United Van Lines/S&M Moving Systems is Dedicated to Safe Moving, which means that some items may be prohibited on our moving trucks. In order to keep our crews and your belongings safe, we ask that you refrain from packing the following items during your move:

Prohibited Items

“United will not transport hazardous items, including explosives, flammable gases and toxic substances, or other items on United’s Non-allowable List. Keep in mind that these hazardous items must be disposed of properly to comply with federal, state and local laws and to protect the environment. Contact your city or county for where to dispose of these items.

The following items cannot be included in your shipment(*).

  • Batteries,  alkaline  &  lead-acid  (automobile)

    It is generally considered a bad idea to pack batteries for moving because they can be a safety hazard if not properly packed and stored. Batteries contain chemicals and can leak or even explode if they come into contact with heat or moisture during transport.

    Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices, are particularly susceptible to damage during transport. If a lithium-ion battery is punctured or otherwise damaged, it can cause a fire or explosion, which can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

    For this reason, it is generally recommended that batteries be removed from electronic devices before packing and transporting them, and that they be packed separately in a cool, dry place away from other items. Additionally, it is important to properly label any boxes or containers that contain batteries, and to inform your moving company of their presence.

    Overall, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid packing batteries for moving whenever possible. If you must transport batteries, be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they are properly stored and transported to minimize the risk of damage or injury.

  • Household cleaning products

    During transport, cleaning products can spill or leak if they are not properly sealed or packed, potentially damaging other items or causing harm to the movers handling them. In addition, mixing certain cleaning products can create dangerous chemical reactions that can release harmful fumes or cause explosions.

    For these reasons, it is generally recommended that you dispose of any cleaning products that you no longer need before moving, and that you carefully pack any remaining cleaning products in separate, sealed containers that are labeled as hazardous materials. You should also inform your moving company of the presence of any hazardous materials, including cleaning products, to ensure that they are handled and transported safely.

  • Corrosive chemicals or poisons
  • Lawn and garden chemicals
  • Flammables and explosives
  • Live animals or plants
  • Gas and oil products
  • Compressed gas cylinders
  • Wax candles

    If wax candles are packed with other items, the heat generated during transport can cause the candles to melt, and the hot wax can then stick to and damage other items in the box. In addition, melted wax can be difficult to clean up and can permanently stain or damage fabrics or other materials.

    To avoid these issues, it is generally recommended to pack wax candles separately in their own box or container, and to transport them in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight. If you must pack wax candles with other items, be sure to wrap them in protective material, such as bubble wrap or newspaper, to prevent them from coming into contact with other items and causing damage.

  • Illegal items or substances
  • Ammunition including gunpowder
  • Other items may be prohibited at United’s discretion.

Moving Tip: You may find you no longer need these materials or consider replacing these items once you’ve moved into your new house.

Read more here: http://www.unitedvanlines.com/tips/moving-packing-tips/moving-checklists/non-allowable-checklist