Every move forces a reckoning with your stuff. Some items are too heavy, too fragile, or too cheap to justify the cost of moving. Others are outright prohibited by moving companies. Knowing what cannot or should not go on the truck - and having a plan for those items - prevents last-minute scrambles and saves money. This guide covers mover exclusions, selling strategies, donation options, and responsible disposal.
Professional movers refuse certain items for safety and liability reasons. The standard prohibited list includes: hazardous materials (paint, gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid, pool chemicals, pesticides), perishable food, plants (interstate moves only - regulated by the USDA), ammunition and firearms (some movers accept secured firearms but most decline), and any liquid that can spill and damage other items. Most movers also refuse to transport pets, of course. Beyond the prohibited list, movers will move but typically will not insure items of extraordinary value like jewelry, cash, important documents, or irreplaceable family photos. These should travel with you personally. Opened food products, cleaning supplies, and aerosol cans are also commonly rejected. Check with your specific mover for their prohibited items list at least 2 weeks before moving day to avoid surprises.
Facebook Marketplace is the fastest platform for selling furniture and household items locally. Price items at 30 to 40% of retail for fast sales or 50 to 60% if you have 3 to 4 weeks. Post clear photos with measurements, be responsive to messages, and offer delivery for large items (or factor pickup into the price). For electronics, clothing, and smaller items, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Mercari are effective alternatives. If you have a large volume of items, an estate sale company handles everything for a 25 to 35% commission and can generate $2,000 to $10,000 from a well-stocked home. For specialized items like tools, musical instruments, or collectibles, niche platforms (Reverb for instruments, specialized Facebook groups) bring better prices. Start selling 4 to 6 weeks before your move date. Items not sold by one week before the move should be donated rather than becoming a last-minute stressor.
Donating items you cannot sell provides a tax deduction and clears your home faster than waiting for buyers. Goodwill and Salvation Army accept furniture, clothing, kitchen items, and electronics in working condition and often provide free pickup for large items with 3 to 7 days notice. Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts building materials, tools, appliances, and fixtures. Local shelters often need bedding, towels, dishes, and small furniture. Schools and churches may accept books, office supplies, and children's items. For tax purposes, photograph donated items, get a receipt from the organization, and use the Salvation Army's valuation guide or IRS Publication 561 to estimate fair market value. Donations to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations are deductible if you itemize. For a household worth of donations, deductions typically range from $500 to $3,000 based on fair market value of the items.
For items too damaged to donate and too worthless to sell, responsible disposal keeps costs down and keeps usable materials out of landfills. Municipal bulk pickup is free in many cities for items like mattresses, furniture, and appliances - check your city's website for scheduling and limits. A Bagster bag from Waste Management costs $30 for the bag (sold at Home Depot) plus $150 to $350 for pickup and handles up to 3,300 pounds of debris. For larger cleanouts, a 10-yard dumpster rental runs $250 to $400 for a week. Junk removal services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK charge $150 to $600 depending on volume and handle everything from loading to disposal. For hazardous materials like paint, batteries, and electronics, use your county's hazardous waste collection program rather than throwing them in the trash. Many electronics retailers accept old devices for free recycling through manufacturer take-back programs.
Use our free calculator to get a personalized cost estimate for your move.
Try the CalculatorCompare prices from up to 3 local movers. No obligation, no spam.
Movers refuse hazardous materials (paint, gasoline, propane, chemicals), perishable food, ammunition, plants for interstate moves, and most liquids. They also will not insure jewelry, cash, or important documents. Check your specific mover's prohibited list at least 2 weeks before the move.
Facebook Marketplace is the fastest option. Price items at 30 to 40% of retail for quick sales, post clear photos with measurements, and respond to messages within an hour. Start selling 4 to 6 weeks before your move. Items unsold one week before should be donated.
Yes, donations to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible if you itemize. Photograph items, get a receipt, and use IRS Publication 561 to estimate fair market value. A household of donations typically generates $500 to $3,000 in deductions.
Statistics and cost figures are based on industry averages and publicly available data, provided for informational purposes.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data
