Can Removal Companies Move Houseplants Paint and Aerosols? What Movers Will Not Touch
Every UK removal firm works to the same broad restrictions because they come from insurance terms and dangerous goods rules rather than company preference. The list is short and there is a sensible alternative for everything on it.
The short answer
- Flammables aerosols gas bottles and fuel cannot travel in the vehicle
- Plants are usually declined or moved at owner's risk
- Cash jewellery passports and documents travel with you
- Pets and food that spoils are never carried
- Tell the surveyor about anything unusual and it can be planned for
Items that cannot be carried at all
These are excluded under dangerous goods rules and goods in transit policies. A single leaking container can write off an entire load.
- Paint thinners varnish and white spirit
- Aerosols including deodorant and spray paint in quantity
- Petrol diesel paraffin and lighter fuel
- Gas bottles including patio heater and barbecue cylinders
- Fire extinguishers and flares
- Fireworks and ammunition
- Car batteries and loose lithium batteries
- Weedkiller pesticides and pool chemicals
- Nail varnish and remover in bulk
What to do with them instead
Nothing here has to be wasted if you plan a fortnight ahead.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Half used paint | Community RePaint scheme or the household waste centre |
| Aerosols | Use them up or recycle at the tip and buy new |
| Petrol in a mower | Run the tank dry the week before |
| Gas bottles | Return to the supplier for the deposit |
| Car battery | Free recycling at any household waste centre |
| Garden chemicals | Household waste centre chemical bay |
| Frozen food | Run it down or use a cool box in your own car |
Houseplants
Most removal firms will not insure plants because they suffer in an unheated load and the soil can spill through a whole van. Small plants travel best in your own car in a crate wedged so they cannot tip.
For a large collection water lightly two days before rather than on the morning, trim anything overgrown and put each pot in a carton with newspaper packed around the base. Never leave plants in a sealed vehicle overnight in summer or in frost.
Things you should carry yourself
Not banned but always better in your own hands. If it cannot be replaced it should not be in the load.
- Cash cards and cheque books
- Jewellery and watches
- Passports birth certificates and legal paperwork
- House keys for both properties
- Medication and prescriptions
- Laptops and external hard drives
- Small collectables coins and stamps
Items that need advance notice
These are movable but need the right kit, the right crew number or a specialist. Mention them at survey stage and there is no problem on the day.
- Pianos and organs
- Safes and gun cabinets which also need a legal transfer process for firearms
- Pool tables and large aquariums which must be drained
- Grandfather clocks and antiques needing bespoke crating
- Hot tubs sheds and garden rooms
- Motorbikes and ride on mowers with fuel drained
Frequently asked questions
Will removal companies move houseplants?
Many will carry them at the owner's risk on a local move but they are rarely insured. Small plants are better in your own car.
Can movers take my paint tins?
No. Paint and solvents are flammable and excluded from goods in transit cover. Take them to a household waste centre or a RePaint scheme.
Can a removal company move a gas barbecue?
The barbecue yes but never with the gas bottle attached. Return the cylinder to the supplier and take the appliance empty.
What happens if I pack a restricted item by mistake?
Tell the crew straight away. They will set it aside rather than load it because one leaking container can damage the whole load and void the cover.
Planning a move?
BlueSky Removals gives fixed written prices after a free video or home survey. Call 0800 090 3125 or request a quote online.