Moving Specialty Items: Pianos, Art & Antiques Guide
Whether you're moving a piano, artwork, antiques, or other valuable items, our specialty moving guide provides expert advice on ensuring these precious belongings arrive at your new home in the same condition they left. Learn about specialized packing techniques, climate control considerations, and insurance requirements for valuable items.
Moving Pianos Safely
Pianos combine extreme weight with genuinely delicate internal mechanics - a combination that punishes shortcuts.
Why Pianos Need Specialists
A piano isn't just heavy furniture.
- Upright pianos weigh 300-500 lbs; grand pianos can exceed 700 lbs
- Internal strings and hammers can go out of tune or be damaged by jarring
- Uneven weight distribution makes them prone to tipping without proper equipment
- Most homeowner insurance won't cover DIY piano-moving damage
Proper Equipment & Technique
Specialized gear exists for a reason.
- Piano boards or skid boards to move the instrument as a stable unit
- Heavy-duty moving straps rated for the weight
- Furniture dollies rated for concentrated heavy loads
- Door and stairway measurements taken in advance to plan the route
After the Move
A piano isn't finished moving once it's in the room.
- Let the piano acclimate to room temperature for 24-48 hours before playing
- Book a professional tuning 2-4 weeks after the move once it's settled
- Avoid placing it near heating vents, direct sunlight, or exterior walls
- Keep humidity as stable as possible in the new location
Protecting Art & Antiques
Value here isn't just financial - these are often irreplaceable. The right packing approach matters more than speed.
Artwork & Framed Pieces
Glass, frames, and canvas each need different handling.
- Use corner protectors on all framed pieces
- Glass-front frames should be taped in an X pattern to prevent shattering
- Wrap canvases in acid-free paper before bubble wrap to prevent sticking
- Transport large pieces vertically, never flat, to avoid pressure damage
Antique Furniture
Age often means more fragile joinery and finishes.
- Disassemble removable parts (legs, shelves) where possible
- Use furniture pads and blankets rather than plastic wrap directly on wood
- Avoid stacking anything on top of antique pieces in the truck
- Document existing wear or damage with photos before the move for records
Climate & Handling Considerations
Temperature and humidity swings cause slow, hidden damage.
- Avoid leaving valuable items in a hot or freezing vehicle for extended periods
- Ceramics and porcelain need individual wrapping and rigid box support
- Consider professional crating for especially high-value or fragile pieces
- Insure valuable items for their appraised value, not just replacement cost
Safes, Aquariums & Other Specialty Moves
Most homes have at least one item that doesn't fit into a standard moving plan - here's how the common ones are handled.
Safes
Weight and security both need planning.
- Small safes can weigh 200+ lbs; large ones well over 1,000 lbs
- Confirm floor load capacity if moving a heavy safe upstairs
- Keep combinations/keys with you, not packed in a box
- Specialized equipment (stair-climbing dollies) is often required
Aquariums
Live fish and heavy glass tanks each need their own plan.
- Never move a fully set-up aquarium - drain and pack separately
- Transport fish in sealed, insulated containers with adequate water and air
- Empty tanks are still heavy and fragile - use furniture pads and never lay flat if avoidable
- Rebuild slowly, cycling the tank before returning fish to their new home
Pool Tables, Exercise Equipment & Large Appliances
Bulky, heavy, and often needing disassembly.
- Pool tables almost always need to be disassembled and releveled at the new home
- Treadmills and heavy gym equipment should be moved upright per manufacturer guidance
- Fridges need 24 hours upright before plugging in if tilted during the move
- Washers need transit bolts installed to protect the drum during transport
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you move pianos?
Yes - our crews use proper piano boards, straps, and dollies rated for the weight, and we plan the route (doorways, stairs, turns) in advance. Let us know about a piano when you book so we bring the right equipment.
Should I get extra insurance for art or antiques?
For anything with meaningful financial or sentimental value, yes. Standard carrier liability coverage is often limited per pound, which won't reflect the actual value of a valuable painting or antique piece - ask us about additional coverage options.
Can you move a fish tank with the fish still in it?
No - aquariums need to be drained and the fish transported separately in sealed, insulated containers. We can move the empty tank and stand, but live fish transport needs to be handled by you or a specialist to keep them safe.
Have Something Unusual to Move?
Tell us about pianos, art, safes, or anything else out of the ordinary when you request your quote, so we bring the right equipment on moving day.
Get my free quote