How to Plan for Moving Non-Allowable Items

When you go new places with Atlas, you are served by one of the world's most experienced and trusted names in moving. We are committed to making your move successful, and safety is a priority.

Before you move, you should understand how Atlas regards "non-allowable" items.

Essentially, these fall into three categories:

1. Items we cannot move.
2. Items we will not move, except under special circumstances.
3. Items you should move yourself.

Use this guide to understand the differences in items, and what you should know about them. You'll be ready on moving day, with no unpleasant surprises.

Hazardous Materials

Because hazardous materials pose a threat to your household goods and to human safety, we cannot move them. So, before your possessions are packed and loaded, have a plan for giving away hazardous materials – or disposing of them safely.

Hazardous materials Atlas cannot transport:

Safe Disposal of Hazardous Materials

How can you safely get rid of your leftover products?
You may give them to a friend or neighbor who will use them. Or take the products to a collection point for hazardous waste in your community. Your local or state health department can tell you where it is.

Some products, such as pesticides, are extremely hazardous. They will even require special care for disposing of the container. Read the label so you know what to do.

• Never dump hazardous products.
• Never burn hazardous wastes, not even in a barrel or stove. Burning may cause toxic gases and make hazardous ash and smoke.
• Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze. Many auto service centers and auto parts stores will accept used motor oil or antifreeze, or both.
• Mercury is a threat to health. Fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, thermostats, and blood pressure meters all contain mercury. Call your local trash department or health department to find out where you can recycle these products.

The online search tool at earth911.com can help you find recyclers in your community. No matter what you wish to recycle, chances are someone near you will take it.

Perishables

Atlas does not transport materials that may die or spoil during transit. These include: food items (fresh, frozen, refrigerated, or opened food products); and indoor or outdoor plants (See How To Move House Plants).

After you empty your refrigerators and freezers, keep the doors open at least 24 hours before they are loaded onto the truck. This will allow them to dry out, and it will help prevent the growth of mold.

Your Atlas Agent may consider taking some perishable items under certain, very specific conditions. Ask about special arrangements for perishables if: you will properly pack them; they require no servicing in transit; they will travel fewer than 150 miles and be delivered within 24 hours of pickup.

Personal or Sentimental Items

Atlas can transport your personal or sentimental items, but it's best if you take them. This is especially true for anything that cannot be replaced. Should your shipment encounter unforeseen problems, you won't have to worry.

Consider keeping these important things with you:

Every day, Atlas helps people go new places. We want your move to be a success. If you have any questions about what we can and cannot move, please talk to your Atlas agent.