Moving can be a stressful event, especially with those who are moving a household with out of the ordinary goods. Large items like pool tables and pianos may require special service, and in some cases, may cost an additional amount to move. Those with antiques in their homes may want to take special precautions to protect their investment. With a bit of effort beforehand, your reputable moving company will be able to transport your goods to your new home with relative ease. Here are a few tips for moving large or valuable items:
Pool Tables
Thomas Fagan, vice president of Sales at Atlantic Relocation in Indianapolis, reminds people moving that their large items like pool tables may require a third-party company to ensure things are handled properly. A professional will be able to break down, crate, reassemble and level your pool table with ease and expertise. Unless you are familiar with the take down and set up process for a pool table, you can damage the item if you try to do it yourself. Relying on an inexperienced mover can also damage to your pool table. There is no sense investing in such a pricey item for recreation if you are not going to ensure the setup of the item is handled properly.
Pianos
Pianos are another item people will need to deal with when moving. Unlike pool tables, they can not be broken down for the move. You will need to shop around for a moving company with experience moving pianos. Pianos are not only extremely heavy, they are bulky and difficult to maneuver in and out of homes. Relying on the skills of a professional not only protects you piano, it protects the homes in which it will be moved into and out of. The piano should be wrapped in protective layers prior to the move. These should be thick enough to ensure the piano will not be scraped, and that it can not scrape walls as it moves. The moves should also protect themselves with gloves and weight belts. Some pianos have wheels to ease the move, but they are not often designed to bear the entire weight of the piano while in motion. Be sure the mover understands this feature ahead of time. When rolling a piano, watch out for bumps and divots.
Valuables
In addition to the cumbersome items in your household, you may also have items that are easily transportable but valuable. This means you will want to take extra measures to ensure they are protected. If they are small enough, move them yourself. Items like expensive jewelry, money, coins, and small collections should not be left in the hands of movers. Pack them, if necessary, yourself, and carry the item with you to your new location. This also includes items with no monetary value like family photos and sentimental pieces. Even with the most trustworthy moving companies, accidents happen and it is better if personal items are not at risk.
Be sure to get a price on high-value items before the move. You will need to let the moving company know how much the items is worth, and if something should happen, the insurance company will require prove of the item’s value. It is also a good idea to videotape or photograph your valuables. This can also be beneficial years after a move if there is a fire or flood in your home. A reputable mover will review the condition of the valuable item with you before and after the move. Just as you would when renting a car, you will do a walk around of the item together and make note of any existing damage. If a moving company does not offer to do this with you, request it be done and make the notes yourself. Have a representative from the moving company initial your notes. Fagan notes that Atlantic Relocation provides customers with a booklet that helps them organize the information they need to know concerning their antiques and valuables.
Moving is a stressful enough experience without having to worry about whether or not your large items and valuables are going to safely make it to your destination. If you have exceptional moving circumstances, speak with the moving company when getting your estimate. Atlantic Relocation will work with homeowners to ensure their move goes smoothly, no matter the unique circumstances they have.
