Quick Answer: Professional movers cannot transport hazardous materials (paint, propane, gasoline, chemicals), perishable foods, plants, pets, valuables (cash, jewelry, important documents), firearms/ammunition, or illegal items. Some items like houseplants and wine collections fall into a restricted category where policies vary by company. Always transport irreplaceable items, medications, and valuables personally.
You're packing for your Colorado Springs move when you realize you don't know what the movers will actually transport. Can they move your gun safe? What about the half-full propane tank from your grill? Your houseplants? Understanding what movers cannot or will not move prevents moving day surprises and helps you plan alternative transportation for restricted items.
This guide covers prohibited items movers legally cannot transport, restricted items with special requirements, and items you should always move yourself regardless of company policies.
Why Movers Restrict Certain Items
Moving companies restrict items for three primary reasons:
Legal Requirements: Federal and state regulations prohibit transporting hazardous materials. The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and
Colorado Department of Transportation enforce these rules. Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.
Safety Concerns: Items that could explode, ignite, leak, spoil, or cause harm during transport create unacceptable risks to movers, other belongings, and the moving truck itself.
Liability Issues: High-value items like jewelry, cash, or important documents create liability exposure movers won't accept. If these items are lost or damaged, the financial risk is too high.
Prohibited Items: What Movers Legally Cannot Move
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials pose the greatest risk during moves. These are strictly prohibited by federal law:
Flammable Liquids and Gases:
- Gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene
- Propane tanks (even if "empty" - residual gas remains)
- Lighter fluid and lamp oil
- Alcohol-based cleaning products above certain concentrations
- Nail polish remover and acetone
Explosive Materials:
- Firearms ammunition (separate restriction - see below)
- Fireworks, flares, and signal devices
- Matches (even strike-anywhere matches)
- Blasting caps or gunpowder
Corrosive and Toxic Chemicals:
- Pool chemicals (chlorine, acid)
- Car batteries (contain sulfuric acid)
- Household cleaning products with toxic warnings
- Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
- Paint, paint thinner, and solvents
- Motor oil and automotive fluids
For proper disposal of hazardous materials in Colorado Springs, contact the
Colorado Springs Solid Waste Division or visit the
El Paso County hazardous waste collection facility.
Perishable Food Items
Movers won't transport perishable foods that could spoil, attract pests, or create unsanitary conditions:
- Frozen foods and refrigerated items
- Fresh produce, meat, dairy products
- Open food packages (even if non-perishable)
- Refrigerated medications requiring cold storage
What You Can Do: Use coolers with ice for short local moves, consume or donate perishables before moving day, or transport refrigerated items in your personal vehicle. For details on preparing food and what to pack yourself, see our guide on
How to Pack for Moving.
Living Things
Movers cannot transport any living creatures or most plants:
Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and any other animals must travel with you or via specialized pet transport services. Never pack pets in boxes or leave them in the moving truck—this is dangerous and illegal. For Colorado Springs pet resources, contact the
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
Plants: Houseplants fall into a gray area. Many moving companies won't transport them due to pest concerns, state agricultural regulations, and the risk of damage. For long-distance moves crossing state lines, plants often violate agricultural inspection rules. For local Colorado Springs moves, policies vary—ask your moving company specifically.
Restricted Items: Special Circumstances Apply
These items aren't outright prohibited but have restrictions, special requirements, or vary by company policy:
Firearms and Ammunition
Colorado has specific requirements for firearm transport:
- Ammunition: Classified as hazardous material—movers cannot transport it
- Firearms: Some moving companies will transport unloaded guns in locked cases; others refuse entirely
- Gun safes: Can be moved if emptied completely of all firearms and ammunition
Best Practice: Transport all firearms and ammunition personally in your vehicle following
Colorado firearm laws. Ensure guns are unloaded, locked in cases, and stored separately from ammunition.
Valuables and Important Documents
While not illegal to move, these items should never go on the moving truck:
Financial Items:
- Cash, checkbooks, credit cards
- Stock certificates, bonds, securities
- Coin or stamp collections
- Safe deposit box contents
Personal Documents:
- Birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Insurance policies and property deeds
- Tax returns and financial records
- School records and diplomas
Valuable Items:
- Jewelry, watches, precious metals
- Family heirlooms with sentimental value
- Small electronics (laptops, tablets, phones)
- External hard drives and backup storage devices
Why Transport These Yourself: Standard moving insurance covers items at $0.60 per pound—meaning your $5,000 engagement ring might be covered for $3 based on weight. Additionally, if items are lost or stolen, proving their existence and value becomes difficult.
Prescription Medications
Keep all prescription medications with you during the move:
- You may need them during travel or immediately after arrival
- Medications can be affected by temperature extremes in moving trucks
- Controlled substances should never be out of your possession
- Moving trucks can be delayed, leaving you without necessary medications
Items Requiring Special Handling
Some items can be moved but need special preparation or handling:
Appliances
Major appliances can be moved but require preparation:
- Refrigerators/Freezers: Must be emptied, defrosted 24-48 hours before move, cleaned, and dried
- Washers: Must be drained of all water and have hoses disconnected
- Gas appliances: Must be disconnected by licensed professional—movers won't handle gas line disconnection
- Grills: Propane tanks must be removed and transported separately by you
Contact
Colorado Springs Utilities for professional gas appliance disconnection before your move.
Specialty Items
Items That May Require Extra Fees:
- Pianos and organs (require specialized equipment and skills)
- Pool tables (need professional disassembly and reassembly)
- Gun safes (extremely heavy, require extra crew members)
- Hot tubs (need draining and specialized moving equipment)
- Artwork and antiques (may need custom crating)
Discuss specialty items when getting estimates. Some moving companies have experience with these items; others may recommend specialists.
What to Do with Prohibited Items
