As moving day quickly approaches, you begin to wonder exactly how you are going to move that safe, piano or other large, heavy and awkward object. Here are few gangly items that need special care when you relocate.
Safes
They’re heavy and cumbersome, but don’t let that fool you! They are also fragile, in their own way. Once the locking mechanisms are damaged, they can be difficult to repair. Protect the inner workings of your safe by careful handling.
Hiring professional movers is a great option. They have the equipment, know-how and manpower to move your safe. Or you might consider hiring a safe mover. Safe movers have the experience to keep your safe protected during a move.
Pool Table
Your pool table is an unwieldy piece that is expensive to repair. Damage to the felt is the most costly repair, and it is also the most common. Because it cannot be completely disassembled, you run the risk of damaging your walls and floors. Cover the felt before attempting to move or disassemble the pool table in any way. Secure or cover the pockets to protect them during moving.
Outdoor Equipment
Don’t forget all that stuff out in the shed or in the backyard. Patio furniture, lawnmowers and the kids’ jungle gym equipment might need a little extra time and effort to transport.
You probably don’t want to put the lawnmower next to the leather sofa. Consider moving outdoor equipment separately from your indoor items to protect them from the dirt, oil and sharp metal parts.
Washing Machine
One of the most awkward things to move is your washing machine and dryer. They’re big, heavy and square. There isn’t much to grip as you move them. They barely fit through doors, if you’re lucky. Plenty of people decide to leave them behind or sell them before they move.
Your moving company should be able to move your washer and dryer without difficulty. Just watch the corners of walls and doorjambs to ensure you haven’t left any dents or scratches behind.
Exercise Equipment
Workout gear is more oddly shaped and heavy than most everything else you own. Don’t attempt to move equipment fully assembled. Moving parts can pinch, smash and crush your fingers and toes.
Completely disassemble the equipment, keeping all the pieces organized. Have the manual close by so you don’t’ get frustrated when it’s time to reassemble.
TV
Televisions aren’t necessarily heavy and cumbersome to move, but they can be delicate. One wrong move and your LED TV is done. The key is packaging and proper handling. Invest in a specially made TV box with plenty of padding. Mark the box well so the movers know this box has special needs. They’ll carefully place it in an optimal location to minimize damage.
Fish Tank
A smaller fish tank is no big deal, and you can probably handle it yourself. But things become complicated if you’re moving a large tank full of tropical fish.
First, you have to worry about how you will transport the fish – maintaining the temperature and salinity at the right levels is important to their health. Next, you have to think about emptying, drying and transporting a large glass box that resists packing. Ask your movers about their experience with fish tanks. Often they have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Art, Wine and Other Valuables
Fine art and wine require a gentle hand to make a move successfully. If your valuables could sell for thousands of dollars, you should probably consider hiring a specialty mover.
Specialized movers have custom boxes and packing materials that will secure your items. They handle your valuables with white glove treatment, and they aim to take better care of your items than you would.
Piano
Most people know better than to try to move a piano themselves. They also know that an everyday moving company isn’t always the best option. Professional piano movers are usually the best choice. A piano is more than a piece of furniture: it is a fragile musical instrument that can easily be damaged. Protect your piano with professional experience so you don’t have to pay for major repairs.
Plants
Plants are not heavy or cumbersome, but moving them is difficult enough that most people leave them behind when they move. If you simply can’t bring yourself to leave behind your grandmother’s philodendron, what do you do?
Putting plants in the moving truck won’t work – they’ll likely die before you arrive, so you should probably take them in the car with you. Plants should be secured so they don’t tip or break. Before moving, water them, but remove excess water that could damage your vehicle or the box.
When moving any of these items, don’t forget to ask a professional mover for advice. Even if you go solo, you can learn from their moving methods and techniques to keep your valuables safe and sound.
