items like jewellery, precious metals, and cash should not be placed on a moving truck. These should be carried with you for security.
8. Personal Identification Items
Social insurance cards, banking documents, and ID cards should never be left to third-party handlers. Keep these in a secure bag during your move.
9. Aerosol Cans
Even everyday items like hairspray, cleaning products, and bug spray are classified as hazardous. Pressurized containers can explode under certain conditions.
10. Cleaning Supplies
Bleach, ammonia, and other cleaning products can spill or react with other materials. Movers may decline to pack these due to liability risks.
11. Car Batteries and Fuelled Equipment
Power tools or lawn equipment with fuel still inside are a no-go. Drain all liquids and disconnect batteries if you plan to move them yourself.
12. Alcohol
Some movers refuse to transport open bottles or large collections due to leakage, breakage, and legal considerations depending on the province.
13. Prescription Medications
Keep all medication on you. Not only is it safer, but you may also need access during the moving process.
14. Sentimental Items
Photo albums, keepsakes, and heirlooms are often irreplaceable. It’s best to handle these with personal care.
How to Prepare Ahead
Creating a separate packing list for restricted items can help streamline your move. Ask your moving provider for a full list of exclusions and clarify any doubts in advance. If you’re working with experienced Hamilton movers, they can guide you on how best to prepare.
Some of these items may be able to travel in your own vehicle or with specialized carriers. By sorting them early, you’ll reduce stress and avoid hold-ups on moving day.
Trust Your Movers, But Know Your Role
Morrison Moving provides reliable residential moving services across Hamilton. Their team follows best practices to ensure a smooth experience, but the safest moves happen when both parties are prepared.
By understanding which items to handle yourself, you contribute to a more efficient, risk-free move. Always communicate openly with your moving company and ask for guidance if you’re unsure.
Talk to our team to prep for moving day.
Morrison Moving serves Hamilton with expert residential moving services you can trust. Learn more at Morrison Moving and plan your move with the most reliable Hamilton movers.
