Moving isn’t just about transporting everyday boxes and furniture. Many of us own items that are particularly valuable, sentimental, fragile, or unusually shaped, requiring special attention. Whether it’s a grand piano, a delicate antique, a collection of fine art, or a heavy gun safe, the thought of moving these items can cause extra concern. We want to discuss how professional Colorado Springs movers approach the task of relocating your most precious possessions. Understanding the techniques and care involved can give you peace of mind during your move.
Identifying Your Special Items
The first step is to identify all items that need special handling. These might include:
- Antiques: Often fragile and valuable, antique furniture may have delicate woodwork or finishes.
- Pianos: These are not only heavy but also complex musical instruments that can be easily damaged.
- Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces can be sensitive to temperature, humidity, and physical shock.
- Electronics: Large televisions, high-end audio systems, or complex computer setups require careful packing and handling.
- Safes: Gun safes or heavy document safes present a challenge due to their weight and bulk.
- Collectibles: Fragile collections like china, glassware, or figurines need meticulous packing.
Once you have your list, discuss these items specifically with any moving company Colorado Springs you are considering. A reputable mover will ask about such items and will be able to explain their methods for moving them safely.
The Importance of Custom Crating and Packing
For extremely fragile or valuable items, standard boxing might not be enough. This is where custom crating comes into play. Professional movers can build wooden crates tailored to the exact dimensions of your item, providing a much higher level of protection.
For artwork, movers might use specialized picture boxes, often with materials that prevent abrasion and offer cushioning. Sculptures might be crated with custom supports to prevent movement. Antiques may need to be disassembled by experts, with each piece carefully wrapped before being placed in a crate or specially secured in the truck. They will wrap these items up with care.
For electronics, using the original packaging is always best if you still have it. If not, your movers can use appropriate materials like anti-static bubble wrap and sturdy boxes to protect sensitive components. They should also advise you on any preparation needed, like backing your data up from computers.
Specialized Equipment and Training
Moving heavy and awkward items like pianos or large safes requires more than just muscle; it demands specialized equipment and training. Experienced Colorado Springs moving companies will have items like:
- Piano boards (or skid boards): Used to safely carry pianos, especially grand pianos, up or down stairs and along flat surfaces.
- Heavy-duty dollies and hand trucks: Capable of supporting significant weight.
- Straps and rigging: To secure items properly during transport and while being moved.
- Ramps and lift gates: On their trucks to make loading and unloading heavy items safer and easier.
The moving crew should be trained in using this equipment and in the specific techniques required for different challenging items. For example, piano moving often involves removing legs and pedals, carefully wrapping the body, and securing it to the piano board. Moving a heavy safe might require careful planning of the route through the house to avoid damage to floors and doorframes.
Insurance and Valuation for High-Value Items
When you are moving items of significant monetary or sentimental value, understanding your mover’s liability and your own insurance options is very important. As discussed in previous posts, basic mover liability (released value protection) offers minimal coverage. For high-value items, this is almost certainly not enough.
You should discuss Full Value Protection with your mover. This means that if an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the mover must offer to repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or make a cash settlement for the current market replacement value. Be sure to declare items of “extraordinary value” (typically items worth more than $100 per pound) in writing to your mover. This ensures they are aware of the value and that these items are covered appropriately under the Full Value Protection plan.
You might also consider a separate, third-party moving insurance policy, especially for very valuable collections or irreplaceable items. Check if your homeowner’s insurance policy provides any coverage for your belongings while they are in transit.
Communication is Key
Throughout the process, communicate clearly with your chosen mover Colorado Springs. Before moving day, walk them through your home and point out all items that require special care. Ask questions about how they plan to handle each piece. A good mover will welcome your questions and provide clear answers. They should also provide you with written documentation detailing any special services or valuation for these items.
Finishing Thoughts
Moving your most treasured belongings doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. By choosing experienced Colorado Springs movers who have the right expertise, equipment, and packing techniques, you can feel confident that your antiques, pianos, artwork, and other special items will arrive safely at your new home. Taking the time to discuss these items and understand the process will help ensure they get the special treatment they deserve. We encourage you to browse our blog for more advice on all aspects of moving.
