6 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.
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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 effort to 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, along with items they won't move at all . 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 that moving companies will charge you a little extra to pack and move.
5 items moving companies charge extra for
1) Pianos
Two movers load a piano into the back of a moving truck
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 also passed down through families, which brings 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. You could try and move the piano yourself , but it's a slow and delicate process that requires someone who knows what they're doing.
2) Pool tables
A pool table pictured in a game room
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 $375 to $1,500 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. In fact, pool tables are so complicated that some movers will hire a third-party company to handle the disassembly and reassembly of the 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
Furniture, signs and other antiques at a shop
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
A shop owner poses with antique and grandfather clocks
Grandfather clocks can be particularly tricky to move. The weights and pendulum can 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 add a large cost to your move. If you're planning a local move, expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $500 to move a grandfather clock . Long-distance moves will likely cost even more.
5) Cars and other automobiles
A truck transports a classic red car down the highway
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.
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.
6) Large household and gun safes
Closeup of a safe dial and latch
Safes are some of the heaviest objects you could move, which explains why moving companies charge extra for them. Large home safes can weigh hundreds of pounds, and moving gun safes , in particular, can push more than 1,000 pounds depending on the model. Moving either requires specialized equipment and more labor than the typical household items movers deal with.
According to Liberty Safe , a popular company that makes household and gun safes, the typical cost of moving a safe can range from $175 to $525. That lines up with what we've heard from various moving companies we've spoken with, many of which have landed in the $300 range for safe moves.
When speaking with a moving company for a quote, always mention that you have a safe to move. Be prepared to give the dimensions and weight of the safe. This helps the company estimate the added charge for your safe and how much space it will take up in the moving truck.
How to pick the right mover for your specialty item
Two workers unload furniture from a moving van into a new home
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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