“Can I just pack everything and let the movers figure it out?” is a question we hear on almost every estimate call at Two Chicks Moving — and the honest answer is no, not quite. Every professional moving company works with a list of items that federal regulations and basic safety rules keep off the truck. Most surprises happen because nobody asks before boxes are sealed. As a mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, and Bonita Springs, here’s exactly what to set aside before our crew arrives — and what to do with it instead.
What Items Will Movers Not Take?
Every reputable mover maintains a “non-allowable” items list, and while the exact wording varies by company, the categories are consistent across the industry. Here’s what typically can’t go on the truck, and why.
- Propane tanks, gasoline, motor oil, paint and paint thinners, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, pesticides, ammunition, fireworks, and corrosive cleaners like bleach are all off-limits. These items are flammable, explosive, or corrosive risks in an enclosed truck, and federal transportation rules bar licensed movers from hauling them, no matter how small the quantity.
- Perishables and plants. Refrigerated or frozen food, opened pantry items, and (especially on long-distance moves) live houseplants are typically declined because of spoilage risk and, for plants crossing state lines, agricultural pest regulations. On a local move, your crew may be able to make an exception for a few plants — just ask ahead of time rather than assuming.
- Pets. No moving company will transport animals on the truck. Plan to drive pets yourself or use a dedicated pet transport service, and keep food, water, and a leash easily accessible on moving day.
- Cash, jewelry, and irreplaceable documents. Passports, birth certificates, property deeds, medical records, cash, and fine jewelry technically aren’t banned from the truck, but every moving company will tell you to keep them with you. A mover’s valuation coverage either excludes these items outright or caps reimbursement so low it isn’t worth the risk of losing something irreplaceable.
A good rule of thumb: if it’s flammable, perishable, alive, or impossible to replace, it travels with you, not the truck. Before your move, ask your Two Chicks Moving crew for our specific non-allowable items list — it takes two minutes and prevents a stressful conversation on moving day.
Local Area Guide: Greater Fort Myers Chamber Opens New Headquarters at Collaboratory
If you’re settling into Fort Myers this summer, there’s a fresh sign of the city’s growing business community worth knowing about: the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters at Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 11. According to Florida Weekly, community leaders, chamber members, and nonprofit partners gathered to mark the move, which brings the Chamber’s network of more than 1,600 members across Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties under one centrally located roof.
“Our responsibility is to create value for our members while strengthening the relationships that help Southwest Florida thrive,” said John Lai, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce. The new space will host networking events, committee meetings, and educational programs — good news for anyone relocating a business or simply looking to plug into the local community as part of a move to Fort Myers.
If you’re moving a household or a business into the area, our Fort Myers service area page covers everything from downtown condos to commercial office relocations across Lee County.
Planning a Move in Southwest Florida?
Whether you need a mover in Fort Myers, a mover in Cape Coral, a mover in Naples, a mover in Estero, or a mover in Bonita Springs, Two Chicks Moving offers full-service and partial packing help so you never have to guess what belongs on the truck. Curious what our crews can pack for you? Visit our packing services page or contact us for a free quote.
