Whether something can go on your move is really three separate questions, not one. An item can pass one check and fail another, so don't stop after the first "yes."
- Is it eligible property for this move? HHG entitlement rules distinguish eligible household goods from other categories (pets, vehicles, business inventory, etc.) — check with your transportation office if you're unsure whether something counts.
- Will the actual carrier or rental provider accept it, and under what preparation conditions? A carrier's do-not-ship list is about their liability and equipment, not federal eligibility — you can clear the first question and still have a provider refuse an item, or accept it only if it's drained, disconnected, or specially packaged.
- Does your route or destination impose separate restrictions? State and international rules can restrict items your origin location allows without issue.
Don't carry fuel, propane, ammunition, or other flammable or hazardous materials in a rental truck or trailer (U-Haul's instructions prohibit hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives, and flammables — read them yourself), and never let passengers or pets ride in the cargo area. Laws on moving firearms vary by state; confirm the rules for your route and destination with the authorities there before you travel.
Items worth checking specifically
This isn't a complete list, and it isn't a substitute for checking your specific item, carrier, and destination. Screen at minimum:
- Fuel, propane, and other flammables
- Aerosols
- Cleaning chemicals
- Ammunition and firearms
- Batteries, especially lithium (e-bikes, power tools, some medical equipment)
- Alcohol
- Food
- Plants
- Soil and outdoor equipment (mowers, grills — see fluid/cleaning requirements on their own pages)
- Pets (not part of your household-goods shipment or its weight — see the pet/passenger transport link below)
- High-value items (jewelry, collectibles — ask about valuation and coverage limits)
- Temperature-sensitive belongings
This page is a screening tool, not a rulebook. We're deliberately not publishing detailed firearms, customs, or hazardous-material instructions here — those need current, jurisdiction- and transport-mode-specific verification that a general guide can't responsibly provide. If an item is uncertain, resolve it with your transportation office and carrier before you pack it, not after.
Where to check
- U-Pack's current do-not-ship list (one example of a carrier-specific restricted-items list — your provider's own list governs your shipment)
- Military OneSource: passenger and pet transportation for PCS moves
- Your transportation office, for eligibility questions
- Your specific carrier or rental provider, for their acceptance rules
Check it yourself
Prohibited-item rules vary by provider, route, and destination. Rules, prices, and instructions change and differ by service, installation, and provider — open the sources below, confirm the current details for yourself, and get your move's specifics from your transportation office in writing.