Moving Pianos, Antiques And Other Delicate Or Heavy Items

Moving is a big job and often the source of significant stress. Not only do you have to worry about real estate decisions and packing your belongings, but you're probably concerned about the movers handling your heavy items and antiques. What if they break something?

Movers are often too quick to haul things out of homes, concentrating on getting the job done rather than handling your precious, heavy items and antiques with kid gloves. This problem is easily avoided, however, by conducting research before choosing your movers.

Find a Specialist

Some movers specialize in heavy items and equipment, which might be a good place to start. If you have lots of heavy items and antiques in your home, such as hutches, pianos, dressers and sideboards, hiring movers who specialize in heavy equipment can give you peace of mind.

Ask About Insurance

Movers always carry some type of valuation insurance, but it pays to ask ahead of time what type of insurance they carry. In some cases, insurance is based on weight rather than value, which will not be helpful if you own lots of small antiques. Other insurance options include lump sum value and full value protection.

Before you allow movers to touch your heavy items and antiques, make sure you value each individual item for insurance purposes. Keep an inventory of your own - although the movers will have one, too - and check each item off as it is deposited from the truck.

In order to get reimbursed for broken, lost or damaged items in your move, you will need to declare the damage and make your claim. This should be handled before you sign off on the move and the movers leave for the day. Otherwise, you will forfeit your right to any compensation.

Read Reviews

There are plenty of places to check out movers online, and you can ask for professional references before you hire a team of movers. Your heavy items and antiques will be safer with movers who have a positive reputation in the community.

Alternatives

If you are worried about trusting movers with your heavy items and antiques, you might consider moving them yourself. You don't have to move all your belongings; decide which items will be handled by the movers and which you'd rather take responsibility for. You can rent a moving truck for heavy items and antiques and let the movers take care of the rest.

The bottom line, however, is accidents happen. If your movers break one of your heavy items or antiques, it might not be a result of negligence. Anyone can make a mistake, so be prepared for the occasional problem.