Professional movers will handle almost everything you own — but a handful of items they legally can't or won't load onto the truck. Knowing the list before move day saves you a scramble (and a few items that don't make it). Here's what to set aside and how to deal with each.
This is the big one. Movers can't transport anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, because it's a fire and liability risk in a packed truck. That means propane tanks, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, charcoal, fireworks, ammunition, aerosol cans, paint and paint thinner, pool chemicals, fertilizer, and most cleaning chemicals. Empty fuel from lawn equipment and grills before move day, and either use up or properly dispose of chemicals — the City of LA runs free household hazardous-waste drop-off (SAFE Centers) for exactly this.
Anything that can spoil, leak or attract pests stays behind: refrigerated and frozen food, produce, and open pantry items. For a local move you can move a cooler yourself; for anything long-distance, plan to eat down the fridge and pantry in the final week and donate sealed non-perishables to an LA food bank.
Most movers won't take houseplants on long-distance moves, and California has agricultural rules about transporting plants across state lines to prevent pests. For a local LA move, plants usually aren't a problem to carry in your own car (and they ride better there anyway, out of a dark truck). For an out-of-state move, plan to gift them, or check the destination state's agriculture rules first.
Pets never ride in the moving truck — transport them yourself in your own vehicle, climate-controlled. And while movers can move a safe or jewelry box, you should personally carry irreplaceable and high-value items: cash, jewelry, passports and documents, medications, laptops, hard drives, and small heirlooms. Keep them in a clearly-marked "essentials" box or bag that travels with you, not on the truck.
Just about everything else — furniture, appliances, electronics, boxes, pianos, gym equipment, art and antiques (specialty-wrapped), and gun safes (quoted up front). We bring blankets, shrink wrap and tools, and we'll tell you honestly if something can't go so there are no surprises on the day. See our local moving and packing services, or get a free written quote.
On local LA moves, plants can usually be carried in your own car (they travel better there). On long-distance and out-of-state moves, most movers won't transport plants due to California agricultural rules — plan to gift them or check the destination state's regulations.
No. Propane tanks, gasoline and all flammable or pressurized items can't go on the truck for safety reasons. Empty fuel from grills and equipment, and dispose of tanks at an LA household hazardous-waste (SAFE) center.
Sealed alcohol is generally fine to pack and move locally. For long-distance moves, rules vary, so ask in advance — and pack bottles carefully in dish boxes either way.
Movers can, but you shouldn't let them. Carry cash, jewelry, passports, medications and small valuables yourself in an essentials bag that never goes on the truck.
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