Even with regard to those items which are muktze and thus generally may not be carried, in case of need, one may move them in specific ways.

It is permitted to move a muktze item in an indirect manner, if this is done for the purpose of a permitted item or activity. It is therefore permitted to remove nutshells from the table by means of a fork or a knife, in order to enable people to sit around the table more comfortably. This is permitted because one is moving the shells indirectly, by means of a fork or knife rather than picking them up by hand, and the end goal, which is the comfort of the diners, is permitted.

One may not do so for the sake of a prohibited item. Thus, it is prohibited to use a fork to move a laptop that was accidentally left on an open porch, if the goal is to prevent possible damage to the computer. In this case, the handling of the muktze item is indeed indirect, but its purpose is to save the computer, which is a prohibited item.

Another way to permit the moving of a muktze item on Shabbat is when this is done with the person’s body rather than his hands. For example, if someone discovers money that fell from his pocket before Shabbat outside the door of his house, he is allowed to use his foot to move the bill into the house (assuming that the area is surrounded by an eiruv – see p. 460).

As noted above, shells and non-edible residues are muktze and generally may not be moved in the ordinary manner. Nevertheless, if these remains are scattered on the table and are a source of disgust to those present, the Sages permitted them to be carried, even directly with one’s hands, to the trash can. This halakha also applies to carrying a soiled diaper or anything dirty that bothers a person, in order to throw it into the garbage.

Likewise, objects that might cause physical injury or damage may be carried on Shabbat, despite their muktze status. For example, it is permitted to collect and remove broken glass or nails that are scattered across the floor of a house, in order to prevent danger and possible harm to the members of the household.