Not every item can be as straightforward to move as a closet full of sweaters or a collection of books. Fragile items—especially if they’re heavy or contain multiple moving parts—often pose a challenge for movers. These specialty items require extra attention to avoid damage from packing to unloading the truck.
Before you move, consider which items will be a problem and create a plan for them. At Wheaton World Wide Moving, we offer full-service moving with valuation protection and a highly-trained team of specialized movers to ensure your difficult-to-move items are in good hands.
Read on for the most difficult items to move and the ones that inexperienced, DIY movers most commonly damage.
Pianos
Pianos are infamously challenging to move. Whether an upright piano or a baby grand, they’re heavy and full of delicate, fragile internal components and mechanisms. Jostling or bumping the piano too much can cause serious damage, often irreparably. You should never try to move a piano by yourself, no matter how short the distance you have to move it. You could injure yourself, too!
There’s no trick on how to move a piano, but these tips can help. Before you move a piano, fasten down parts that could slide around while it’s moving. Tie down the lid and top, especially if the top opens up. Lock the lid if you can. Next, cover up the corners, edges and anything else that protrudes. Wrap the entire piano in moving blankets or protective tarps. You’ll need to use an appliance dolly or at least heavy-duty straps to lift and move the piano. Make sure you fasten the piano to the dolly very carefully.
Plants
Plants aren’t as difficult to move as pianos… for you, at least. Unfortunately, however, moving tends to be very difficult on the plants themselves. Your plants will almost inevitably receive less sunlight, water and nutrients during your move. You may have to displace and replant them, and you’ll definitely need to jostle them as you transport them, especially if you’re moving your plants across the country. Moving is traumatic for almost everything, and plants are especially vulnerable.
Unfortunately, there’s no real “secret” to moving plants: You just have to pay attention and be careful. Make sure to water your plant regularly, around the same time you usually do, if possible. Never leave the plant anywhere that’s too hot (like your car) or too cold. Don’t leave the plant in storage for too long without proper lighting. Be very careful when moving the plant’s pot or box. You can also look up your plant to see if there are any special considerations to keep in mind during the move.
Glass
Not only is glass one of the most fragile things you’ll have to move, but it’s also very dangerous when broken. If you break glass during your move, you’ll have to stop everything to clean it up very carefully. Whether you’re moving window treatments, glass furniture or artwork, transporting and packing glass requires careful consideration.
The trick to moving glass (insofar as there is a “trick”) is to cushion it as much as possible. Wrap the glass with pillows, insulation, blankets, bubble wrap or other padding. Tie this padding directly to the glass and make it as tight as possible. After wrapping up your glass, store it in the smallest box possible to prevent it from jostling around during the move. Always know which boxes contain glass and make sure they’re tied down securely.
Large Appliances
Large appliances like
refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers and water softeners aren’t just heavy; they’re also surprisingly delicate. Refrigerators have electronic components and lids that can slide open, making them hard to move. Dishwashers are remarkably easy to damage and difficult to uninstall properly. Washers and dryers are especially cumbersome, heavy items. Even worse, each of these appliances could be irreparably damaged during a move.
First, consider how to transport the specific large appliance you’re moving. You may need to take specific safety or protection measures that are tailored to that fixture. Next, ensure that you’ve completely detached/uninstalled all of the appliance’s electrical components. If you still have the appliance’s owner’s manual, consult it to determine the proper method for uninstalling the appliance. Before you move the appliance, fasten down everything that could swing or fall out during the move.
With Wheaton, You Won’t Break a Sweat
The easiest way to move fragile and heavy items? Have a moving company do it for you. With over 80 years in business, Wheaton has a long history of moving even the most difficult-to-move items with care. Our highly trained, professional movers have the tools, experience and know-how to move anything and everything you’re worried about. If you can’t figure out how to move your piano or keep that glass from shattering, request a free estimate from Wheaton today. We’ve got the right moving plan for you!
