Moving house can feel like a whirlwind, especially when it comes to knowing what you can and can’t take with you. If you’re planning a house move in Berkshire, you might assume your removal company will handle everything — but there are some items that even the most professional movers, like Wilkins Removals, simply aren’t allowed to take.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 common items that removal companies can’t move, and more importantly, how you can plan ahead to make your move stress-free. With over 140 years of experience helping Berkshire residents relocate, Wilkins Removals is here to help you move safely, efficiently, and confidently.
Why Removal Companies Can’t Take Certain Items
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand why removal companies place restrictions on specific items. It often comes down to three key reasons:
- Health and Safety Regulations: Items that pose a fire, chemical, or environmental hazard can’t legally be transported.
- Insurance Limitations: Some items are excluded from insurance cover, which could leave you unprotected if something goes wrong.
- Legal Restrictions: Certain goods can’t be transported without a licence, or are prohibited under UK law.
Declaring these items in advance is vital. It ensures your removal team can plan appropriately, avoid last-minute surprises, and keep your move running on time and within budget.
Learn more about legal and safety requirements on:
5 Items Wilkins Removals Can’t Take
1. Hazardous Materials
Certain materials are simply too dangerous to be loaded into a removal van. These include:
- Paints, varnishes, and solvents
- Gas bottles and propane tanks
- Pesticides and weed killers
- Cleaning fluids (especially bleach or ammonia-based)
- Fireworks or other explosives
These items are typically flammable, corrosive, or toxic, and pose a serious risk during transit. For this reason, they fall under strict health and safety regulations and are prohibited items for any home removal company.
Wilkins Removals generally recommend trying to use up these items, or safely dispose of them before moving day. You can do a quick search for the nearest recycling facility or drop off in Berkshire that accepts these items. However, we strongly advise you not to attempt to sneak these items in, as you’ll be putting yourself, your moving team, and your belongings at risk.
2. Perishable Food
That half-used bag of salad or leftover lasagne might be fine in the fridge, but not in the back of a warm van during a long move. These foods can spoil quickly, attract pests, and create unhygienic conditions inside the van.
Perishable items include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy and meat products
- Frozen food
- Opened containers or jars
If you haven’t been able to eat out the entire contents of your fridge and pantry, then you can usually donate unopened and in-date items to your local food bank or community fridge. Alternatively, you can pack any perishables into a cool box and transport them to your new home yourself on the day you move in. This option is slightly more feasible if you’re moving home locally in Berkshire and don’t have too far to go.
3. Pets and Animals
While your furry (or scaly) friend is definitely part of the family, they can’t go in the back of the moving van. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or a bearded dragon — live animals require specific conditions and legal considerations for safe transport.
Before moving day comes about, we suggest your plan and coordinate your pets journey separately, using your own car or a dedicated pet transport service. If you’re moving house locally in Berkshire, you might want to consider preparing a pet travel bag with essentials (water, snacks, bedding). Moving home further afield? Why not consider pet boarding for moving day to reduce stress for you and them.
4. Valuables and Important Documents
High-value or irreplaceable items are often excluded from insurance coverage, making them too risky to hand over to a removal crew.
Examples include:
- Cash, jewellery, and watches
- Passports and ID documents
- House deeds and wills
- Personal data files or tech containing sensitive information
Even though professional movers like Wilkins Removals are trusted and experienced, it’s best to keep your valuables close and avoid the risk. Our expert movers usually suggest you pack your own personal box with valuables to keep with you during the move. Using lockable containers or safes for added security is never a bad idea too. For things like passports and important moving documents it is useful to keep digital backups wherever possible.
5. Passengers
Whilst we’d love nothing more than for all our customers to ride shotgun with us and have a chat, unfortunately we’re unable to transport anyone outside of Wilkins Removal’s company. This is because customers and anyone outside of the business aren’t covered by insurance.
Essentially, this means that if anything were to happen during transporting your belongings to your new home, you’d not be protected if there was an injury. In order to ensure the safety of you, your family as well as our team, it’s important you make sure you have your own transport arranged.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Move
Avoid delays and disruption by preparing ahead. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Ask your removal company about restricted items
- Use up or dispose of hazardous and perishable items
- Transport pets and valuables personally
- Pack a ‘moving day’ essentials bag
- Schedule a free survey with Wilkins Removals to flag up any concerns
Not sure what you can take?
Contact Wilkins Removals today for a free pre-move survey and expert advice tailored to your move.
Move With Confidence
Moving home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding what items removal companies can’t take and planning ahead, you’ll avoid last-minute surprises and enjoy a smooth transition into your new home.
At Wilkins Removals, we’re committed to safe, compliant, and stress-free home moves across Reading and the wider Berkshire area. With over a century of experience, you’re in expert hands.
Ready to move? Get in touch with Wilkins Removals or visit our FAQs for more guidance on preparing for your big day.
