What Not to Pack When Moving Interstate from Brisbane

Planning an interstate move from Brisbane? Whether you're using a shared truck backload or a full-service removalist, it's important to know what not to pack in your load. Certain items are prohibited due to safety regulations, legal restrictions, or transport risk. Others, while technically allowed, are best kept with you due to their fragility or sentimental value.

This guide will help you avoid unnecessary delays, damage, and issues during transit — and give you peace of mind when sending your belongings across Queensland and beyond.

Why Some Items Are Restricted in Long-Distance Moves

Interstate transport operates under strict safety regulations — especially when it comes to dangerous goods backloading. Items that are flammable, corrosive, perishable, or irreplaceable pose risks to other cargo, the vehicle, and even the legal liability of the transport company.

Whether you're backloading from Brisbane to Melbourne or using a dedicated removalist to Sydney, these guidelines apply across the board.

Categories of Items You Should Not Pack

1. Dangerous and Hazardous Goods

This includes anything flammable, explosive, toxic, or pressurised. These are outright banned from trucks under transport safety laws. Common examples:

  • Aerosol cans and gas cylinders
  • Paint thinners, varnish, and flammable liquids
  • Bleach, drain cleaners, and other corrosive chemicals
  • Fuels, oils, or petrol-powered tools with fuel inside
  • Fireworks or ammunition

For shared truck transport, this is especially important — flammable goods removalists have a legal obligation to refuse these items.

2. Perishables and Food Items

Even short interstate moves can take a few days depending on routing and delays. Perishables may spoil, leak, or attract pests, which puts every other load in the truck at risk.

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Dairy, frozen goods, or meat products
  • Open containers of any food or liquids

Need to transport food? Talk to our team in advance — but most Brisbane to country QLD quotes will exclude these by default.

3. Illegal or Prohibited Items

Obviously, anything illegal under Queensland or federal law is banned. That includes:

  • Drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Unlicensed weapons
  • Stolen or black-market goods

Illegal items interstate can result in criminal charges for both you and the transport provider. Don't risk it.

4. Sentimental and Irreplaceable Items

While not banned, we strongly advise that items of high sentimental or personal value be kept with you. This includes:

  • Family heirlooms
  • Important documents or irreplaceable photos
  • Jewellery and small valuables
  • Cash or rare coins

Although we offer secure load preparation and professional handling, no amount of insurance can replace your grandmother’s wedding ring or your only copy of childhood photos.

5. Fragile Electronics and Personal Devices

While electronics can be moved, they must be properly packed and padded. We recommend keeping smaller devices (laptops, tablets, phones, cameras) with you rather than including them in your load.

For bulkier items like TVs or monitors, speak to our team for advice on long-distance move safety and insurance coverage. Some packing insurance limitations may apply.

6. Plants and Organic Matter

Moving live plants across state borders is often restricted due to quarantine laws. Especially on Brisbane to Melbourne backloads, this can create major compliance issues.

  • Soil-based pot plants
  • Cuttings and garden trimmings
  • Seedlings or tubers

See the Department of Agriculture’s guidelines for plant restrictions interstate before assuming it's okay to pack greenery.

How to Prepare a Safe and Legal Load

Proper packing ensures your belongings — and everyone else’s — arrive safely. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Double-check our guide on how backloading works
  • Use strong boxes and proper cushioning for fragile items
  • Label boxes clearly and avoid mixing categories (e.g. kitchenware with chemicals)
  • Do not seal boxes with questionable contents — transparency helps
  • Separate and carry high-value or personal items with you when possible

If you're booking a full-service move, check out our Brisbane removalist guide for packing services and included handling options.

What Happens If You Pack Prohibited Items?

If any prohibited items are found in your load, they will be removed before loading — and in some cases, your move may be delayed or rejected altogether. For shared truck transport, this can affect other customers as well, causing significant logistical issues.

To avoid problems:

  • Ask if you're unsure — we’re happy to clarify grey areas
  • Be honest in your item inventory during quoting
  • Disclose special items like artwork, collections, or liquids

Need Help Preparing Your Move?

Our team can help you identify what can and can’t go — and how to pack for maximum safety and efficiency. Whether you're planning a backload to Rockhampton or a full-service move to Sydney, we’ve got you covered.

Start with our Brisbane interstate backloading hub for quote options, availability, and additional packing advice.

Final Checklist: What to Leave Behind

Here's a quick recap of things you should NOT include in your Brisbane move:

  • Flammable or hazardous items
  • Perishable food or liquids
  • Illegal goods
  • Highly valuable or sentimental items
  • Small electronics and personal devices
  • Live plants or soil-based items

When in doubt — leave it out, or carry it with you.

Still unsure what’s safe to load? Give us a call or explore more via our Backloading Guide for Brisbane.