What Not to Pack: Restricted Items for Removalists & Storage

What not to pack in moving cartons (and why)

If you’re unsure about an item, separate it and ask us before moving day. It’s far easier to clarify early than to unpack a carton at the truck. For planning and staging tips that keep your move organised, pair this page with our box labelling and inventory guide, and if your move includes a settlement gap or temporary hold, take a look at storage in Tasmania so your goods are protected properly.

1) Flammables, fuels, and gas

These are some of the most common “please don’t pack that” items. They can leak, ignite, or create fumes inside a closed truck environment. They also risk contaminating furniture, boxes, and soft furnishings.

• Fuel containers (petrol, diesel), kerosene, methylated spirits
• Gas bottles (BBQ cylinders), camping gas canisters
• Paint, paint thinner, turpentine, solvents, varnish, stains
• Firelighters, charcoal starter fluids
• Matches, fireworks, ammunition (if applicable)

What to do instead

Use or dispose of these items responsibly before the move. If you must keep something for later, store it safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep it out of the moving load. If you’re doing an interstate move, the risk increases due to longer transport time — see our interstate removals information for planning considerations.

2) Aerosols, pressurised cans, and strong chemicals

Aerosols can burst under pressure or heat. Strong chemicals can leak and destroy fabrics, timber finishes, and cartons. Even “sealed” bottles can fail when packed tightly and stacked.

• Spray paints, deodorants, hairsprays, insect sprays
• Cleaning chemicals (bleach, acids, drain cleaners)
• Pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals
• Strong adhesives, resins, solvents

What to do instead

Keep essentials with you in a clearly separated container (not inside a carton). If you have large quantities, plan to replace them after the move. It’s usually cheaper than risking damage to furniture removals and boxed household goods.

3) Lithium batteries, power banks, and high-risk electronics accessories

Loose lithium batteries and power banks are a major fire risk if damaged or overheated. They should never be packed loosely in cartons where they can be crushed by heavier items.

• Power banks, spare lithium batteries, e-bike batteries
• Loose rechargeable tool batteries
• Damaged cords, swollen batteries, or overheating devices

What to do instead

Keep batteries with you where possible, or store them safely in original packaging with terminals protected. If you’re unsure, ask our team before moving day. For a wider packing plan, reference our packing materials and box sizes guide so your cartons and protection match the risk level of the goods.

4) Perishables, liquids, and anything that can spoil or leak

Food and liquids don’t just “go off” — they create odours, attract pests, and leak into cartons and furniture blankets. This is one of the biggest issues we see when people pack late and try to “just move everything.”

• Fresh food, frozen food, pantry items in open packaging
• Cooking oils, sauces, bottles that can spill
• Open drinks, alcohol, or glass bottles with loose lids
• Plants, soil, and compost (mess + pests + moisture)

What to do instead

Use up perishables in the final week, donate unopened pantry items, and pack only sealed, non-perishable goods where appropriate. If you’re placing items into storage, keep food completely out of storage cartons — it attracts pests and can contaminate other goods. Storage prep tips are covered in our packing for storage guide.

5) Valuables, personal documents, and irreplaceable items

Professional movers take care, but certain items should stay with you. Important documents, jewellery, cash, passports, and small high-value items can easily get misplaced during the normal chaos of moving day.

• Passports, IDs, birth certificates, legal documents
• Jewellery, cash, collectibles, small valuables
• Laptops, external hard drives, critical work devices
• Medications and medical items you may need quickly

What to do instead

Create a dedicated “Do Not Load” tub or suitcase and keep it in your car. This one simple step prevents 90% of moving-day panic. Pair this with the “Priority” labelling method in our labelling and inventory guide so essential cartons are easy to access at delivery.

6) Wet items, damp fabrics, and anything with mould risk

Damp items sealed into cartons can cause mould and odours, especially if they’re going into storage or packed tightly with other goods. This includes towels, wet outdoor gear, or recently cleaned rugs that haven’t fully dried.

• Damp towels, wet clothing, wet outdoor equipment
• Recently shampooed rugs or fabric items not fully dry
• Items with existing mould, mildew, or strong odour issues

What to do instead

Dry everything completely before packing. For storage moves, this matters even more — it protects nearby cartons, furniture, and soft furnishings. If you’re using storage, speak to us early so we can plan safe handling and stacking.

Quick “safe packing” alternative list (what removalists love to see)

If you want your removalists to arrive and immediately start loading confidently, here’s what a well-prepared move looks like:

1. Cartons are sealed, not bulging (weight kept sensible).
2. Fragile cartons are clearly labelled and packed with void-fill to stop rattling.
3. Liquids and chemicals are separated and not mixed into household cartons.
4. Furniture is protected with blankets, wrap, and corner protectors where needed.
5. Priority cartons are grouped so they can be unloaded first.
6. Valuables and documents are set aside in a “Do Not Load” container.

If you’d rather not guess, our experienced team can take care of the packing for you. That means proper cartons, protective wrapping, safe handling, and a load that’s built to travel — whether it’s a local move, an interstate relocation, or a storage-based move plan.