When you hire a professional moving company like Atlas Van Lines, you are entrusting experienced professionals with the heavy lifting. However, for the safety of your belongings, our crews, and the public, there are certain items that cannot be loaded onto a moving truck. These are known as "non-allowable" items.

Understanding what movers can and cannot transport is crucial for a smooth moving day. It saves you the last-minute hassle of repacking or figuring out how to dispose of items that should have been left behind. As a trusted leader helping people go new places®, we believe in making every part of your move successful—and that starts with being prepared.

Non-allowable items generally fall into three categories:

1. Hazardous Materials: Items that are flammable, corrosive, or explosive.
2. Perishable Items: Anything that can spoil or die during transit, such as food and plants.
3. Personal & Sentimental Items: Valuables that you should always keep with you.

This guide will break down each category so you can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises on moving day.

Hazardous Materials Movers Will Not Transport

Safety is our top priority. Hazardous materials pose a significant risk to your other belongings, the moving truck, and our team. Federal law prohibits professional movers from transporting these dangerous goods. Before our packers and movers arrive, you must have a plan to either use, give away, or safely dispose of these items.

The following table lists common household hazardous materials that Atlas Van Lines cannot move.

How to Safely Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Getting rid of these items requires more than just tossing them in the trash. Improper disposal can harm the environment and public health.

• Give Them Away: If the product is still usable, consider giving it to a neighbor or friend who can use it up.
• Find a Collection Site: Most communities have designated hazardous waste collection points. Contact your local or state health department or sanitation department to find the nearest facility. Websites like Earth911 are also excellent resources for finding local recycling and disposal options.
• Follow Label Instructions: Products like pesticides are extremely dangerous. The label provides specific instructions for disposing of both the product and its container.
• Never Dump or Burn: Never pour hazardous products down the drain or on the ground. Burning them can release toxic gases and create hazardous ash.
• Recycle Oil and Antifreeze: Many auto service centers and parts stores accept used motor oil and antifreeze for recycling.
• Handle Mercury with Care: Items containing mercury (older thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, thermostats) must be disposed of properly. Call your local trash or health department for specific recycling instructions.

Perishable Items

In general, professional movers cannot transport items that may spoil or die in transit. The cargo area of a moving truck is not climate-controlled, meaning it can experience extreme temperature swings that would ruin food or kill plants.

Items that Atlas will not transport include:

• Fresh, refrigerated, or frozen foods
• Opened food products
• Houseplants and other live greenery

Are There Any Exceptions?

Under very specific conditions, your local Atlas agent may agree to transport certain perishable items. These arrangements must be made in advance and typically only apply if all the following conditions are met:

• The move is less than 150 miles.
• The delivery will be completed within 24 hours of pickup.
• The items are packed properly and require no servicing in transit.

Always discuss this with your moving coordinator beforehand.

Pro Tip: After you empty your refrigerator and freezer, leave the doors propped open for at least 24 hours before they are loaded. This allows them to dry out and prevents mold and mildew from growing during the move.

Personal Items and Irreplaceable Heirlooms

While Atlas can transport your valuable and sentimental items, we strongly recommend that you keep them with you. These are the things that are difficult or impossible to replace. By moving them in your personal vehicle, you ensure their safety and your peace of mind, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.

If you have a particularly large or fragile heirloom, Atlas can build a custom crate to provide maximum protection. However, for smaller, high-value items, it's always best to keep them in your possession.

Your Personal "Do Not Pack" List

Consider setting aside a box or bag for essential items you will carry with you.

Planning ahead for these non-allowable items makes for a more efficient and stress-free moving day. If you ever have a question about whether an item can be loaded onto the truck, don't hesitate to ask your local Atlas mover. We are here to ensure your move is a complete success.