Can Movers Handle My Specialty Items?
Whatever it is, you're looking at it and thinking: "How on earth am I going to move this thing?"
It's a question we hear all the time. And honestly? It's a smart question to ask before moving day rolls around.
What Counts as a Specialty Item?
Let's clear something up first. When movers talk about specialty items, they're not just referring to things that are expensive. They mean anything that requires extra care, equipment, or expertise to move safely.
This includes pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, safes, large artwork, marble tabletops, grandfather clocks, wine collections, and gym equipment. Fragile antiques fall into this category, too, along with things like aquariums and medical equipment. Basically, if you can't just pick it up and carry it out the door like a regular box, it probably qualifies.
The good news is that professional movers deal with these items regularly. A reputable moving company will have the training, tools, and experience to handle just about anything you throw at them.
Why You Shouldn't DIY Specialty Moves
Look, we get it. Hiring movers costs money, and you've got a buddy with a truck. But here's the thing: specialty items are where DIY moves go wrong. Fast.
Pianos can weigh anywhere from 300 to 1,200 pounds. They're awkward, delicate, and one wrong move can damage the instrument or send someone to the hospital. Pool tables need to be disassembled correctly, or the slate can crack. Antiques can't be replaced if they're damaged.
Professional movers bring the right equipment: piano boards, furniture dollies, custom crating, and moving blankets designed for heavy-duty protection. They also carry insurance, which means if something does go wrong, you're not stuck paying out of pocket.
If you're moving from an apartment with narrow hallways or tight staircases, this becomes even more important. Our apartment moving team has navigated just about every tricky layout Ottawa has to offer.
The Role of Proper Packing
Here's something people don't always think about: how an item is packed matters just as much as how it's carried. Specialty items often need custom packing solutions that go beyond bubble wrap and tape.
Artwork needs to be wrapped in acid-free paper and placed in custom-built crates. Electronics should be packed in their original boxes when possible, with anti-static materials. Fragile glassware and china require individual wrapping and sturdy boxes that won't collapse.
If you're not confident in your packing skills or you simply don't have the time, consider using a professional packing service. It takes the stress off your plate and ensures everything arrives in one piece.
Commercial and Industrial Specialty Items
Specialty items aren't limited to residential moves. Businesses often have equipment that requires careful handling: server racks, medical devices, heavy machinery, and sensitive electronics.
Moving a dental office is very different from moving a standard retail space. The same goes for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and laboratories. These jobs require movers who understand industrial equipment and have the machinery to move it safely. Our industrial moving services are built specifically for these kinds of projects.
Ask Questions Before You Book
Not every moving company handles specialty items, and those that do may charge extra. Before you sign a contract, ask a few key questions. Find out whether they have experience with your specific item. Ask what equipment they'll use and whether they offer additional insurance coverage for high-value pieces.
A trustworthy company will answer these questions directly and give you a clear quote upfront. If they're vague or dismissive, that's a red flag.
The Bottom Line
Yes, movers can absolutely handle your specialty items. But not all movers are created equal. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and don't cut corners when it comes to the things that matter most to you.
Your grandmother's china, your kids' piano, that pool table you spent six months saving for, they deserve to arrive at your new home in the same condition they left the old one. Hire professionals who take that responsibility seriously.
