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Moving furniture

5 Items That Are Almost Impossible to Move Without Specialty Movers

Highlights

  • Some household items will always be more difficult to move to another home than others.
  • A piano, a hot tub, a pool table, a heavy safe, and a grandfather clock require expert packing and moving skills to survive a house move.
  • These 5 specialty items are possible to be moved without hiring specialty movers but the risk of property damage and personal injuries increases drastically.

Table of Contents

1. Pianos

Moving Paino
Moving a piano to another home poses significant challenges due to its size and weight. Pianos are notoriously bulky and heavy, making relocation a daunting task. If you own a piano and are planning to move, hiring professional piano movers is crucial. Attempting to move a piano without expert assistance can lead to safety risks and potential damage to the instrument. Ensure a smooth and safe transition by entrusting the job to experienced piano movers. Avoid the hassle and potential hazards associated with moving a piano on your own. Invest in professional piano moving services for a stress-free relocation experience.

Pianos are HEAVY

Pianos, as musical instruments, are known for their substantial weight, primarily due to the cast iron harp that holds the strings. Additionally, factors such as the soundboard and external casing contribute to the overall weight of the piano.

Wondering about the weight of different types of pianos? Here’s a breakdown:

  • Spinet pianos, the smallest upright pianos, typically weigh approximately 300-400 pounds.
  • Large upright pianos can range in weight from 500 pounds to 800 pounds.
  • Baby grand pianos are heftier, weighing around 1,000 pounds or more.
 
 
 

Pianos are BIG

When it comes to moving pianos, their substantial weight and large size present unique challenges. Moving a piano requires careful planning and specialized equipment to ensure a safe and smooth transition from one location to another.

Different types of pianos have varying dimensions, adding to the complexity of the moving process:

  • Spinet pianos typically measure approximately 36 inches in height and 58 inches in width.
  • Full upright pianos range in height from 48 to 58 inches and have a width of 58 inches.
  • Grand pianos come in various sizes, starting from 4 feet 6 inches in length for baby grand pianos and extending up to 7 feet 4 inches for large grand pianos.

Given their size and weight, moving pianos requires professional expertise to avoid damage to the instrument and surrounding property. Specialized techniques and packing supplies equipment are utilized to safely load pianos onto moving vehicles, transport them, and unload them at their destination.

Whether relocating within a home or moving to a new residence, entrusting the task of moving a piano to experienced professionals ensures a stress-free and successful transition.

 
 
 

Pianos are DELICATE

Pianos may appear robust, yet they are delicate instruments susceptible to damage, particularly during moves. With approximately 7,000 finely tuned moving parts, even minor mishandling can cause harm.

During relocation, pianos can sustain varying degrees of damage, from surface scratches and casing cracks to broken keys and legs. In severe cases, the sound and playing mechanisms may suffer significant harm.

Adding to the challenge is the high cost associated with pianos. On average, upright pianos range from $3,000 to $7,000, while premium models can reach $10,000 to $25,000.

Considering the potential sentimental value of pianos, it’s prudent to engage professional piano movers rather than risking damage with non-specialists.

2. Hot tubs

Moving hot-tub

Moving a hot tub can be daunting. When relocating, you’re faced with the dilemma of leaving it behind or hiring movers. Given its size, it’s understandable. But worry not! Professional movers specialize in hot tub transportation, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home. Don’t let its bulk deter you; with expert assistance, moving your beloved Jacuzzi becomes hassle-free.

 
 
 

Hot tubs are ENORMOUS

Moving a hot tub presents challenges due to its significant size, making DIY relocation risky. Spa manufacturers offer three size categories: small, medium, and large. Small tubs are suitable for 2-4 people, medium for 5-6, and large for 7+ individuals. Each size category has specific dimensions, ensuring an ideal fit for different needs. Considering the size alone, it’s advisable to avoid attempting DIY moves to prevent accidents and damage.

Hot tubs are SUPER HEAVY

Moving a hot tub presents challenges due to its large dimensions and substantial weight. Larger spas naturally weigh more, with small ones weighing around 500 pounds empty and up to 3,000 pounds when filled. Larger spas for 7+ people can weigh close to 1,000 pounds empty and up to 6,000 pounds when filled. However, hot tubs are always drained of water before transport, alleviating some weight concerns.

Hot tubs are DANGEROUS to move

For a safe hot tub relocation, hiring experienced hot tub movers is essential. Professionals possess the skills and equipment needed for a secure transfer. Due to the large dimensions and weight, DIY moves pose risks of damage or injury. Entrusting the task to experts ensures a smooth and safe relocation process. With their expertise, potential accidents and costly damages are mitigated. Invest in professional movers for a hassle-free hot tub move to your new home.

 
 
 

Pool tables

Having a pool table at home adds fun for family and friends. When moving to a new home, you’d naturally want to keep it. However, pool tables are challenging to move due to various reasons. It’s essential to plan and prepare adequately for a smooth relocation.

Pool tables require EXPERT DISMANTLING

Moving a pool table involves meticulous disassembly, protection, and reassembly, challenging without the necessary skills and experience. Key steps include unfastening pockets, detaching rails, removing felt, slate, and finally, the frame and legs. Each phase demands precision to ensure safe relocation.

 
 

Pool table slates are extremely HEAVY

Moving a pool table is challenging due to the weight of its slates. There are three main sizes: 7, 8, and 9-foot slate pool tables, with weight influenced by size and slate count. Typically, slate pool tables weigh between 650 and 1,000 pounds. Factors affecting weight include slate type, table size, slate thickness, and table structure. Slates alone can weigh 150-250 pounds each, and a standard table has three slates. The table body can weigh up to 200 pounds, with each leg weighing 10-20 pounds and rails 10-15 pounds each.

Pool tables can be easily DAMAGED

Damaging your pool table’s felt during removal isn’t the end of the world—you can easily replace it. The real challenge lies with the table’s slates. Despite being made from rock, these slates are surprisingly fragile and prone to damage if dropped or knocked against something during the move. For a pool table with three slates, remember that damaging just one means replacing all three, as they’re designed to fit together perfectly. Opting for professional pool table movers might seem like an added expense, but it’s often more cost-effective than replacing all three slates due to accidental damage.

Metal safes

Damaging a pool table’s felt during disassembly is manageable with a simple replacement. However, the real challenge arises with the slates—despite being made of rock, they’re surprisingly brittle and susceptible to damage during transport. A single crack in one of a 3-slate pool table necessitates the costly replacement of all three to ensure a perfect match. Consequently, the expense of replacing these slates often outweighs the cost of professional pool table movers. Similarly, moving large metal safes poses a significant challenge due to their extreme weight and design intended to deter unauthorized removal. This irony becomes apparent when attempting to relocate such a heavy, secure item yourself.

 

Metal safes are VERY HEAVY

When moving, focus on large professional safes rather than lightweight, portable models. These can weigh between 200 to 400 pounds, with gun safes averaging around 600 pounds. Factors like fireproof ratings, thicker inner steel, and added drawers increase a safe’s weight. Consequently, the heavier the safe, the more challenging it is to remove from a home.

Metal safes can be HUGE

When moving house, the focus should be on relocating large professional safes, not the small, portable ones. These hefty units can weigh between 200 to 600 pounds, with gun safes averaging around 600 pounds. Factors like fireproof ratings, thicker inner steel, and additional drawers can significantly increase a safe’s weight. The bulkier the safe, the more challenging it is to move. For those planning to move an extra-large safe, understanding its exterior dimensions is crucial for proper handling. For instance, a large home safe might measure 59 inches in height, 29.25 inches in width, and 25.50 inches in depth, highlighting the need for careful planning and execution during the move.

Metal safes are RISKY to handle

Moving a large, high-security safe, comparable in size to a refrigerator but significantly heavier, requires careful planning and professional assistance to mitigate risks. Essential packing supplies equipment, like a heavy-duty appliance dolly, is necessary for transportation. Enlisting the help of friends is crucial for managing its weight. Planning a clear exit route and moving strategy is vital to avoid accidents, while protecting the safe, walls, and floors is imperative. The complexities of moving a heavy safe up or down stairs highlight the dangers of attempting a DIY move.

 
 
 

Grandfather clocks

Moving clock

A grandfather clock, with its elegance and beauty, stands as a valuable heirloom passed down through generations, often being the most prized possession in a home. However, the challenge of moving such a fragile, long-case freestanding pendulum clock without inflicting permanent damage is a major concern when relocating. Their delicate nature makes them one of the hardest items to safely transport between homes.

 

Grandfather clocks are exceptionally DELICATE

Moving to a new home? Don’t forget about your beloved grandfather clock! Despite its majestic appearance, these timepieces are delicate and require careful handling during relocation. Glass elements are prone to breakage, and delicate mechanisms need protection. Safely removing weights and pendulum before moving is crucial to prevent damage. Trust me to ensure your grandfather clock arrives at its new home safely.

 
 
 

Grandfather clocks require EXPERT packing skills

Moving a grandfather clock presents unique challenges that require careful packing to prevent damage. Following specific packing steps in the right order is crucial for ensuring the safety of this delicate item. Start by inspecting the clock and assessing risks. Protect cables/chains, remove and label weights correctly. Secure hanging chains and remove pendulum. Safeguard the pendulum guide. Next, protect chime rods, remove glass shelves/ornaments, and pack pendulum/weights separately. Finally, safeguard frontal glass sections and wrap the clock in thick blankets. Need detailed instructions? Click the link for expert guidance on safely packing and moving a grandfather clock.

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