Prohibited Items During Your Move

Time to start packing? As you get ready to move, please look over this list of items that are restricted from your Mayflower shipment. You may be surprised to learn what items are and aren’t allowed. We’ve created this checklist of items we will not move, items that can be included only with thorough preparation; and items that you may want to transport yourself.

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Prohibited Items

The following items CANNOT be included in your shipment

Aerosol spray cans

This encompasses items like hairspray, insect repellent, sunscreens, cooking spray, and any other canned product that might employ propane or methane as propellants.

Ammunition

Ammunition is prohibited as well as flammable or explosive materials like gunpowder.

Batteries, Alkaline & Lead-Acid (Automobile)

Ensure that alkaline batteries in items like remote controls, radios, toys, etc. are removed and then separately packed. Loose batteries are prohibited, even if they are in their original packaging. Modern lithium-ion batteries are acceptable to transport.

Compressed gas cylinders

These include propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks and carbon dioxide. For scuba tanks, please see the next section.

Corrosive chemicals or poisons

Corrosive chemicals, poisons, and household cleaners, including bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, pesticides, and other potentially hazardous substances are strictly prohibited in your shipment.

Flammables and explosives

Flammables and explosives, including matches, lighters, and flares, cannot be included in your shipment due to their high risk of causing fire or explosion.

Gas and oil products

Gas and oil products such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, Sterno, paints, varnishes, and isopropyl alcohol are prohibited due to their flammable nature, posing significant risks during transportation, even if containers have only a little residual fuel.

Household cleaning products

Household cleaning products, including ammonia or bleach-based cleaners, are prohibited due to their corrosive and potentially hazardous nature, posing substantial risks during transportation.

Illegal items or substances

Narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and other illicit substances are strictly prohibited. This includes any substances outlawed by federal, state, or local laws.

Lawn and garden chemicals

Lawn and garden chemicals, including pesticides, fertilizers, bug bombs, and weed killers, are prohibited due to their hazardous nature and potential to combust during transport.

Live animals or plants

Live animals and plants are strictly prohibited in your shipment due to potential harm during transit, and the risk of spreading pests or diseases.

Wax candles

Wax candles, especially those made from paraffin, are prohibited due to risk of melting, causing damage to other items, and potential fire hazards during transport.

about 25 words on household cleaning products like ammonia and bleach products, etc. that are prohibited

Restricted Items

You may choose to include these items in your shipment after thorough preparation and a written notice to your mover. Please note that if these items are included, claims for loss or damage resulting from shipment may be denied.

Alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages should only be transported in spill-proof containers. Transporting distilled spirits, beer, and wine in typical container and van temperatures can negatively impact their taste. It is advisable to request climate control to preserve the quality. Please note that some destination states may require reporting and payment of duties for personally imported alcoholic beverages.

Batteries powering personal mobility devices

If you use wheelchairs or scooters, you may consider including gel-filled batteries (also known as marine batteries). However, it is important to detach the cables and cover the terminals to prevent any potential sparking.

Cordless power tools

Devices powered by removable lithium-ion batteries may be included, provided that the batteries are removed and the terminals are covered to prevent any potential sparking. To prevent current from flowing through the devices during transport, it is essential to transport the batteries separately.

Clean Gasoline cans & other fuel storage

It is strongly advised to avoid transporting gas cans or other fuel storage devices unless absolutely necessary. These items may only be carried if they are empty, thoroughly cleaned, and odor-free.

Firearms

Household goods shipments can include firearms, but they must be unloaded and declared. Please provide the make, model, serial number, and gauge if applicable. Note that we are unable to transport ammunition.

Scuba tanks

Transporting scuba tanks is only permitted if they are empty and free of compressed gases.

Not Recommended

We recommend transporting these items yourself or discussing options with your agent.

Items you’ll need right away

To spare yourself the hassle of rummaging through boxes in search of items you’ll need right away, we suggest assembling a box of essentials that should accompany you on your journey.

  • Bed linens and towels 
  • Household cleaning products
  • Medications 
  • Paper towels
  • Small electronics and chargers 
  • Small hand tools
  • Toothbrushes, shampoo and toilet paper 
  • Trash bags

Personal Items

To ensure a smooth move, we suggest organizing your personal belongings that might be required during travel or those you wish to keep within easy reach.

  • Checkbooks
  • Credit cards
  • Eyeglasses or contacts
  • Financial records
  • House and car keys
  • Insurance policies
  • Laptops
  • Mobile phones
  • Official IDs
  • Passports
  • Personal records
  • Prescription medicines
  • Professional files
  • School records
  • Title documents

Sentimental Items

Consider your personal treasures. Although the carrier will reimburse you based on the valuation provision you’ve chosen, it may not suffice to replace an item that holds irreplaceable sentimental or unique value. Consider that certain possessions cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.

  • Children’s artwork
  • Collections
  • Heirlooms
  • Jewelry and precious metals
  • Wedding and other photo albums

Call today to arrange a free quote!