What items should not be packed when moving – because some things will get you in serious trouble.
I learned this lesson when a moving company refused to load half my boxes. Turns out, I’d packed a bunch of stuff that could have gotten them fined or me arrested.
Here’s what you absolutely cannot put in a moving truck. And what you shouldn’t, even if you technically can.
The Legal “Absolutely Not” List
Hazardous materials (moving companies will refuse):
- Paint and solvents (fire hazard)
- Propane tanks (explosive)
- Car batteries (acid leak risk)
- Fireworks (obvious reasons)
- Ammunition (legal issues)
- Pool chemicals (toxic and reactive)
Why movers won’t touch these: They can lose their licenses. You can face legal penalties. Insurance won’t cover damages.
The “Professional Only” Category
Items that need specialists:
- Pianos (damage risk, insurance issues)
- Safes over 100kg (equipment and expertise needed)
- Artwork over £5,000 (specialized crating required)
- Wine collections (temperature control needed)
Don’t try to save money here. I watched someone’s £8,000 piano become firewood because they used regular movers.
International Moving Restrictions
Moving overseas? These are often prohibited:
- Plants and seeds (agriculture restrictions)
- Certain foods (customs regulations)
- Medications (prescription rules vary)
- Electronics from different regions (customs duties)
Dubai-specific restrictions:
- Alcohol (UAE has strict import rules)
- Pork products (religious restrictions)
- Certain medications (check UAE drug laws)
- Books or media (content restrictions apply)
The “Too Valuable” Category
Keep these with you:
- Important documents (passports, deeds, insurance papers)
- Jewelry and precious metals
- Cash and credit cards
- Family photos (irreplaceable memories)
- Small electronics (laptops, phones, tablets)
Why not pack these: They can disappear. Moving insurance has limits. You need some items immediately.
Perishable Items (The Obvious Ones)
Food that spoils:
- Fresh produce
- Dairy products
- Frozen foods
- Open packages (insects love these)
Exception: Sealed, non-perishable food is usually fine. But check with your moving company first.
The “Insurance Nightmare” Items
Items with limited coverage:
- Antiques (hard to value and replace)
- Collections (coins, stamps, trading cards)
- Custom or handmade items (impossible to replace)
- Business equipment (different insurance rules)
Professional advice: Get separate insurance for high-value items. Document everything with photos and appraisals.
Dubai Climate Considerations
Items that don’t survive Dubai heat:
- Candles (will melt in truck)
- Chocolate (same problem)
- Vinyl records (heat warping)
- Photographs (heat and humidity damage)
- Aerosol cans (can explode in heat)
Pack these in your car with air conditioning. Or ship separately with climate control.
The “Personal Necessity” Items
Pack separately for immediate access:
- Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Change of clothes (for several days)
- Basic toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Essential work items
- Pet supplies
These go in your “survival kit” that travels with you.
Items to Dispose of Before Moving
Not worth the cost/risk:
- Old paint cans (disposal cost at new location)
- Expired medications (pharmacy take-back programs)
- Old batteries (recycling centers accept these)
- Broken electronics (e-waste recycling)
- Worn-out furniture (donation or disposal)
The 2-year rule: If you haven’t used it in 2 years, don’t move it. Sell, donate, or dispose.
Business and Office Restrictions
Items with data protection concerns:
- Client files (data protection laws)
- Company computers (security policies)
- Financial records (regulatory requirements)
Check company policies before moving office items.
The “Customs Problem” Category
International moves – these cause delays:
- Large quantities of new items (looks like commercial importing)
- Professional equipment (customs duties apply)
- Certain electronics (different safety standards)
The Smart Disposal Strategy
8 weeks before moving:
- Inventory restricted items
- Research disposal options
- Plan disposal timeline
4 weeks before:
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly
- Sell valuable items you’re not moving
- Donate usable items
1 week before:
- Use up perishables
- Final disposal run
- Pack survival kit separately
Professional Moving Company Rules
What movers typically refuse:
- Anything flammable
- Anything toxic
- Anything alive (plants, pets)
- Anything irreplaceable (they recommend you carry)
Always ask your specific company. Rules vary between companies and destinations.
The Documentation Requirements
For valuable items you’re keeping:
- Photos of condition
- Appraisals for insurance
- Serial numbers recorded
- Separate insurance arranged
For international moves:
- Customs declarations
- Proof of purchase for expensive items
- Import permits (if required)
Emergency Planning
If you discover restricted items last minute:
- Contact local disposal services
- Ask friends to store temporarily
- Check if items can be carried in personal vehicle
- Research shipping alternatives
FAQs
Q: Can I pack cleaning supplies? A: Most professional movers refuse cleaning chemicals. Check your specific company’s policy.
Q: What about my gun collection? A: Firearms have special legal requirements. Use licensed firearms transport services.
Q: Can I move my car battery? A: No, car batteries are considered hazardous. Remove and dispose/recycle separately.
Q: What about prescription medications? A: Keep with you, especially for international moves. Never pack in moving boxes.
Q: How do I dispose of paint properly? A: Local councils have hazardous waste collection days. Hardware stores often accept paint returns.
What items should not be packed when moving is about understanding the legal, practical, and financial risks of packing the wrong things – and planning accordingly.
