Every moving company has items they won't transport. This isn't us being difficult - it's about safety, liability, and federal regulations. Here's the real list and what to do about each one.
1. Hazardous materials
This is the big one. We can't move propane tanks, gasoline cans, paint, motor oil, pesticides, pool chemicals, or anything else that's flammable, corrosive, or explosive. These items can ignite or leak in a closed truck, which is a serious safety issue for our crew and your belongings.
What to do: Use up what you can before the move. Donate, give away, or properly dispose of the rest. Most CT and MA municipalities have hazardous waste drop-off days - check your town's website.
2. Perishable food
We don't move open refrigerators full of food, and we won't move loose perishables. A refrigerator that's been unplugged for a few hours on a warm day is already starting to turn.
What to do: Plan your meals around the move. Donate non-perishables. Pack a cooler for anything you want to keep.
3. Plants
We don't move plants on interstate moves, and we're cautious on long local moves too. Plants can't survive in a closed truck for long, and some states have restrictions on bringing certain plants across state lines.
What to do: Give plants to friends or neighbors, or transport them yourself in your car with the AC on.
4. Pets
This one's obvious but worth saying: pets don't go on the truck. Ever.
What to do: Arrange a pet sitter for move day, or keep your pet in a carrier in your car. Move day is stressful for animals - the less they're around the chaos, the better.
5. Important documents and irreplaceable items
We'll move these if you ask us to, but I'd strongly recommend you don't. Passports, birth certificates, financial documents, jewelry, and anything truly irreplaceable should travel with you personally.
What to do: Pack a personal bag with all critical documents and valuables. Keep it with you on move day, not on the truck.
6. Ammunition and firearms
Firearms can be moved but require specific handling and documentation. Loose ammunition is a different story - we won't transport it.
What to do: Transport firearms and ammunition yourself in accordance with CT and MA regulations.
7. Items that "just need a quick fix"
This one surprises people. We won't move furniture that's structurally compromised - a bookshelf that's been held together with tape, a dresser with a broken drawer that could collapse. If something isn't safe to move, putting it on a truck doesn't make it safer.
What to do: Either repair the item before move day or plan to replace it.
If you're not sure whether we can move something specific, just ask when you call for your estimate. We'd rather sort it out in advance than have a surprise on move day. You can also learn more about our moving and packing services.
- Joe Caronna