Almost everything in your home can go on the truck. Beds, fridges, pianos, pool tables, the garage full of tools: that’s what removalists are for. There’s a short list of items that can’t travel with the rest of your belongings, though, and in South East Queensland pot plants come with some extra rules of their own.
It’s much easier to know about these before moving day. When our crew finds a gas bottle in the shed or a box of pool chemicals under the house at 7am, it becomes something you have to sort out in a hurry.
At Wecube Removals, we’ll go through this with you when you book. This guide covers the items that commonly come up, and why.
Dangerous Goods Stay Off the Truck
Flammable liquids, gases and corrosive chemicals are classed as dangerous goods for road transport. A removal truck packed with timber furniture, mattresses and cardboard boxes is the wrong place for them. If one leaks or catches fire, it can damage everything else on board.
As a general rule, removalists won’t carry:
- Gas bottles, including barbecue and camping LPG cylinders. Even a bottle you think is empty can still hold gas.
- Petrol, diesel and jerry cans, and any fuel left in lawn mowers, whipper snippers, chainsaws or outboard motors (drain the tank before moving day)
- Tins of paint, thinners, turps and similar solvents
- Pool and garden chemicals such as chlorine, acid, pesticides and fertilisers
- Fireworks, flares and ammunition
- Old car batteries and anything else that’s corrosive or leaking
Lithium batteries are worth mentioning on their own. If you’re moving an e-bike, e-scooter or a large battery pack, tell us when you book, and we’ll confirm how it should be prepared for the move.
Where you can, use up or give away half-used chemicals in the weeks before you move. Your local council can tell you how to safely dispose of anything you’d rather not take.
Things You Should Keep With You
Some items can go on the truck, but you’ll be much happier if they don’t. We recommend keeping these with you in the car:
- Passports, birth certificates, contracts and other important documents
- Jewellery, cash and anything that can’t be replaced
- Medication, chargers and a change of clothes for the first few days
- Laptops and hard drives holding work or family photos
- Keys to the new place
If it would ruin your week to lose it, it should travel with you.
Perishables and the Fridge
Frozen and chilled food isn’t a good fit for a removal truck, particularly on a long move or when furniture is going into storage. Start working through the freezer and pantry a couple of weeks before moving day.
Your fridge and freezer need to be empty, clean and dry before we load them. Give yourself time to defrost the freezer, then leave the doors open for a while so it dries out properly and doesn’t smell when it arrives.
Can I Take My Pot Plants When I Move House in Brisbane?
On a local move, pot plants can usually come with you. They’re on the inventory list when you request a quote from us. There’s one important catch: fire ants.
Large parts of South East Queensland are inside fire ant biosecurity zones. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program lists soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry materials, turf and potted plants as fire ant carriers. If you live in a fire ant biosecurity zone, you’re legally required to follow the procedures set out in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 before moving carrier material off your property.
For potted plants, the official guidance covers options such as treating the pots, keeping them covered and stored in a particular way, or removing the soil. Plants without soil or potting mix are not treated as high-risk material. Rules change as the zones change, so before you pack:
- Check whether your current and new addresses are in a fire ant biosecurity zone on the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website.
- Read the current guidance for moving potted plants.
- If you’re unsure, call the program on 13 22 68 (132 ANT).
Leave bags of garden soil, mulch and turf offcuts behind. They’re the easiest way to move fire ants from one suburb to the next.
Can You Take Plants Interstate From Queensland?
Once you cross a state border, the receiving state’s rules apply, and they’re often stricter than the rules at home.
- New South Wales controls potted plants, soil, mulch, turf and other carrier materials coming from Queensland fire ant zones, and generally requires certification before they can enter.
- Western Australia requires a declaration for personal goods, which you complete with your removals company, and some plants and plant products may not be allowed in.
- Tasmania requires anyone moving there permanently to lodge a personal effects declaration, and your belongings need to be free from soil, seeds and plant matter.
- South Australia doesn’t allow soil in from interstate and restricts most fresh fruit because of fruit fly.
For most interstate moves, the simplest option is to rehome your plants before you go. Clean the soil off outdoor furniture, bikes, garden tools and the lawn mower too. Our Brisbane interstate team will let you know about anything that needs extra paperwork for your route.
Let Our Packers Sort It for You
If you’ve booked our packing and unpacking service, our packers will set aside anything that can’t travel so you can deal with it before loading starts. If you’re packing yourself, keep a “not on the truck” box by the door for documents, medication and valuables so nothing gets loaded by mistake.
For a full household move, our home removals team will go through what’s coming, what’s staying and anything unusual when we confirm your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can removalists not move?
Removalists generally won’t carry dangerous goods such as gas bottles, fuel, paint, solvents, pool chemicals, fireworks and ammunition. Perishable food is best avoided, and important documents, valuables and medication should travel with you.
Can I take my pot plants when I move house in Brisbane?
Usually, yes, on a local move. If you live in a fire ant biosecurity zone, though, potted plants are classed as a fire ant carrier and must be handled under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 before they leave your property. Check the current guidance on the fire ant program website before you pack.
Can you take plants interstate from Queensland?
Sometimes, but it depends on the state you’re moving to. NSW, WA, SA and Tasmania all apply their own biosecurity rules, and some require declarations or certificates. For most people, rehoming plants before the move is the easiest option.
Can removalists transport gas bottles or petrol?
No. LPG bottles and fuel are dangerous goods, and they shouldn’t be packed with household furniture. Drain fuel from mowers and other equipment, and take gas bottles to an exchange or give them away before moving day.
Not sure whether something can come with you? Request a free quote or call our team on 0423 690 837, and we’ll let you know.