Blog - Non-Transporable Items

Hazardous Items Your Moving Company Can't Transport

While Bekins is a full service mover, there are things that are not legal for us to transport.

These are items that are commonly found around the house, so it may seem odd. But when you think about how any move means travel on bumpy roads, and long hours in confined spaces that may get hot or cold, it makes sense.

As a business, we must abide by the strictest guidelines, and ensure public safety as much as possible even if the worst happens, for example if there's an accident and the moving van overturns.

Paint chemicals

Items You Can Find in the Garage

There is a potentially huge list here, but we'll show you the most common items:

  • Anything that can easily burst into flames, like gasoline, old gasoline cans, and motor oil.
  • Anything that can explode, like propane tanks for your BBQ.
  • Anything that contains corrosives, like old car batteries.
  • Anything that could be a toxin to humans or the environment, like pesticides, weed killers, fertilizers, pool chemicals, or painting supplies and paint.

Paint chemicals

Items From Your Bathroom

There are some surprising things in this list:

  • Items that can be poisonous, like nail polish and nail polish remover.
  • Any items that come in an aerosol can, like hair spray or deodorants. Air fresheners count too.
  • Any dangerous cleaning chemicals, like bleach, ammonia, solvents, or other cleaners. If containers leak and some of these chemicals mix, a deadly gas could be the result.

Other Harzardous items

Other Things You May Have Around the House

  • Fluorescent light bulbs. These contain mercury that can be poisonous if the bulb breaks and it is allowed to leak.
  • Batteries. If these get crushed or heated, the result could be a corrosive leak or even a fire.
  • Matches or fireworks, which obviously burn easily.
  • Fire extinguishers. In the event that the moving van is in an accident, the pressurized cylinder could explode.
  • Lamp oils.
  • Guns and ammunition.

What Should You Do Instead of Packing Them?

There are a lot of options available to you:

  • Some can be given away to friends and neighbours, like that perfectly good can of motor oil or that can of air freshener.

  • Some items, like used batteries and fluorescent light bulbs, must be disposed of safely according to the guidelines for your municipality.
  • Some items must be safely packed and moved by you, like nail polish or weapons.

Keep in mind that if you're moving to another province or country, the rules may be different. When in doubt, ask your Bekins representative for more information about what we can and cannot transport for you as a responsible moving company.

Aside from hazardous materials, Bekins offers a complete range of packing services that can make your move easier on you and your family. Instead of weeks spent hunting for boxes and backbreaking labour, we take care of it all for you.

Find out More About our Packing Services

Post Tags:

  • Moving Tips: Avoid Unexpected Moving Costs

    Whether you are up sizing, downsizing, or just moving locations, these hidden costs can ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Moving Terminology

    The moving world has its own lingo and when preparing for a move it is important to ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Making The Best of Your Moving Day

    ever try to pack things on the day of your move, unless there is just a few items need ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Moving Guide Calendar and Checklist

    Bekins moving checklist and advice: Tips for a less stressful move. An organized move ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: How To Save Money On Your Move

    Ways to save your moving cost: Save Money On Your Move Moving is expensive and there ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Harzardous and Non-Transporable Items

    While Bekins is a full service mover, there are things that are not legal for us to ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Moving Expenses and Relocation Benefits

    Many people don't realize that they can claim some moving related expenses. To do job ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Move Jewelry and Other Valuables

    We recommend that you carry irreplaceable or expensive items with you. Jewellery, ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: How To Move Your House Plants

    If you're moving and wouldn't dream of leaving your favorite house plants behind ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: How to Select a Mover

    Choose your mover by reputation, resources and stability. Ask your mover for ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: How to Move Your Pets

    If you are a pet owner, moving to a new home also means relocation for Fido, ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Specific Packing Tips

    Bekins Moving & Storage has a complete range of cartons and material specially ....

    Read More
  • Moving Tips: Move Pre-planning

    Proper packing is essential for a successful move. That's why many families entrust ....

    Read More
Copyright © 2025 Bekins Moving & Storage (Canada) Ltd. All Rights Reserved.