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Haven (previously HomeBinder)

Moving Guide

What Movers Will and Won't Move

What You Need to Know When Hiring Professional Moving Services

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, hiring a professional moving company can take a huge burden off your shoulders. But before you hand over your belongings, it's important to know exactly what movers will and won't handle — and how to protect yourself in the process.

April 24, 2026Moving4 min read

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What You Can Expect from Professional Movers

Professional movers offer a range of services designed to make your relocation as smooth as possible. Most full-service companies will take care of the heavy lifting — sometimes literally. Knowing what's included helps you plan what you still need to handle yourself.

  • 1Supply packing materials
  • 2Pack your belongings securely
  • 3Disassemble and reassemble furniture
  • 4Load and unload the moving truck
  • 5Unpack items upon request
  • 6Dispose of packing waste materials

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What Movers Won't Move

Not everything can go on the truck. Moving companies have strict restrictions — primarily for safety and legal reasons — around certain categories of items. Plan ahead so nothing catches you off guard on moving day.

Hazardous Materials

Movers are prohibited from transporting anything flammable, explosive, or corrosive. This includes fuels, ammunition, chemicals, propane tanks, and certain cleaning products. Dispose of these safely before your move.

Perishable Items

Most movers won't take frozen food, fresh produce, or houseplants on long-distance moves. Plan to use these up, donate them, or transport them yourself.

High-Value and Irreplaceable Items

Cash, jewelry, important documents (passports, birth certificates, mortgage papers), medications, and items with sentimental value should always travel with you — not on the truck.

Haven handles this

Haven simplifies your move — it's all included in your plan.

From finding vetted movers to scheduling utility transfers and change of address updates, Haven coordinates the details so you don't have to sort through vendors on your own.

See what Haven does

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Beware of Moving Company Scams

The moving industry has its share of bad actors. Protecting yourself starts with knowing the red flags before you sign anything or hand over a deposit.

  • 1Large cash deposit requested upfront before any work is done
  • 2Quote given without an in-person or virtual walkthrough of your home
  • 3No physical address, operating license, or verifiable USDOT number
  • 4"Hostage load" scam — lowball estimate, then they hold your belongings and demand more money before delivery

Pro Tip

Always verify a mover's USDOT number at fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything. Legitimate companies will have a clean record and won't hesitate to share their credentials.

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Additional Lists for Reference

Keep these items with you during your move — never pack them in the moving truck, regardless of what any mover suggests.

  • Passports, birth certificates, and mortgage papers
  • Medications and medical devices
  • Jewelry and cash
  • House keys and car keys
  • Pet supplies and pets
  • Laptop, phone, and chargers
  • Irreplaceable sentimental items

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Want To Learn More?

Moving is just the beginning. Once you're in your new home, there's still a lot to coordinate — utilities, internet, home security, and insurance. Haven handles all of it for you, so nothing falls through the cracks during one of the busiest transitions of your life.

More than 50,000 homebuyers have already been connected to Haven through their home inspection company, lender, or real estate agent.

See how Haven works

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