Choosing the right moving company requires not only considering the company's reputation and prices but also making sure that the range of services offered includes everything you need. Rental trucks, packing supplies and specialized packing and moving services for valuable items may be on your list. Here are four types of items that typically require specialized handling.
Whether you have a complete set of china, an heirloom grandfather clock or a more modern bookcase with lots of glass shelves, it takes finesse (and lots and lots of padding) to transport breakable items safely from one home to another.
For some items, such as antique furniture, you may even wish to opt for "white glove" shipping options that include pickup, packing and curbside (or even indoor) delivery. Other items will just need plenty of packing material to make sure they're safe on the long, cross-country haul.
Collections, whether they're just of sentimental value to you or whether another collector would pay thousands of dollars for them, tend to be quite delicate in nature. Sometimes this is because the collectibles are breakable, but more importantly, a small ding or scrape could significantly reduce the value of the collection in some cases.
If possible, you may wish to transport your collection in your family vehicle for peace of mind (especially because the back of a moving truck can get quite hot in the summer, whereas your vehicle likely has air conditioning). If you do have it professionally moved, make sure you take out extra insurance because your basic moving insurance is unlikely to provide the coverage that your collection deserves.
Bedsteads, large cabinets, sofas and other large items are not only physically difficult to move but also quite easy to damage during a move. This is not because the items are necessarily fragile (they're often made of solid wood, after all) but rather because they're so heavy that even a seemingly gently bump against a wall can have quite a lot of force behind it, enough to damage the item's finish.
Of course, there are a few large items in particular that actually can be quite fragile. For example, a grandfather clock has glass panes and a complex clockwork mechanism, both parts are fragile and potentially heavy. Pianos are also much more fragile than they look; the legs are especially prone to snapping.
Because of these risks, as well as the risks of personal injury from handling such large objects (especially when stairs are involved), it's best to have these items moved by professionals who have plenty of experience and training as well as equipment for this type of work.
In addition to collectible items, you may find that you own several items that could be sensitive to high levels of heat and humidity. For example, anything with any wax content could melt into a shapeless mass in the summer heat, and wood items can swell and crack from high heat and humidity. This means that antique furniture and other delicate wood items, such as musical instruments, require very careful handling and transporting (especially during the summer months).
If your moving company offers a special moving service that includes a climate-controlled moving truck, that could be the ideal route to take for any musical instruments and other sensitive items that won't fit in your family car.
The professionals at Los Flores Movers stands ready to help you with any residential move, no matter how complicated and challenging. Be sure to call today or
contact us online for more information about the specific packing and moving services we offer.
