Moving a couch or a dining table from one home to another is one thing. Moving inherited antiques, original artwork, a piano, a vintage arcade cabinet, or a collection you’ve spent decades building is another. 

Collectibles, heirlooms, oversized objects, and other specialty items often require more preparation than the average household possession. Some need custom packing or crating, while others may require special equipment, climate considerations, professional disassembly, or a mover with experience handling that particular type of object.

Whether you’re moving across town or relocating from Seattle, WA to Boston, MA, start planning for your unique and valuable belongings well before moving day. Here’s how to determine which items need extra attention and help them arrive safely.

In this article: 

What makes an item special when moving?

A specialty item is generally anything that can’t – or shouldn’t – be handled like ordinary furniture or household goods. An item may require special treatment because of its size, weight, fragility, value, construction, or sentimental importance.

Common examples include:

• Antiques and family heirlooms
• Artwork and sculptures
• Fine china, crystal, and glassware
• Pianos and other musical instruments
• Pool tables and vintage game machines
• Safes
• Designer or custom furniture
• Rare books and book collections
• Wine and other specialized collections
• Plants
• Collectible electronics and vintage equipment

Another important point to note is whether the moving company is able to or allowed to move your specialty items. Plants are one common example that moving companies are not typically able to move. In cases like these, you may need to look for specialized companies like Leaf Lift Moving Co., a family-owned company based in Los Angeles that specializes in moving plants. “We’ve moved everything from massive mature cacti and oversized specimen plants to delicate, sentimental pieces that require custom planning, specialized equipment, and a lot of hands-on care,” shares owner Easton Schirra. “Because plants are living, valuable, and often irreplaceable, every move is different, and we bring a white-glove approach to every step.”

Don’t underestimate what it takes to move them 

Some specialty items may seem straightforward to move, but actually end up posing the most complications or stress if not planned for. 

“The items people most underestimate when moving are the ones with sentimental value,” shares Justin Perez, CEO of Direct Relocation Services in Fort Lauderdale, FL. “Unlike furniture, these cannot be replaced if damaged. Our advice: never wrap sentimental or high-value items in standard moving blankets alone. Use custom crating for anything fragile or irreplaceable, photograph everything before it goes on the truck, and always ask your mover if they are a licensed direct carrier.”

Even large collections of everyday items can be largely underestimated when it comes to packing. “Books are hands down one of the most underestimated collections,” adds Triple 7 Movers. “Everyone thinks ‘how heavy can it be,’ and then we show up to six overflowing bookshelves with boxes weighing 60-70 lbs each because they weren’t packed right. We always tell clients: use small boxes for books, not big ones – you want to lift it, not drag it.”

Consider what makes each item difficult to move

Heavy and fragile are only two of the challenges you might encounter when moving unique belongings or large collections. Before moving a specialty item, consider:

• Weight: Will it require lifting equipment or additional movers?
• Dimensions: Will it fit through doors, hallways, elevators, and staircases?
• Construction: Does it contain delicate components, glass, stone, or other materials that require special handling?
• Disassembly: Can it safely be taken apart and reassembled?
• Positioning: Does the item need to remain upright or be transported in a particular orientation?
• Environment: Could temperature or humidity changes damage it?
• Value: Would damage be costly – or impossible – to repair or replace?

This is particularly important with items like pianos, pool tables, safes, antique furniture, and vintage electronics. Moving them safely may require more than additional muscle; it can call for specialized equipment and experience.

Here’s what our experts had to share about some of their most unique moves: 

“Moves involving heirloom pianos are always memorable because the item is often valuable, oversized and deeply sentimental,” shares Alec Vozenilek, president and CEO of D1 Moving & Storage. “Moving one safely requires measuring every doorway and turn, protecting floors and walls, securing moving components, and assigning an experienced team with the correct equipment. The broader lesson is that preparation should begin well before moving day. A few measurements and a detailed plan can prevent damage to both the item and the home.”

“Once, we moved a full home arcade setup – six original cabinets, a pinball machine, and a jukebox, all from a client who’d been collecting since the 90s,” shares Austin, TX based Fast Fietz Moving. “Each cabinet had its own quirks: some had CRT monitors that couldn’t be tilted past a certain angle without damaging the tube, and the wiring inside was old and brittle enough that rough handling could crack a connection you won’t discover until it’s plugged back in. It wasn’t heavy in the way a piano is heavy, but every single piece needed to be moved upright, strapped, and padded like it was one-of-a-kind – because to that client, it was.”

“We had to lower two couches down from the third floor of a building because they wouldn’t fit on the stairs,” adds the team from Move Indy in Indianapolis, IN. “What we can learn is just because something can go up, sometimes it will not go down the same. Armoires are also frequently underestimated because they are so difficult to maneuver up and down stairs.” 

Use the right packing materials for valuable and fragile items

“A common mistake people make with unique or valuable items is assuming that standard packing will be enough,” says Rise Up Moving. “Artwork, antiques, designer pieces, and collections often require different materials and handling methods. For especially fragile or high-value belongings, we recommend identifying them in advance, documenting their condition, and discussing a protection plan with the moving team before moving day. The more preparation that happens beforehand, the safer and smoother the move will be.”

Here are some additional packing materials that might be required for moving specialty items:

• Custom-sized or reinforced boxes
• Corner and edge protectors
• Multiple layers of cushioning
• Dividers for glassware or small collectibles
• Specialty covers or cases
• Custom crating

Avoid reusing old packing materials simply because an object was previously stored or moved in them. Cardboard, paper, foam, and other materials can deteriorate over time and may no longer provide adequate protection.

“We once moved a family’s inherited china set that had survived three prior moves packed in the original owner’s newspaper wrapping from decades earlier,” says Fast Fietz Moving. “The paper was so brittle it was doing more harm than good. We repacked everything properly, and the client told us it was the first move in 40 years she wasn’t anxious about.”

When in doubt, ask a professional how an item should be packed before attempting to improvise a solution.

Document collectibles and valuables before the move

Before valuable belongings leave your home, create a record of what you own and its current condition. Depending on the type and value of the collection, your documentation might include:

• Photos and video
• A written inventory
• Serial numbers
• Receipts
• Appraisals
• Certificates of authenticity
• Notes about existing damage or condition

Keep copies of these records somewhere accessible rather than packing the only copies with your household belongings.

“We had a client that had several thousand antiques,” shares Jim Sullivan, president of Armstrong of Boston. “They had no list and no real idea what the items were. Our team took on the task of helping to create a catalogue and while doing so, they also packed and crated, relocated, and unpacked the items onto shelves at multiple locations for the client. One of the lessons here is if you have a complex move, it’s critical you choose the right moving company.”

It’s also a good idea to review your mover’s valuation options and your homeowners or renters insurance coverage. Don’t assume every valuable item will automatically be covered for its full replacement value if something happens during the move.

Tell your movers about specialty items before moving day

Don’t wait until the moving truck pulls up to mention the 600-pound safe in the basement or the antique cabinet that needs to navigate a narrow staircase. Tell prospective movers about specialty belongings while you’re requesting estimates. 

Ask questions like:

• Have you moved this type of item before?
• Does it require special packing or crating?
• Will it need to be disassembled?
• Is there anything I should do before moving day?
• What protection or valuation options are available?

Just as importantly, clearly identify valuable or fragile belongings that you packed yourself. A mover can’t take additional precautions with a box of heirloom crystal if they don’t know what’s inside.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is not sharing enough information upfront. Providing accurate dimensions, weight, detailed photos, and any special handling needs will help transporters give you a more accurate quote,” advises Sean Wu, CEO of uShip. “Be sure to mention access challenges like stairs, narrow doorways, or limited parking so they can arrive with the right equipment and avoid surprises on moving day.”

Give irreplaceable belongings their own moving plan

A successful move isn’t just about getting everything from one address to another. With a little extra planning, you can ensure your specialty items are well cared for during a move to mitigate damage and save yourself the stress of worrying about them. 

Before your move, consider what items are most special to you, the difficulties that come with moving them, and what specialized packing materials or movers you might need to look into. It’s always a good idea to talk to your movers about these items beforehand so they can arrive prepared and ready to help you move into your new home.

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Moving out of a house is a significant milestone. It often marks the start of a new chapter in your life. If you’re a first-time seller, you’ll quickly discover it is a lot of work.

The process involves numerous tasks, from minor repairs to organizing logistics like hiring movers and setting up utilities in the new home.

Each step is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. I will guide you through essential pre-move actions, including making agreed-upon repairs, purchasing moving supplies, hiring movers, forwarding mail, and arranging utilities at your new residence.

From thirty-eight years of experience selling homes, I’ve seen how moving can be a challenging and stressful experience. Careful planning can ease some tensions, but most people don’t look forward to it. I just went through it two years ago, and it was not fun. It makes you not want to think about ever moving again, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for what my clients go through.

However, preparation, organization, and a checklist of what to do before moving out of a home can help you accomplish the steps without a hitch.

Let’s make your move as seamless as possible.

1. Make Agreed-Upon Repairs

One of the first steps in your relocation should be making any repairs you’ve agreed to based on the results of your home inspection. It will be good to get these done and out of the way. You won’t want anything hanging until the last minute.

Remember, you still need to satisfy the buyer. Having them complain at the last minute could delay your closing or create a situation where there is a holdback.

Assess the House

Sometimes, other issues that have nothing to do with the buyer’s home inspection can crop up. It’s Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Problems appear when you least want them to.

Identify areas needing repair and list them to prioritize tasks effectively. This step ensures you leave the house in an agreed-upon condition, avoiding potential disputes.

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

Evaluate each repair, deciding which you can do yourself and which requires professionals. Simple fixes like patching holes or repainting walls are manageable DIY projects.

For more complex issues like electrical work, I recommend hiring experts to ensure safety and compliance with standards. The contract may even specify that professionals must be used. If the buyer has an excellent real estate attorney, you can plan on this being the case.

Timelines and Budget

Set realistic deadlines for each repair, allowing time for unexpected delays. Budget carefully, considering both materials and professional fees. This planning prevents last-minute rushes and financial surprises.

It makes the repair process go more smoothly.

Final Walk-Through

After completing repairs, conduct a final inspection of the house. Ensure everything meets the agreed-upon standards. This step confirms that the house is ready for the buyers. You may ask your real estate agent to take a look to ensure they agree it’s complete.

You have completed your responsibilities, so it’s time to celebrate one milestone off your list of things to do.

2. Forward Mail

Before moving, one of the most critical things to do is change addresses and notify everyone of your move. One of the best things to do is have a checklist. A long list of people, businesses, and entities should be informed of your move.

You must complete all of them to avoid problems that will haunt you later. From experience, I can tell you it happens. Not only have a few of my clients forgotten specific parties, but I’ve done it myself.

You can update the address of your new place with the post office, but if you forget to notify a business, you won’t get your mail when the forwarding expires.

Update Your Address

Forward your mail by updating your address with the postal service at least two weeks before moving to avoid disruptions. I recommend you do it sooner. I tell my clients to change their address when they are confident of their move.

You then notify important contacts and services, including banks, the IRS, employers, and subscription services, of your new address. This comprehensive resource provides an exhaustive checklist of everyone you should notify of your move.

Manage Subscriptions and Services

Review your subscriptions and services, deciding which to transfer and cancel. Update your address for deliveries and online accounts. This step ensures you continue receiving mail and services without interruption after the move.

3. Buy Moving Supplies

Now, the real grunt work begins. You will start the arduous process of packing up your life. One essential tip for selling a home is to get these supplies early so you can do some work each day.

Essential Supplies List

Having the right supplies is crucial when packing. Start with the basics like sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, and markers for labeling.

Consider eco-friendly options like biodegradable packing peanuts or recycled paper for wrapping. These not only help the environment but often save money.

Organize and Label

Pack systematically, room by room, keeping similar items together. Label each box with its contents and designated room in the new house. This method streamlines unpacking, saving time and reducing stress upon arrival. Moreover, clear labeling of what room the boxes go in can save time and money when using movers.

You should mark boxes clearly for fragile items to ensure careful handling. This is helpful for movers.

4. Hire Great Movers

Research and Quotes

Begin by researching reputable moving companies. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations. Obtain quotes from multiple movers to compare services and prices.

Ensure they are licensed and insured, providing peace of mind during the move. A local real estate agent can be an excellent resource for top moving companies. I always recommend movers to my clients. They rarely have a bad experience. Most agents know who has a top-shelf reputation.

When selling a home, many mistakes must be avoided. One of them is picking the wrong mover!

Scheduling and Insurance

Choose a moving date carefully, considering the weather, work schedules, and school years. Discuss insurance options with your chosen company. Moving insurance protects your belongings and will compensate for any damage or loss during the move.

Preparing for Movers

Prepare your home before moving day. Disassemble furniture, if necessary, and ensure all boxes are properly sealed and labeled. Create a clear path for movers to navigate, removing any obstacles.

On the moving day, be available to answer questions and give directions. This helps facilitate a smooth process.

5. Set Up Utilities in the New Home

Research Before You Move

Before moving, identify the utility providers for your new home and research the best deals and service options for water, gas, electricity, internet, and cable.

Contact providers to schedule connections or service transfers to your new address. Doing this in advance ensures you have essential services from day one.

Transfer Services

You can transfer services to your new address if you stay within the same service area for specific utilities. Contact your current providers to arrange this. Provide your move-out and move-in dates to ensure an easy transition without service interruptions.

Final Check Before Moving Day

A few days before the move, confirm that all utility setups or transfers are scheduled. Also, check that you’ve completed the necessary paperwork or deposits. This final check ensures your new home will be ready when you arrive.

Conclusion

Moving out of a house involves detailed planning and execution. From making necessary repairs to ensuring the property is in good condition to organizing and labeling your belongings for a smooth move.

Hiring reputable movers, forwarding mail, and setting up utilities in your new home requires attention to detail and timely action.

This comprehensive approach facilitates a smoother transition and helps you quickly settle into your new home. By following these steps, you’re not just moving your belongings but ensuring your new start is as stress-free and welcoming as possible.

Remember, the key to a successful move is preparation. Start early and plan carefully; your move will be another exciting step in your journey.