Introduction

When you start searching for a moving company, one of the most frustrating surprises is learning at the last minute that a handful of items are not allowed on the moving truck. Professional movers — whether you search for movers in Ottawa or “moving companies near me” — have strict lists of prohibited items for safety, legal and insurance reasons. This guide explains what items moving companies commonly refuse, why they’re restricted, and how residents and businesses in Ottawa can handle them smoothly before moving day.

Use this article as your checklist to avoid delays and extra fees when booking local moving companies or scheduling office movers. We’ll cover household hazardous materials, perishables, valuable items, and Ottawa-specific rules — plus practical alternatives and packing tips.

Why moving companies prohibit certain items

Moving companies refuse items primarily for three reasons: safety, legal compliance, and insurance liability. A moving truck is a confined environment: flammable liquids or pressurized tanks can create fire or explosion risks; live plants or animals may suffer; and valuables like jewelry are at high risk for loss or damage.

Reputable carriers also follow national and provincial regulations about transporting hazardous goods. In Canada and the U.S., regulated materials require special shipping labels, containment, and carrier certifications — requirements most residential moving companies are not equipped to meet. This is why many major movers publish detailed restricted-items lists for customers to consult in advance.

Common items moving companies refuse to transport

Below is a consolidated list of items that most professional movers — including local moving companies and Ottawa moving companies — will not transport. This list is representative of national carrier guidance and local Ottawa mover policies.

1. Hazardous materials and flammables

Examples: gasoline, propane tanks, paint, paint thinner, solvents, kerosene, lighter fluid, pesticides, fertilizers with chemicals. These materials are banned because they can leak, ignite, or produce toxic fumes. Many carriers refuse even half-full containers.

2. Explosives & fireworks

Fireworks and other explosive materials are strictly prohibited. Even small fireworks pose a danger when packed tightly and exposed to heat.

3. Compressed and pressurized cylinders

Items such as propane tanks, scuba tanks, oxygen tanks, or CO₂ cartridges are not transported by standard movers because of rupture risk during transit. If you need these moved, contact specialist hazmat shippers.

4. Perishables, food & open liquids

Movers usually ask that refrigerated or perishable food be transported by the customer. Spills and spoilage create messes and health hazards in the truck. Examples: frozen meat, canned goods that may burst, opened bottles.

5. Live animals and plants

Live animals (pets) and many houseplants are excluded because of their care needs and risk during transport. Some professional long-distance pet transporters offer separate services for animals. For plants, check federal/provincial rules if crossing borders.

6. Valuables and irreplaceables

Jewelry, cash, passports, deeds, original artwork, family heirlooms, and other irreplaceables should travel with you rather than on the moving truck. Many companies exclude or limit liability for these items.

7. Firearms, ammunition & weapons

Firearms and ammunition have special legal restrictions and safe-handling requirements — many movers refuse them entirely or require special documentation and packaging. Always notify your carrier and confirm local transport rules.

8. Batteries (large & lithium)

Automotive batteries, lithium batteries (shipments of e-bikes, e-scooters, certain power tools) and other high-energy batteries are either restricted or must be transported under special rules because they can short-circuit and cause fires. Check with your mover before packing.

9. Illegal items & hazardous waste

Anything illegal (controlled substances, stolen goods) or classified as hazardous waste is an automatic exclusion.

10. Certain medical supplies & oxygen

Medical oxygen and certain medical devices may be restricted for safety reasons. Work with your healthcare provider for safe transport plans.

Hazardous materials & dangerous goods — what owners must know

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are a complex category. Even household chemicals like bleach, nail polish remover, aerosol spray cans, and pool chemicals fall under restricted lists for many movers because they present fire, corrosion, or toxicity hazards. If you have chemicals, automotive fluids, or industrial materials, make an itemized list for the mover and dispose of what you can ahead of time at an appropriate recycling facility.

For businesses moving labs or industrial equipment, you’ll likely need a carrier certified to transport dangerous goods and the right Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Residential movers rarely hold these certifications, so plan specialty transport if necessary.

Perishables, plants & live animals — safe alternatives

Perishable food: pack a cooler and transport perishable groceries yourself. For long-distance moves, consider donating open foods or shipping non-perishable staples in unopened packages.

Plants and pets: contact a local pet transporter for animals and check Ottawa/Canada agriculture rules for houseplants, especially when crossing provincial or national borders. Some plants are subject to quarantine or bans.

High-value items, legal documents & best practices

For valuables — jewelry, cash, small electronics, original documents — keep them with you during the move. If you must ship them, ask the mover about declared-value coverage, or use a registered courier that offers high-value shipping and tracking.

Tip: photograph or video all high-value items before the move and keep copies of receipts and appraisals on hand for insurance claims if needed.

Specialty items that need specialist handling

Certain items require extra equipment or training: pianos, pool tables, antiques, large aquariums, safes, and hot tubs. While many Ottawa furniture movers will handle these, they often charge extra, require pre-inspection and may use specialist subcontractors. Book these items well in advance and verify the mover’s experience and insurance coverage.

Ottawa-specific rules, permits and tips

If you’re moving in downtown Ottawa or into a building with tight access, confirm parking permits and loading rules with the city or your building manager. For office moves or business moving companies near me searches, many commercial properties require a loading-dock reservation and proof of insurance from the carrier.

When crossing provincial lines (e.g., Ottawa → Montreal), check agricultural rules for plants and soil and follow carrier guidance for restricted goods. Municipal bylaws can also regulate the transport of certain items; when in doubt, ask your Ottawa moving company before packing.

How to prepare items movers won’t transport

1. Make three piles: items to bring personally, items to donate/dispose of, items requiring specialist shipping.
2. Dispose of hazardous materials early: contact City of Ottawa hazardous waste programs for safe disposal of paint, chemicals and batteries.
3. Use specialist shippers for firearms, tanks, or hazardous lab materials: these services are certified and insured.
4. Label anything you transport yourself: keep receipts and inventories for valuables you choose to carry.

Costs, insurance & liability when items are refused

Standard moving insurance often excludes hazardous items and caps liability on valuables. That’s why every mover asks customers to declare high-value items ahead of time. If a mover refuses an item on moving day, it can delay loading and may incur return-trip or rebooking fees if special handling is needed. To avoid extra charges, identify restricted items during your estimate or booking call.

What to do if a mover refuses items on moving day

Stay calm and follow these steps: (1) Ask the crew which item(s) triggered the refusal. (2) If the list is in your contract, reference it. (3) Offer to remove or properly secure the item. (4) If the item must remain behind, request a written note from the crew and contact your carrier immediately to reschedule or arrange specialty transport.

How Foosun Moving helps Ottawa customers

At Foosun Moving Ottawa, we proactively review your inventory during booking to flag restricted goods, advise on disposal options in Ottawa, and coordinate specialist carriers when needed. We also provide clear pre-move checklists for local moves and business moving customers so busy families and offices know exactly what to expect on moving day.

Book a free on-site estimate and we’ll walk every staircase, doorframe, and elevator with you — ensuring nothing unexpected happens on moving day.

Quick takeaways

• Most movers won’t transport hazardous materials, pressurized tanks, fireworks, perishables, live animals, or high-value irreplaceables.
• Always declare batteries, firearms, and pressurized cylinders during booking.
• Keep valuables and essential documents with you; photograph items for insurance.
• Book specialist handlers for pianos, safes, and hazardous goods well ahead of moving day.
• Check Ottawa-specific disposal options and loading-permit requirements to avoid delays.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can movers transport my car’s spare gas or propane tank?

A: No — flammable liquids and pressurized fuel tanks are typically prohibited. Empty propane tanks should be vented and disposed of or taken to a certified exchange center.

Q: Will my mover move my piano?

A: Many Ottawa furniture movers will move pianos, but it usually requires pre-booking, extra movers, and special equipment. Discuss this during your estimate.

Q: What should I do with prescription medication?

A: Keep prescription medication with you during the move. If you must ship it, use an insured courier and follow legal guidance for controlled substances.

Q: Are houseplants allowed when moving across provinces?

A: Often not without inspection — check provincial/CFIA rules; many movers recommend transporting plants yourself or giving them away locally.

Q: How do I dispose of hazardous household waste in Ottawa?

A: Use City of Ottawa hazardous waste drop-off programs for paint, chemicals and batteries — schedule disposal well before moving day.

Conclusion & call to action

Knowing what a moving company will and will not transport saves time, reduces stress, and prevents last-minute surprises on moving day. For Ottawa residents and businesses, planning ahead — identifying hazardous items, keeping valuables with you, and booking specialists for large or sensitive objects — is the best way to ensure a smooth move.