When moving house, there’s a lot more to move than just boxes and furniture. There’s outdoor equipment, garden supplies, bikes and much more. You may even need to move a trampoline or a cubby house. But there are a few dangerous goods that you cannot include in your moving inventory, whether using a container to move your goods or a removalist company.

To help avoid potential problems down the road, Best Rated Transport has compiled a list of what not to pack when moving house. 

Dangerous or Hazardous Items ☣️

Most removalists and container movers won’t carry anything that’s flammable, explosive, or toxic.
Don’t pack:

• Gas bottles or cylinders (even empty)

• Paint, paint thinners, or solvents

• Petrol, diesel, or oil

• Fireworks or explosives

• Weed killer, pesticides, or poisons

• Aerosol cans (spray paint, bug spray, etc.)

• Bleach, ammonia, or other strong chemicals

Tip:
Check your shed, garage, and under the sink—these are the most common places for banned items.

Perishable Food and Opened Containers🍕

Food that can spoil or attract pests should never go in the moving truck.
Don’t pack:

• Open boxes or bags of food

• Perishable items (meat, dairy, frozen food)

• Anything that needs refrigeration or could leak

Tip:
Pack only sealed, non-perishable food—or donate what you can’t use before moving day.

Valuables and Personal Documents 📒

Keep your most important things with you—not in the truck or container.
Don’t pack:

• Jewellery, watches, or cash

• Passports, birth certificates, or other ID

• Important contracts, deeds, or insurance papers

• Family photos and keepsakes

Tip:
Carry a small bag or box with all your valuables and paperwork. It’s safer and gives peace of mind.

Plants, Animals, and Living Things 🐕

Most movers won’t transport living things, and some states have strict rules about moving plants.
Don’t pack:

• Houseplants (especially interstate)

• Pets or live animals

• Fish tanks with water

Tip:
Check state quarantine rules if you’re moving interstate. Move pets and plants yourself, or use a specialist pet/plant mover.

Weapons, Ammunition, and Restricted Items 💥

It’s illegal to move firearms or ammo without the right permits.
Don’t pack:

• Guns, rifles, or ammunition

• Knives or weapons (unless declared and allowed)

• Anything restricted by law

Tip:
Contact your local police or transport authority for advice if you need to move these items.

Items With Sentimental or Irreplaceable Value 🪙

If it’s priceless to you, keep it close.
Don’t pack:

• Family heirlooms

• Irreplaceable photos or keepsakes

• Hard drives or backup drives with important data

Tip:
Keep these items in your own car or on your person for extra security.

Items Movers May Refuse or That Can Cause Damage 🍶

• Wet items (garden hoses, damp clothes, etc.)

• Leaking bottles or containers

• Anything with strong smells (open cleaning products, perfume, etc.)

Extra Help from Best Rated Transport 🚚

• Free instant quotes: Compare removalists, container transport, and more in minutes.

• Trusted, vetted movers: All partners are insured and reviewed.

• Easy planning: Use our moving checklist and inventory calculator.

• Customer support: Ongoing help before, during, and after your move.

What Not to Pack FAQ (FAQPage)❓

Can I pack cleaning products or aerosols?
No. Most movers won’t carry anything flammable or pressurised.

How do I move my pets?
Move pets yourself or use a specialist pet transport service.

Should I pack valuables in the truck?
No—always keep valuables and important paperwork with you.

Can I take my plants interstate?
Check state quarantine rules. Many states have restrictions on moving plants.

Where can I get more moving tips?
See our moving guides and FAQPage.

Ready to get started? Get your free, no-obligation quote in just 2 minutes →