Moving Large, Fragile Items

Moving large, expensive items is more than challenging. It can be dangerous and costly if you don’t follow the best precautions. Below you will find expert tips for relocating some of the most challenging items in your home: televisions, mirrors, and artwork.

Looking for something else?

You will also get some great tips that you can use when moving valuables of all kinds, so you’re sure to get some useful information that will protect your belongings—and your peace of mind—during your next relocation.

Relocating a Large Screen Television

Although new televisions are lighter than old, box screen TV’s, they can be damaged more easily when dropped or bumped. Here are some steps you can follow to relocate your big screen safely:

  • Organize Cords: Unplug all cords and accessories from your television, label the cords with tape and a marker, and place the cords into a sealed bag.
  • Protect the Screen: Wrap the screen in a moving blanket or pad. Secure the padding with plastic wrap. You can also use the original packaging if you have it or purchase boxes that are made specifically for moving televisions.
  • Load Carefully: If you are placing the TV onto a moving truck, secure it between two large items to prevent jostling, tipping, and falling.

Moving Large Mirrors

Broken mirrors are all too common during relocation, and no one wants to lose their favorite mirror or deal with shards of glass all over the floor, moving van, or scattered across other household items. Here is how you can prevent this:

  • Secure Before Removing: Before you take your mirror off the wall, secure the glass by placing packaging tape diagonally from corner to corner, forming large X.
  • Measure the Glass: Remove the mirror from the wall and measure the glass’s length, width, and height. Cut a piece of cardboard that fits that measurement and place it over the glass.
  • Pad the Mirror: Place plastic corner protectors on the corners of the mirror then wrap the mirror with a moving blanket or plastic wrap.
  • Place Laterally: When using a moving van, do not place the mirror into the van flat on it’s face or back. Instead, place the mirror in an upright, lateral position.

Packing Artwork and Antiques

Your artwork and antiques might be some of the most valuable and sentimental items in the home. Take these steps to help keep your collections and family heirlooms safe:

  • Use the Right Box Sizes: Use moving boxes that are the right size for the items you are packing or invest in custom crating services.
  • Protect the Face: Secure the face of your artwork with packing paper, a moving blanket, cardboard, or a bubble sheet.
  • Prevent Jostling: Make sure that there are no gaps inside of the box by filling all spaces with packing paper. Find a space on the moving van that will keep your items from falling or bumping against other items.

Additional Tips for Moving Large, Fragile Items

The above tips will help you pack and load your large, fragile items more carefully. However, sometimes unfortunate things happen despite your best efforts. Here are some things you can do to ensure you are properly compensated if your items are damaged during a move:

  • Take Pictures of Your Belongings Before the Move
  • Make a Detailed Inventory of your Items
  • Purchase Full Value Coverage (basic coverage is based on weight, not value)
  • Use Climate-Controlled Storage

And finally,

Hire Reliable Residential Movers in Philadelphia

The best way to protect your large, fragile, or valuable items is to hire professional movers. If you’re looking for Philadelphia long-distance movers, contact us at Clemmer Moving & Storage. We offer full-service solutions for moves of any size and complexity, including specialized moving for televisions, mirrors, artwork, antique furniture, and more.

To learn more about what makes us the best choice for residential movers in Philadelphia, give us a call today to chat with a relocation specialist or use our online quote form now!