What NOT To Pack in a POD
Here’s the quick answer: Moving containers prohibit seven categories of items from being packed or stored, including hazardous materials, lithium batteries, motorized vehicles, perishable foods, plants, and weapons. To avoid voided container coverage or a safety hazard, it’s crucial to know exactly what can’t go in a moving pod before moving day. This guide covers every prohibited category, how to dispose of restricted items properly, and expert tips for loading your container efficiently.
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What can’t you put in a moving container?
Whether you choose a pro mover or a moving container company, the same packing rules apply. Loaded guns and flammable goods should be obvious and off-limits, but the full prohibited list goes much further. Request a copy of the container company’s non-allowable items list before renting.
Continue reading below for a complete list of items that are typically not allowed inside a moving pod and tips on how to load a container.
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Sentimental items
Some moving pod companies have specific guidelines regarding valuable and sentimental belongings. When moving, your best bet is to keep these items with you in a separate box.
Moving pods are safe and secure, but there’s still a chance that something could break or become damaged. Eliminate the risk by always keeping valuables with you or at least wrapping them securely in bubble wrap or plastic wrap.
The same applies to items that have sentimental value.
Some of the most common valuable items to keep with you:
- Money
- Jewelry
- Furs
- Firearms
- Computer software or programs
- Credit cards
- Medicine
- Financial documents
- Sentimental items
- Family heirlooms
- Electronics
- Medical and/or dental records
- School records
- Laptops
- Collections
- Keys
- Car titles
- Cell phones
- Checkbooks
- Photo albums
If you still decide to pack these items in a moving pod, read the company’s liability options first. Some companies require customers to have coverage for their moving pod and its contents.
The two most common levels of liability are the contents protection option and the container-only option. Neither option provides full compensation for the loss or damage of items.
Perishable items
Perishables are foods or unsealed items that can go bad. Packing them in a moving pod is a bad idea. Perishable food attracts bugs and rodents and leaves you with spoiled items at the end of the move.
Before your move, discard or donate all open and perishable foods.
Nonperishable items such as canned goods, soups, rice, unopened sauces, and pasta can go in a moving pod.
The perishable items that should not be packed in a moving pod are:
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- Milk
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Frozen treats
- Fresh produce
- Refrigerated food
- Opened pantry items
- Opened beverages
Hazardous items
Moving companies and pod companies refuse to transport hazardous materials.
Dispose of these items before your move. Most hazardous items can be replaced after you reach your destination.
Hazardous items are chemical-containing materials that are highly combustible and potentially explosive, especially inside a hot, enclosed container or self-storage facility. Check the packaging for hazardous warning labels.
Don’t pack these hazardous items in your moving container:
- Fertilizer
- Paints
- Paint thinner
- Aerosols
- Cleaning solvents
- Propane tanks
- Poisons
- Motor oil
- Charcoal
- Pool chemicals
- Scuba tanks
- Batteries
- Acids
- Charcoal lighter fluid
- Fire extinguishers
- Gasoline
- Loaded guns
- Nail polish remover
- Ammonia
- Matches
Do not throw hazardous materials in the trash. Doing so puts sanitation workers at risk.
The safest way to dispose of hazardous materials before moving is to visit your local hazardous waste facility drop-off center. All centers have clearly labeled bins to make disposal quick and straightforward.
Lithium batteries and e-bikes
Most moving container companies prohibit items with non-removable lithium batteries, and this rule catches many people off guard during packing. The rule is simple: if the battery can be removed, take it out before loading the device. If it cannot be removed, the item cannot go in the container at all.
Items with non-removable lithium batteries that are typically prohibited:
- E-bikes and electric scooters: These contain large integrated battery packs that cannot be removed and pose a significant fire risk inside an enclosed container. Ship them separately using a specialty carrier.
- Power tools: Cordless drills, saws, and similar battery-operated tools with non-removable battery packs are restricted. If the battery slides out, remove it and pack it separately in a fireproof bag or hard case.
- Children’s toys and handheld electronics: Battery-operated toys, tablets, and e-readers with sealed lithium batteries cannot go in the container. Remove any accessible batteries before packing the device.
- Appliances with integrated batteries: Certain smart home devices and appliances with sealed rechargeable batteries also fall under this restriction. When in doubt, contact your container company before loading day.
Pro tip: Before your move, go through every device you plan to pack and check for lithium batteries. Pack removable batteries in a separate labeled box and carry it in your car. If an item has a non-removable battery and you are unsure whether it qualifies, call your moving container company directly before loading day.
Motorized vehicles and lawn mowers
Cars, motorcycles, and motorized outdoor equipment cannot go in a moving container, regardless of size. Container companies prohibit all motorized vehicles because residual fuel and oil in the engine create a fire hazard inside a sealed container.
Motorized items not allowed in moving containers:
- Cars and trucks: Personal vehicles of any size cannot be transported in a portable moving container. If you need to ship a car, book a licensed auto transport company separately. Many container companies can refer you to a trusted partner.
- Motorcycles and dirt bikes: Even with fuel tanks drained, most container companies prohibit motorcycles due to residual fuel and oil left in the engine and fuel lines.
- Lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment: Gas-powered lawn mowers, generators, grills, smokers, and fire pits all contain residual fuel or oil that makes them prohibited. Drain them fully before disposal or arrange separate transport.
- Scooters, golf carts, ATVs, and watercraft: Motorized scooters, golf carts, off-highway vehicles, and all watercraft are prohibited from moving containers regardless of engine size.
If you need to move a vehicle alongside your household goods, compare car shipping companies to find a separate carrier that fits your timeline and budget.
Houseplants
Most moving pod companies don’t allow indoor or outdoor plants inside the container. Many states have laws restricting which plants can be imported across state lines to prevent the spread of pests, harmful insects, and diseases. Plants also won’t survive without sunlight, which is another reason to transport them in your car.
Before you pack up your plants, check with your State Plant Regulatory Official to confirm whether your plants can legally cross state lines.
Weapons
Moving day safety is key. Weapons pose a serious threat to safety. If you own guns and ammunition, contact a licensed firearms dealer before your move. Gunpowder is prohibited from moving pods. Most moving container companies also refuse to transport ammunition.
Some companies will transport guns if all weapons are unloaded and properly packed. Some require firearms to be locked in hard cases. Contact your moving container company directly to ask about their firearms policy, as the rules vary by state. Washington, D.C., for example, prohibits any transport of guns.
How does renting a moving container work?
On average, moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers, according to moveBuddha pricing data, making them a strong option for budget-conscious long-distance moves.
Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha pricing data.
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UNITS Moving and Portable Storage 
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4.3 / 5
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U-Pack 
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5 / 5
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Zippy Shell 
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4.2 / 5
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A moving pod is a container you rent for relocation. The container company delivers the pod to your address, you pack it up, and the company transports it to your new destination or stores it at a secure facility.
The process of renting a moving pod is simple. Choose a company that fits your timeline and budget. U-Pack is a good option if you plan to pack the pod yourself and prefer to move at your own pace.
The company delivers the pod to your current address. You pack your belongings, and the company picks it up and transports it to your new home or stores it until you’re ready. Throughout the process, you have easy access to your rented moving pod.
Packing a moving POD can be time-consuming, but with the right supplies and approach, you’ll have your belongings safely protected in no time.
How do you load a moving container?
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- Organize your items into categories: Decide what needs to be packed first, second, and third. This makes it easier to know where everything goes and keeps the process efficient.
- Gather the right supplies: Strong moving boxes, tape, paper pads or bubble wrap, scissors, moving blankets, moisture absorbers to prevent mildew, and markers are all necessary to make packing go smoothly.
- Load heavy and large items first: Start with larger, heavier items such as couches, sofas, and beds. Use tie-downs or ratchet straps to keep furniture from shifting. Then move on to smaller items. Fill each box with a mix of small and large items so boxes don’t become too heavy to lift.
- Distribute weight evenly: Place larger items on the bottom of the container and smaller, lighter items on top. This keeps everything in place during transportation.
- Protect fragile items: Wrap all fragile items with paper pads or bubble wrap to protect them from damage during transit.
- Label every box: Label all boxes with a clear description of the items inside. This makes unpacking at your destination much easier.
- Secure items before pickup: Secure the contents of each container before the company picks it up. This ensures items stay safe and in place until they reach their final destination.
- Consider hiring pros: If you’re uncomfortable packing the container yourself, professional movers or a company like 1-800-Pack-Rat can handle it for you.
Professional movers know how to use every inch of space efficiently, packing containers floor to ceiling, especially for cross-country moves. See more cross-country moving tips
What else should you know about packing a moving pod?
A few final tips that can make a real difference on loading day:
- Line the container floor with moving blankets: Laying moving blankets along the bottom cushions items against road vibrations and protects fragile belongings from direct contact with the container floor.
- Place furniture along the side walls: Positioning sofas, dressers, and large furniture pieces upright along the container walls keeps them stable and frees up center space for boxes and smaller items.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top of furniture: Even sturdy furniture can warp or crack under excessive weight. Keep heavy boxes on the floor and stack lighter items on furniture only when it’s safe to do so.
- Keep the load level and even: Distributing weight evenly from front to back and side to side prevents shifting during transport and reduces the risk of items falling when the container door is opened.
By following these guidelines and putting safety first, you’re well on your way to a successful move. Need help finding the right company? Check out our list of the best moving container companies and compare quotes with our moving cost calculator.
FAQs about what not to pack in a moving pod
Can you put a car in a moving container?
No, cars and other motorized vehicles cannot be placed in a moving container. Container companies prohibit all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, lawn mowers, golf carts, and ATVs, due to fuel and oil fire hazards. If you need to ship a car alongside your move, book a separate auto transport carrier. You can compare options through our guide to the best car shipping companies.
Can you pack cleaning products in a moving container?
Most cleaning products are prohibited from moving containers. Anything containing bleach, ammonia, or chemical solvents qualifies as a hazardous material and cannot be packed. Non-toxic cleaning tools like brooms, mops, and vacuums are generally fine to include.
What happens if you pack prohibited items in a moving container?
Packing prohibited items can void your container coverage, create liability for any resulting damage, and in some cases violate federal or state regulations. Request your container company’s full prohibited items list before loading day and dispose of restricted materials at a local hazardous waste facility drop-off center.
Can you transport firearms in a moving container?
Loaded guns and ammunition are prohibited from moving containers. Some companies will transport unloaded, properly packed firearms if they meet specific requirements, such as being locked in a hard case with no ammunition present. Contact your container company directly to confirm their firearms policy before your move, as rules vary by company and state.
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