Why There Is a List at All
Removals vehicles are not licensed to carry hazardous goods, food in transit, or anything that could endanger the rest of the load. Insurance policies also exclude many items. So even if the crew is happy to help, their policy probably says no.
The categories below are standard across most UK removals companies.
Flammable, Explosive and Pressurised Items
This is the biggest category. It includes:
- Petrol, diesel, paraffin (drain mowers, generators, motorbikes)
- Gas cylinders — BBQ propane, camping gas, helium
- Fireworks
- Aerosols in bulk (a few deodorants are usually fine; cleaning aerosols are not)
- Paint and paint thinners
- White spirit, turpentine, oil-based products
- Pool chemicals, garden chemicals, weed killer
What to do. Use them up, give them to neighbours, or take them to your local council recycling centre. Most councils accept paint and chemicals in their household hazardous waste section. Drain fuel from petrol mowers before moving day.
Perishable Food and Open Food Items
- Anything frozen (defrost the freezer 48 hours before)
- Anything in the fridge that will not survive transit
- Opened food items, especially in glass jars
- Pet food in opened bags
What to do. Eat down your stock in the final 2 weeks. Donate unopened tins and packets to a local food bank in the final week. Cool boxes can move fridge essentials for short distances, but it is your responsibility, not the mover's.
Plants
This surprises people. Many movers will not transport plants because they are easily damaged, can leak soil into other items and may be excluded from insurance.
What to do.
- Move plants in your car if possible
- Wrap pots in plastic bags to contain soil
- For long moves, water lightly the day before (not the morning)
- For exotic or rare plants, consider asking a friend to plant-sit them for a few weeks
Pets and Livestock
No mover takes pets in the van — it is neither safe nor legal in most cases. See our full guide on moving house with pets.
What to do.
- Move pets in your car or arrange specialist pet transport
- For dogs and cats, consider boarding for the day so they are not in the chaos
- For fish, drain and transport tanks separately
- Update microchip and pet insurance to the new address
High-Value Items: Not "Cannot", More "Should Not"
Most movers will transport valuables, but their insurance often caps per-item cover (commonly £40 unless declared in advance).
It is usually better to carry these yourself:
- Cash, jewellery, watches
- Passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates
- House deeds and important paperwork
- Laptops with sensitive data
- Small art pieces or collectibles
For items you do put on the van, declare them in advance so insurance covers them properly.
Firearms and Ammunition
A specialist area. Licensed firearms must be transported in accordance with UK firearms law, usually by the owner. Ammunition cannot go on a standard removals vehicle.
What to do. Transport licensed firearms yourself, in a secure case, separate from ammunition. Check the conditions of your firearms certificate.
What About Safes, Pianos and Hot Tubs?
- Small safes (under 50 kg) can usually be moved
- Large or floor-bolted safes (200 kg plus) may need specialist handling — flag at survey
- Pianos are routinely moved but often need a specialist crew or extra time — see our piano removal cost guide
- Hot tubs and pool tables need specialist equipment and a separate quote
Mention any of these at survey stage so they are priced in properly.
Illegal Items
Goes without saying, but worth noting — anything illegal to possess in the UK will not be moved. If in doubt, ask before the crew arrives.
Quick Reference: Things to Deal With Before Moving Day
- Drain petrol from mowers and generators
- Use up or donate paint, chemicals, aerosols
- Eat down the fridge and freezer
- Plan transport for plants, pets and valuables
- Declare high-value items for insurance
- Flag specialist items (pianos, safes, hot tubs) at survey
Get a Quote That Reflects the Real Job
Use our calculator for a benchmark price, then ask any company quoting you for a written list of items they will not transport — every reputable firm has one.