For safety and legal compliance, hazardous items cannot be loaded. Typical examples include:

• Pressurized or combustible items: propane tanks, butane, camp fuel, aerosol cans, scuba tanks

• Fuels and solvents: gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinners, varnishes

• Chemicals and corrosives: pool chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, bleach, ammonia, cleaning solvents

• Explosives and fireworks, matches, charcoal, and similar ignition sources

What to do instead:

• Use up, give away, or take to your local hazardous‑waste facility.

• Drain fuel from lawn equipment and run engines dry before moving.

Perishables can spoil, leak, or attract pests, especially on long routes or during storage. These include:

• Open or refrigerated foods, produce, frozen items

• Temperature‑sensitive goods like certain candles, cosmetics, or similar meltable items

What to do instead:

• Consume, donate locally, or transport short‑distance in a cooled container yourself.

Live plants and animals require care, ventilation, and may be restricted by state or provincial agriculture rules. Most movers cannot transport:

• Houseplants, outdoor plants, soil

• Pets, aquariums with water or live fish, terrariums

What to do instead:

• Move plants and small pets in your own vehicle when feasible.

• For longer distances, research plant and pet transport specialists and any entry regulations.

Due to legal and safety constraints, movers typically cannot take:

• Firearms, ammunition, reloading supplies

• Certain knives or weapons governed by local laws

• Alcohol in regulated quantities across certain jurisdictions

What to do instead:

• Follow local laws for personal transport or use licensed specialty carriers.

• Check destination regulations for alcohol and secure it for personal transport where allowed.

To reduce risk and ensure peace of mind, keep highly personal or hard‑to‑replace items with you:

• Jewelry, cash, collectibles, rare documents

• Passports, IDs, checkbooks, medical records, essential medications

• Laptops, hard drives, family photos, keys, titles, and legal paperwork

What to do instead:

• Pack a personal carry‑on with these items and keep them in your possession throughout the move.

Battery and E‑Waste Considerations

Some batteries and electronics can overheat or leak:

• Remove lithium batteries from devices when possible and carry them separately.

• Safely recycle old car batteries, e‑waste, and damaged power packs before your move.

How to Prepare Before Packing

• Ask for the current non‑allowables list: Request American Made Moving’s latest restricted items guidance for your exact route and season.

• Separate early: Make a “Do Not Pack” area at home to stage restricted items.

• Plan disposal or alternate transport: Schedule household hazardous waste drop‑off or arrange personal transport for sensitive items.

• Label and communicate: Flag delicate, temperature‑sensitive, or special‑care items that you plan to move yourself so crews don’t load them by mistake.

Our Commitment to Your Safety

American Made Moving follows clear safety standards to protect your home and belongings. If you’re unsure about an item, share a photo or product label, and our team will provide guidance on safe handling and your best alternatives.