Expert Tips for Moving Heavy and Fragile Items Safely

Moving heavy and fragile items can feel like an enormous task. But with a little planning, the right tools, and a step-by-step approach, you’ll be ready to handle even the toughest moves. Whether it’s a bulky refrigerator or a delicate upright piano, there are ways to make sure your items arrive safely, without the stress or the risk of damage. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, dive into these tips, and get prepared for a smooth moving experience.

And if you're not ready to get your hands dirty or would prefer some help from professionals, you can call us at Pick and Pack Moving anytime for a free quote and/or an in-house estimate.

How to move a piano?

How often do you marvel at your upright piano? How proud are you when your guests highlight the beauty of it, and you get ready to play your favorite song? As beautiful and entertaining pianos can be, moving them is a monumental task, and unfortunately, they get scratched or damaged if moved incorrectly. Moving such a fragile item requires patience, precision, and planning. Whether you’re tackling the move solo or hiring professional piano movers, understanding the process will help keep your prized piano safe and sound.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: High
• Move Time: 2-3 hours
• Prep Time: 30 minutes

Here's how to move a piano:

1. Gather Equipment: Get a piano dolly, piano board, ratchet straps, and furniture pads.
2. Measure Pathways: Use a tape measure to plan a clear route without tight corners.
3. Protect the Piano: Wrap with bubble wrap or shrink wrap (which we use) and furniture pads or moving blankets for extra layers of protection.
4. Secure to Piano Board: Use ratchet straps to tie the piano firmly onto the piano board.
5. Lift Carefully: Recruit professional piano movers or friends to lift, using a furniture dolly to roll over hardwood floors.

Here's a checklist for moving a piano that can help you follow the necessary steps:

Need professional piano movers? Contact us at Pick and Pack Moving for moving and packing assistance.

How to move a refrigerator?

You’re standing in the kitchen, wiping down the empty shelves of your refrigerator as the house echoes around you, almost ready for the big move. But as you size up this heavy appliance, you realize it’s not going to be easy. Moving a refrigerator demands careful prep and strategic maneuvering. With the right tools, like bungee cords, appliance dolly, and furniture pads, you can protect both your fridge and your floors from harm.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: High
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes

Here's how to move a refrigerator:

1. Empty and Defrost: Clear out all perishable items and defrost to prevent leaking.
2. Secure Doors and Drawers: Use packing tape and bungee cords to keep everything in place.
3. Protect Surfaces: Wrap with stretch wrap and add a layer of protection with furniture sliders.
4. Use an Appliance Dolly: Load onto an appliance dolly and use tie-down straps to secure.
5. Navigate Carefully: Ensure no obstacles in your path, especially on stairs or hardwood floors.

Checklist for Moving a Refrigerator:

Want assistance with heavy appliances? Pick and Pack Moving is here to help move heavy furniture and bulky items!

How to move a mattress?

Moving a mattress doesn't sound too difficult, right?! It's just a fluffy rectangle that you sleep on. Whether it’s a queen mattress or a memory foam mattress, moving it requires some prep work, including mattress bags and a friend to help lift it. With the right approach, your mattress will arrive clean, intact, and ready for a fresh start in your new place.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Move Time: 30-60 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Here's how to move a mattress:

1. Wrap in Mattress Bag: Place in mattress bags to keep it clean and prevent damage.
2. Fold for Easier Moving (if needed): For a queen mattress or larger mattresses, fold gently.
3. Protect Corners: Use corner protectors to avoid snagging.
4. Lift with Help: Carry with another person, using a furniture dolly for heavier models.

Checklist for Moving a Mattress:

Want expert help? Our team at Pick and Pack Moving can handle it for you!

How to move a grandfather clock?

Why don't people use grandfather clocks anymore? It's because they're expensive and take up quite a lot of space. However, they're beautiful and functional and can highlight the tastefully decorated houses. Keep in mind, though, that moving a grandfather clock is difficult. Moving it is like moving a piece of family history, and you want to be sure every part, from the pendulum to the hands, is safely packed. With extra layers of packing material and a few special tools, your clock can make the journey without risking a scratch on its delicate wood or glass.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: High
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes

Here's how to move a grandfather clock:

1. Remove Weights and Pendulum: Carefully detach and pack separately with bubble wrap or shrink wrap. Put some moving blankets or furniture pads for extra safety.
2. Secure Glass and Hands: Add extra layers of packing material to prevent damage.
3. Use Furniture Dolly: Position on a 4-wheel dolly for easy maneuvering.
4. Pad Clock Carefully: Wrap with furniture pads for additional protection.

Checklist for Moving a Grandfather Clock:

Save time and risk – let our professional movers help with your fragile items.

How to move a TV?

You've already unplugged your TV and removed the stand, and now you're standing in front of a taken-apart installation, scratching your head? Yes, moving a TV isn't too difficult, but it requires more than a bit of bubble wrap—it’s about ensuring extra protection for the screen, especially with larger models. With packing material and a secure piece of cardboard for the screen, you can safely transport your TV without any surprise cracks or scratches.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Move Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Here's how to move a TV:

1. Unplug and Secure Cords: Label and bag power cords and cables.
2. Wrap in Stretch Wrap and Bubble Wrap: Provide extra protection for your flat-screen TV. Don't forget the moving blankets for extra safety.
3. Place in Box or Use Piece of Cardboard: Add a piece of cardboard to cover the screen.
4. Move Carefully: Transport upright, securing it with ratchet straps if needed.

Checklist for Moving a TV:

Need safe, stress-free moving? Pick and Pack Moving can handle it all!

How to move a stove?

The stove has been the heart of many family dinners and favorite recipes, and now it’s time for it to come along to your new kitchen. But this heavy appliance, with its delicate wiring and gas lines, requires extra attention. Moving a stove safely involves careful prep, from securing power cords to using an appliance dolly. With a few specific steps, you can be sure it arrives ready for many more meals to come.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: High
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Here's how to move a stove:

1. Unplug and Detach: Safely disconnect power cords and gas lines and label them if needed.
2. Wrap and Secure: Use bubble wrap and stretch wrap for all surfaces.
3. Protect Flooring: Position furniture sliders under each corner to slide smoothly.
4. Use an Appliance Dolly: Lift carefully with a helper and place on the dolly, securing with ratchet straps if necessary.

Checklist for Moving a Stove

Moving appliances is easier with Pick and Pack Moving—reach out for packing and labor help!

How to move plants

Taking care of houseplants is in itself a challenging task; now imagine how worrisome it would be to move them. Plants add life and color to our homes, and they deserve specific attention when being moved, especially fragile house plants or outdoor plants that may struggle with temperature changes. With the right protective covering and careful placement, you can help your plants settle into their new space with minimal stress.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Here's how to move plants:

1. Wrap for Protection: Use protective covering to shield leaves and stems.
2. Water in Advance: Lightly water to prevent spills during transit.
3. Group in Boxes: Place smaller plants in cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
4. Keep Out of Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or cold air.

Checklist for Moving Plants

For delicate items like plants, Pick and Pack Moving can handle it with care!

How to move a couch?

Your couch has seen countless movie nights and lazy Sundays, and now it’s time for it to make the journey with you. However, this oversized item can be a challenge to maneuver through doorways and around tight corners. By measuring the space, adding a layer of protection with furniture sliders, and using a furniture dolly, you’ll have this bulky piece of furniture in your new home in no time.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 15 minutes

Here's how to move a couch:

1. Measure Doorways: Use a tape measure to ensure clearance.
2. Wrap with Stretch Wrap: Protect upholstery with stretch wrap for extra protection.
3. Use Furniture Sliders: Place under legs for easier sliding.
4. Lift with Help: Use a furniture dolly and team up with a friend for easier moving.

Checklist for Moving a Couch

Need a hand? Pick and Pack Moving has professional movers to handle your furniture safely!

How to move a freezer?

The freezer has held everything from leftovers to ice cream, but moving this heavy appliance is no small feat. Freezers, especially large ones, need careful handling to avoid potential damage and ensure they’re ready to go when plugged back in. With tools like an appliance dolly and tie-down straps, you can transport your freezer safely and keep it secure during the move.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: High
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes

Here's how to move a freezer:

1. Defrost and Empty: Remove all contents and defrost the freezer completely.
2. Secure Doors: Use bungee cords or packing tape to hold doors closed.
3. Protect Exterior: Wrap with furniture pads for added protection.
4. Use Appliance Dolly: Carefully load onto an appliance dolly and secure with tie-down straps.

Checklist for Moving a Freezer

Pick and Pack Moving has the expertise for heavy appliances—reach out for help!

How to move a dishwasher?

Your dishwasher has been a time-saver, and now it’s time to prepare it for the move. Moving a dishwasher means carefully detaching it from water lines and securing any loose parts. With packing tape and plastic bags for small pieces, along with the help of an appliance dolly, you’ll be able to safely move this valuable appliance to your new home.

Moving Essentials:

• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Move Time: 1-2 hours
• Prep Time: 15 minutes

Here's how to move a dishwasher:

1. Disconnect Water Lines: Ensure all water lines are properly disconnected and drained.
2. Secure Loose Parts: Use packing tape to hold any small parts or panels in place.
3. Protect the Exterior: Wrap with bubble wrap and stretch wrap.
4. Move with Appliance Dolly: Place on an appliance dolly and secure with tie-down straps.

Checklist for Moving a Dishwasher