Prohibited
Moving Items

Non-Allowable Items for a Safe and Secure Move

Safety is an important part of every relocation. Certain items may create safety, security, regulatory, or transportation risks and therefore should not be included in a standard household shipment. PM Relocations does not accept prohibited, hazardous, highly perishable, or restricted goods for transportation.

Before packing begins, it is important to separate such belongings from the items being moved. Careful preparation can help protect your household goods, reduce unnecessary delays, and create a safer working environment for everyone involved in the relocation. For additional guidance before moving day, explore our moving FAQs and relocation tips.

Hazardous & Restricted Materials

Materials that are flammable, corrosive, pressurized, explosive, toxic, or otherwise regulated can create serious risks during packing, handling, storage, and transportation. These items should not be packed with regular household belongings.

• Flammable or combustible liquids and materials
• Pressurized containers and aerosol products
• Corrosive or toxic chemicals and cleaning substances
• Batteries or products that may present leakage or fire risks
• Explosives, fireworks, weapons, and ammunition
• Paints, varnishes, solvents, and similar substances
• Pesticides, fertilizers, and other regulated chemicals
• Any item restricted by applicable transport or destination regulations

Requirements may become more complex when belongings are moving internationally. Before finalizing an overseas shipment, review our guide to items customs may flag during an international move to better understand why destination-specific restrictions should be checked in advance.

Perishable Items

Perishable goods are generally unsuitable for transportation with household belongings because they may spoil, leak, attract pests, or damage other packed items during transit. Wherever possible, consume, donate, or responsibly dispose of such items before moving day.

• Fresh or inadequately preserved food
• Frozen or refrigerated food
• Opened food containers
• Liquids that may leak during transportation
• Plants where transportation restrictions apply

The kitchen often requires additional preparation because it contains food, liquids, glassware, appliances, and other items with different handling requirements. Our guide on packing kitchen items for relocation offers practical advice for organizing and preparing suitable kitchen belongings before the move.

Personal, Essential & High-Value Items

Certain belongings may not be prohibited, but they are better kept with you because of their financial, personal, sentimental, or practical importance. Carrying essential items separately also ensures that you can access them whenever required during the relocation.

• Cash, jewellery, cheque books, and other financial valuables
• Passports, identification documents, deeds, and important certificates
• Insurance policies, academic records, and essential paperwork
• Necessary medicines and medical records
• Keys and important access devices
• Laptops, storage devices, and important digital backups
• Irreplaceable family photographs and sentimental belongings

Maintaining control of important documents and valuables is an important part of moving-day security. Our blog on protecting your belongings during a move provides additional tips for keeping valuable possessions and important records secure.

Protect Fragile & Delicate Belongings

Fragile belongings that are suitable for transportation should be packed according to their size, material, weight, and sensitivity. Proper cushioning, suitable cartons, secure wrapping, and clear labeling can help reduce the possibility of movement or damage during handling and transit.

For detailed preparation advice, read our guide to packing fragile items safely, which covers suitable packing materials, cushioning, labeling, and protection techniques for delicate household belongings.

Special Care for Fine Art, Antiques & Collectibles

Paintings, antiques, sculptures, collectibles, and other high-value pieces may require specialized packing, documentation, handling, or transportation rather than standard household packing. These items should be discussed with your move coordinator during the planning stage so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.

If your move includes valuable artwork or collectibles, our guide to fine art and antiques relocation explains important considerations related to professional handling, documentation, packing, and protection.

Keep an Inventory Before Moving Day

Creating an inventory before packing helps you keep track of the belongings included in your shipment. For valuable or delicate items, photographs and basic descriptions can provide an additional record of their condition before transportation.

Proper packing, documentation, and preparation can significantly improve the overall safety of your belongings. Learn more about protecting belongings from relocation damage before preparing your shipment.

Understand Transit Protection

Customers should also understand the protection applicable to their belongings during transportation. Coverage may vary according to the type of item, declared value, policy conditions, exclusions, and other applicable terms.

Before your move, review our guide explaining how moving insurance protects your belongings and discuss suitable protection options with your move coordinator.

When in Doubt, Speak With Your Move Coordinator

If you are uncertain whether a particular belonging can be packed or transported, avoid placing it inside a moving carton until you have confirmed its suitability. Your PMR Move Coordinator can guide you regarding packing requirements, restricted categories, special handling needs, and destination-specific considerations before the shipment is prepared.