For anyone packing a garage, shed or kitchen
What Will Removal Companies Not Move?
Most firms will not carry flammable, pressurised or hazardous items, and a few personal things are better kept with you.
Removal companies generally will not move hazardous items: anything flammable, explosive, corrosive or pressurised. That usually covers petrol and fuel, gas bottles, fireworks, many garden chemicals and some paints and solvents. The reason is simple: in a closed van, packed tight with furniture, a leak or a spark is a real danger to the crew and to everything else on board.
Beyond hazards, there are things that are better kept with you on the day, such as documents, medication and valuables. This guide covers both, and what to do with each.
Items removers cannot take
The exact list varies a little between firms, so always ask, but these are the categories almost every mover excludes. If in doubt, mention the item when you ask for a quote rather than packing it and hoping.
- Petrol, diesel and other fuels, including in mowers and tools
- Gas bottles and aerosol cans in bulk
- Fireworks, ammunition and anything explosive
- Corrosive cleaners, pool chemicals and strong solvents
- Garden chemicals such as weedkillers and pesticides
Moving paint and gas bottles
Paint is the item people ask about most. Old tins that have been sitting in the garage for years are often half used and partly dried out, and it is worth asking whether you need them at all. Water based paints are generally less of a concern than oil based paints and solvents, but tins still need to be sealed tight and kept upright.
Gas bottles for barbecues and patio heaters should be moved separately by you, upright and secured, or returned to a supplier. Do not pack them in boxes or put them in a removal van.
Packing hazardous items you are taking yourself
If you are moving a small amount of something yourself, keep it in its original container, check lids are tight, stand it upright in a box with padding, and keep it away from heat and from food. Ventilate the car and drive it straight to the new address rather than leaving it in a hot vehicle.
Empty fuel from mowers, strimmers and generators before moving day. A mower with a full tank is one of the most common items we find in garages.
Things to keep with you, not in the van
Some items are not dangerous but are simply too important to be out of sight for a day. Passports, house documents, keys, medication, jewellery, chargers and the first night essentials belong in your own bag or car. That way, whatever happens with traffic or timings, you have what you need.
- Passports and identity documents
- House, car and new property keys
- Medication and first aid
- Jewellery and small valuables
- Phones, laptops and chargers
Clearing out before the move
Garages and sheds are where most excluded items hide. Clearing them a few weeks ahead gives you time to use up, give away or dispose of old tins and chemicals properly through your council's waste arrangements. If the garage is full, our clearance service can help with the general items, leaving you only the hazardous ones to sort.
Services mentioned in this guide
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Frequently asked questions
What will removal companies not move?+
Generally anything flammable, explosive, corrosive or pressurised, such as fuel, gas bottles, fireworks, garden chemicals and many solvents.
Can removers move paint?+
Ask your removal firm. Sealed, upright tins are sometimes accepted, but old part used tins are often better disposed of before the move.
How should I move gas bottles?+
Move them yourself, upright and secured, or return them to a supplier. They should not go in a removal van.
What should I keep with me on moving day?+
Documents, keys, medication, valuables, devices and chargers, plus essentials for the first night.
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