A Helpful Guide From Your Trusted Residential Moving Company in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC
When planning a move, most people focus on what to bring—but knowing what you can’t bring is just as important. At All American Relocation, our job is to help make your move as smooth, efficient, and safe as possible. As a trusted residential moving company in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, we follow industry regulations designed to protect your belongings, your home, and our team.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to non-allowables—items we cannot legally or safely transport for you. Understanding these guidelines ahead of time can help you avoid last-minute surprises on moving day.
What You Can’t Bring With You: The Non-Allowables List
These items will need to be removed, properly disposed of, or transported separately.
Perishables
- Frozen foods
- Refrigerated foods
- Open liquids
- Produce
- Plants
Why? Perishables can spoil, leak, attract pests, or create unsanitary conditions inside the moving truck—especially during long-distance moves or summer heat.
Hazardous Materials
- Aerosol cans
- Ammunition
- Batteries (alkaline, lithium, lead-acid)
- Charcoal / lighter fluid
- Chemistry sets
- Cleaning solvents
- Darkroom chemicals
- Fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers
- Fireworks
- Fuels / oils
- Kerosene
- Liquid bleach
- Matches
- Nail polish & remover
- Paints / varnishes
- Paint thinners
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Weed killer
Why? These items are flammable, corrosive, or toxic. Transporting them in our truck presents a serious safety risk—and in many cases, violates federal or local laws.
What Should I Do with These Items?
Some non-allowables can’t just be tossed in the trash. Hazardous materials need to be properly recycled or disposed of at approved facilities.
Check with your local solid waste department or visit Earth911.com to find recycling and hazardous waste drop-off locations near you in the Charlotte or Raleigh area.
Restricted But Not Prohibited: Items That May Require Extra Prep
Certain items can be moved under specific conditions—with prior coordination through your move coordinator. These include:
- Firearms (must be unloaded and packed securely)
- Batteries for mobility devices or cordless tools
- Clean and empty gas cans or fuel storage
- Alcoholic beverages (transported at your own risk)
If any of these apply to your move, please notify your move coordinator as early as possible so we can ensure proper handling.
Don’t Forget Your First Night Box
To save yourself the trouble of digging through boxes for toothbrushes or power cords after a long moving day, we recommend packing a First Night Box. This is a small essentials kit that stays with you during the move—not on the truck.
Your First Night Box might include:
- Toiletries and medications
- Chargers and small electronics
- Important documents and valuables
- Paper towels and trash bags
- Change of clothes
- Basic tools
- Snacks or a coffee maker for that first morning
Having these essentials within arm’s reach makes settling into your new home more comfortable and stress-free.
Final Tip: When in Doubt, Ask!
If you’re ever unsure whether an item can be moved, just ask your All American Relocation move coordinator. We’re here to help you navigate every step of your move.
Ready for a Safe, Stress-Free Move?
We go beyond just moving boxes—we move lives. As a trusted residential moving company in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, our expert team is committed to helping you prepare, pack, and transition with confidence.
Contact us today to get a free estimate or speak with a relocation expert. Let’s move forward—together.
