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.
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 HHG cargo or reimbursable HHG 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