What do removalists not take?
Most of a household is straightforward to move, but a few categories are off-limits for safety, legal or practical reasons. Here is what removalists generally will not take, and how to deal with each.
Hazardous and dangerous goods
For safety and legal reasons, removalists cannot transport hazardous materials. These items can leak, ignite or react in a moving truck, so they must be handled separately.
- Gas bottles and BBQ cylinders, including for camping.
- Petrol, diesel, oil and other fuels, including from mowers and tools.
- Paint, solvents, thinners and other flammable liquids.
- Fireworks, ammunition and firearms.
- Pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals and other corrosives.
Empty and safely dispose of fuel and gas before moving day, and take flammable liquids to a chemical or hazardous waste facility.
Specialty items over 120kg
Very heavy items that need dedicated lifting equipment sit outside a standard booking. Pianos, pool tables and large commercial safes are the common examples. These are best handled by a specialist mover, or arranged separately so the right equipment and crew are booked. If you have one of these, flag it when you request your quote.
Perishables and living things
Fresh, frozen and open food will not survive a move safely, so run down the fridge, freezer and pantry beforehand. Removalists also do not transport plants over long distances (and some interstate quarantine rules apply), and they cannot carry pets or people. Plan to move perishables, plants and pets yourself on the day.
Valuables and important documents
This is less a rule and more strong advice: keep cash, jewellery, passports, medications, irreplaceable documents and small electronics with you rather than on the truck. They are easy to carry, and keeping them close avoids any worry about where they have ended up.
What removalists will happily take
Almost everything else in a typical home is fair game: sofas, beds, wardrobes, dining settings, whitegoods, washing machines, outdoor furniture, boxes and garage contents. With PicUp, these are covered by your fixed price and protected by multi-million dollar transit insurance. For how items and access shape the price, see how much removalists cost, and prepare properly with our moving house checklist.
Prohibited items FAQs
Why will removalists not take gas bottles or fuel?
They are flammable and can leak or ignite in a moving truck, which is a safety and legal risk. Empty and dispose of fuel and disconnect gas bottles before the move, then transport or replace them separately.
Can removalists move a piano or safe?
Not as part of a standard booking. Items over 120kg such as pianos, pool tables and safes need dedicated lifting equipment and a specialist arrangement. Mention them when you book so they can be quoted correctly.
What should I do with food and plants?
Run down your fridge, freezer and pantry before the move so there is little to shift, and plan to carry any remaining perishables and pot plants yourself. Interstate moves may also have quarantine rules for plants.
Should I pack my own valuables?
Yes. Keep cash, jewellery, passports, medications and important documents with you rather than on the truck. For a full local move example, see removalists in Brisbane.
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