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5 surprising household items moving companies charge extra for
Movers are equipped to handle a lot, but there are expensive items to move, and some require extra care.
When you hire a moving company, they're equipped to handle nearly everything in your home at standard rates. Some items, however, require a little extra move. Along with extra care handling, you'll pay a little more as well. If you're prepared with a list of special items ahead of time, you can avoid sticker shock when pricing out movers in your area.
Most movers are upfront about any items you have that require more care and cost during your move. To be safe, you should ask whether a company offers special moving services for delicate or unique items. If not, you may want to find a specialty mover to pack and move them.
Here's a list of some common items moving companies will charge you a little extra to pack and move.
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Moving companies charge extra to move these 5 items
1) Pianos
Whether it's an upright or a baby grand, all pianos share several traits: they're heavy, bulky, delicate, and expensive. This can make them a pain to move under the best circumstances and even harder to protect. Many pianos are passed down through families, there's the added stress of sentimental value.
Moving companies know this, and they'll typically charge an extra $100 to $500 to give special attention to your piano during a move, depending on its complexity. This includes removing legs, using a custom box to protect the piano, additional materials to protect the keys, and special dollies. It's a slow and delicate process that requires someone who knows what they're doing.
2) Pool tables
Pool tables are a fun addition to any home, but they're bulkier and harder to move than most large furniture. You may be able to find moving companies that won't charge extra for a pool table move, but some may refuse the service if they aren't trained to disassemble, move, and then set it up properly. Either way, you can usually expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $800 for a pool table move (depending on the table and company), so it's important to ask about this when evaluating companies.
Movers should take extra precautions when handling the table's slate, which makes up the playing surface of the pool table. When they put it back together, you'll want to make sure it's properly leveled. You'll also want to consider replacing the felt after a move, as reusing the previous felt may result in an uneven surface.
3) Antiques
This is a catch-all category for any particularly delicate antiques or sentimental family heirlooms that you need to move to your new home. Companies that specialize in moving antiques will perform an in-person evaluation of the items to determine what's required for proper protection and moving. The company should thoroughly detail its plans and allow you to clarify any aspects of the move.
You should ask whether the company provides custom crating for antiques. If so, they will build a container specifically for the item and carefully pack it to protect any delicate or moving parts. Ensure that the item's value is properly tracked and declared, as well, for insurance purposes.
Because antiques can vary widely in how delicate and valuable they are, pinning down a price is difficult. Expect antiques that require special handling to add at least a couple of hundred dollars to your total.
4) Grandfather clocks
Grandfather clocks can be particularly tricky to move. The weights and pendulum can cause or be damaged if they aren't properly secured, and the chains and other delicate pieces are easy to damage if not handled properly. You want to look for a company that has movers who are trained and experienced in moving grandfather clocks.
Typically, the cost of moving a grandfather clock covers the removal and wrapping of the weights. Your movers will also stabilize the internals as much as possible to prevent them from going out of whack during the move. Lastly, your grandfather clock is wrapped with blankets and plastic wrap to prevent bumps and scrapes.
Grandfather clocks are heavy and valuable, so they'll typically turn into a large added cost to move. Companies we've spoken with noted a typical price of around $1,000 for most grandfather clock moves. They can range much higher than that for particularly difficult jobs, however.
5) Cars and other automobiles
Moving a vehicle requires special equipment, which means it'll add more to the cost of your move. You might not need this service if you're moving within the same local area, but long-distance moves are another story. Moving companies usually advertise this service and note what equipment they use for vehicle transport.
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Most companies we spoke to that offer this service have a couple of different methods to choose from. You can save money with an open-air trailer that can handle multiple vehicles or choose a covered trailer that protects your vehicle from the elements. Be sure to ask whether your company offers extra protection for classic cars and motorcycles.
Typical prices for shipping a car land somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000, according to service review site Angi. The price is highly dependent on how far you're shipping your car, and you could see rates under $1,000 for short hauls.
How to pick the right mover for your specialty item
When choosing the best company to move your specialty or antique items, price is one of the biggest factors. Depending on the item, its value, and the amount of special handling required, you can expect to pay as little as $200 or well over $1,000 per item. If you're moving a vehicle across the country, the cost can increase significantly beyond that range.
You should also consider a company's expertise in handling your particular types of items. Be sure to ask for specific details about how your movers will pack and transport the goods, as well as their experience moving similar items. If you don't feel comfortable with how they respond, look for another company to handle it.
If your selected mover doesn't offer specialty moving services, ask them for a referral for a company that can handle what you need. If you live in a larger urban area, you'll likely be able to find a company that specializes in moving things like pianos and antiques. Local movers will usually be aware of other companies and can offer suggestions.
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