Man and Van: What Can't We Move? UK Rules
- The London Man And Van

- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read

Moving can be a stressful experience, and knowing exactly what a "Man and Van" service can and cannot handle is crucial for a smooth and legally compliant relocation. The London Man And Van strives to make your moving day as stress-free as possible, and that starts with clear communication about the limitations of our service. This guide will explain exactly [What Items Can’t a Man And Van Move? (UK Regulations Explained)] and the implications.
Understanding the Limits: Safety and Legality
The primary reason certain items are off-limits for Man and Van services boils down to safety and legality. We, at The London Man And Van, prioritize the well-being of our staff, our customers, and the public. Moving hazardous or illegal items puts everyone at risk and carries serious legal consequences.
Dangerous Goods Removal: Legal Responsibilities
Transporting dangerous goods requires specific licenses, specialized training, and appropriate vehicles. The regulations surrounding these items are stringent and designed to prevent accidents and protect the environment. Attempting to move them without the proper qualifications is a serious offense. We avoid any compromise.
What Items Can't We Move? A Comprehensive List
Here's a detailed breakdown of items that The London Man And Van cannot transport, categorized for clarity:
Hazardous Materials
Explosives: This includes fireworks, ammunition, detonators, and anything designed to detonate or explode.
Flammable Liquids and Gases: Petrol, diesel, propane, butane, paint thinner, aerosols (in large quantities), and certain adhesives fall into this category. Even seemingly harmless items like nail polish remover can be problematic in bulk.
Corrosive Substances: Acids, alkalis, bleach (in industrial quantities), and drain cleaners can cause severe damage and injury if leaked or spilled.
Toxic Substances: Pesticides, herbicides, poisons, and certain cleaning chemicals are hazardous to health and require specialized handling.
Radioactive Materials: Any items containing radioactive substances are strictly prohibited.
Illegal Items
Unlicensed Firearms: Any firearm without the appropriate license and documentation is illegal to transport.
Illegal Drugs: This includes all controlled substances and any drug paraphernalia associated with illegal activities.
Stolen Goods: We have a strict policy against transporting stolen property.
Unlawful Pornography: Transporting or distributing illegal adult material is a serious crime.
Other Prohibited Items
Live Animals: While we understand that pets are part of the family, The London Man And Van is not equipped to transport live animals. You'll need to use a specialist pet transportation service.
Unsealed or Unhygienic Foodstuffs: We cannot transport perishable food items that are not properly sealed and refrigerated. This is to prevent contamination and maintain hygiene standards.
Unidentified Powders or Liquids: For safety reasons, we cannot transport any unidentified powders or liquids without proper labeling and documentation.
Large Amounts of Cash: While we accept cash payments for our services, we cannot transport large sums of money due to security risks.
Items That Pose a Risk to Our Team: We prioritize the safety of our moving team. Items that are excessively heavy, poorly packaged, or present a clear risk of injury may be refused. We advise that you consider Man & Van London: Rubbish Removal Before You Move?, before your move.
What to Do If You Have Prohibited Items
If you have items that fall into any of these categories, don't panic! There are several options available:
Proper Disposal: Many household hazardous wastes can be safely disposed of at designated recycling centers or through your local council.
Specialist Removal Services: For items like firearms or hazardous chemicals, contact a licensed specialist removal company.
Selling or Donating: Consider selling or donating unwanted items that you cannot take with you.
Transparency and Communication
At The London Man And Van, we believe in transparent communication. If you're unsure about whether a particular item can be moved, please don't hesitate to ask us. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Our team is happy to advise you on alternative solutions. We also offer a Same-Day Man & Van London: Handyman & Rubbish Removals service for efficient pre-move preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I try to hide prohibited items during my move?
Attempting to conceal prohibited items is a serious breach of contract and could result in the termination of our services. You may also face legal consequences.
Can I transport small amounts of aerosols, like hairspray or deodorant?
Yes, small quantities of everyday aerosols are generally acceptable as part of your personal belongings. However, excessive amounts may be flagged.
What about transporting petrol in a lawnmower?
Empty the petrol tank completely before transporting the lawnmower. Ensure there are no flammable liquids present.
Are there any exceptions to the live animal rule?
No, we do not transport live animals. Specialist pet transportation services are the only appropriate option.
What if I'm unsure about a specific item?
Contact us directly! We are happy to assess your situation and provide clear guidance based on current regulations.
Moving doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding what we can and cannot move, you can ensure a safe, legal, and stress-free experience with The London Man And Van. Remember to always err on the side of caution and communicate openly with our team. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of your move and get you settled into your new home or office quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for a free quote and let us take the hassle out of your next relocation.








