Why You Should Hire Professionals For Large Item Moving
If you had to search the internet for life’s top 20 stressors, you would find moving is on that list. There’s no denying that a new chapter in the story of your life is an exciting one, but there is so much in terms of packing, transporting, and unpacking that the idea soon becomes completely overwhelming. Your stress levels will only increase when it comes to large item moving.
Yes, we’re talking about those massive monoliths of furniture that barely seem geometrically capable of fitting through a standard doorway. These items generally require special equipment to move and can cause real bodily harm and damage to property if not handled with care. A few strong friends and a rented truck may seem like a good, cheap approach, but this often backfires with back pain and damaged belongings making up the collateral damage.
Because of these challenges, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on why you should consider hiring professionals for large item moving and moving in general.
What Exactly is “Large Item Moving”?
While this could be a subjective topic for some people, the industry generally understands the following items to be the most typical of large item moving.
Excessively Heavy Items
- Safes
- Large aquariums
- Industrial machinery
Bulky or Awkwardly Shaped Items
- Pool tables
- Hot tubs
- Large sculptures
- Certain fitness equipment
Requires Hoisting or Alternative Entry/Exit Methods
- Grand pianos
- Large Machinery
- Large sideboards
Many items do not fit through standard doorways and won’t be able to navigate through standard stairwells. These items would also fit into the large item moving category. If you are unsure whether some of the items in your home or business fit that category, call a reputable local moving company to find out what they will move as large items.
Large Item Moving: The Dangers Of DIY
Many people ignore the dangers that come with moving large items without professional help, so we think it’s prudent to begin here and go through some of the more common issues.
Risk of Injury
While moving may involve the use of planes, trains, and automobiles, DIY moving will most certainly involve sprains, strains, and hematomas! Injuries are always a critical concern when attempting a DIY move and should be avoided. Lifting large items such as refrigerators, king-sized bed frames, or even pianos can place significant strain on your shoulders, knees, and back. It’s not an uncommon occurrence for people to herniate a disc or even break bones because of poor lifting techniques and the absence of specialized equipment to assist the moving process.
Professional Florida movers come with the benefit of having large teams as well as proper education on the correct lifting techniques. They are also in possession of dollies, ramps, and straps to aid them in their work. The health of their workers is also insured for any injuries that they may incur as a result of their work and thereby protecting you from any potential liability.
Damage to Your Valuables
Some people have lost very valuable and cherished possessions to a moment of clumsiness. Imagine how terrible the loss of a priceless antique or denting the side of a brand-new washing machine would feel! The truth is that the cost of losing something this valuable would far outweigh any savings that you think you may have made by attempting the move on your own.
Damage to Your Property
Beyond protecting your valuables and health, there is also the consideration of your property and buildings to think about. Whether it’s your new home or the one that you’re leaving behind, some serious damage can occur to paintwork and even structural elements of the building. Scratches and gouges in the floors, walls, and ceilings are a real concern. Door frames are also a sitting duck when moving large and heavy items. Professional movers use protective coverings for floors and walls and are also skilled in maneuvering large furniture items through challenging spaces. They are also able to do so without damaging your property while being adequately insured and against any unforeseen mishaps.
Lack of Proper Equipment
We’ve mentioned how professionals use specialized equipment to get the job done. It takes a lot of resources to invest in these items and tools, as well as to get training in how to use them effectively. Even if you were to invest in equipment rental for such a large move, this would only add to the overall logistical load of your move.
Professional large item moving companies already possess the full array of equipment necessary to complete the task. The safe and efficient transport of your home and valuables is their main concern. When it comes to items such as special piano dollies, hoisting straps, hydraulic lifts, and trucks fitted with air-ride suspension, the professionals are way out ahead in terms of their readiness to do the job efficiently.
Time and Stress
For anyone who has ever moved, you’ll be aware of what a time-consuming endeavor it is. When you add to the list of things to do, the moving of large items can significantly add to the stress of the overall move. The added stress to your daily routine and plans that need to be finalized can be what sends you over the edge. Professionals will streamline the process for you and help to minimize the time that it takes to pack, load, transport, and unload your large items. This peace of mind will help to free you up and allow you to focus on other aspects of the move.
The Benefits of Professional Large Item Moving
Now that we have had a look at some of the pitfalls that you may experience doing a DIY move, let’s investigate some of the salient benefits that using of a professional moving company affords you.
Expertise and Experience
There are few things as valuable as experience, as the author C.S. Lewis put it, “Experience is the most brutal of teachers.” The professional mover has encountered every conceivable challenge and roadblock (quite literally in some cases!) related to moving and has developed strategies effective in overcoming them. With proper techniques in lifting and moving items as well as safe and secure transportation strategies, this all results in a comfortable and efficient move, free from damage.
Safety First Approach
Few things are more important to professional moving companies than safety. They have the well-being of their staff and the protection of your belongings high on their priority list. The commitment to safety and a lossless move is manifested in the use of the proper equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, the possession of adequate insurance, and securing the required permits.
Equipment and Tools Specific To Professional Movers
We’ve mentioned quite a bit about the equipment used by professional movers, so let’s have a look at what is needed to accomplish large-item moves.
Appliance Dollies
Appliance dollies are designed specifically for heavy appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.
Furniture Dollies
These dollies are larger and have enough of a base to easily move heavy furniture pieces.
Forearm Forklift Straps
These special straps are wrapped around the forearm and help to distribute the weight more evenly and make lifting easier.
Moving Blankets and Pads
These help slide large and heavy items across the floor and also protect the floor from dings and scrapes.
Hoisting Straps and Ropes
Now and then, there are furniture items so large or awkward that they cannot be brought into the property through standard openings. This is where the hoisting straps, cranes, and ropes come into play. The most stereotypical example of these being used is to bring a grand piano into an apartment or upstairs floor of a building through a large window.
Specialized Vehicles
Moving companies that are prepared to move large items have the right trucks for the job. These brutes are equipped with ramps, lift gates, and air-ride suspension to give your delicate items the smoothest journey possible.
Insurance and Liability Coverage
A reputable professional mover that is adept at moving large items will always be fully insured. As a customer this will be crucial in giving you peace of mind. It’s worth the extra cost of knowing that any costs associated with the repair or replacement of your valuables or property will be covered in the unlikely event of damage or loss. It’s important to understand from your moving company what the extent of their insurance coverage is before proceeding with the move.
Time Savings
Quite simply put, professional movers will accomplish the move many times faster than you and your friends ever could. This alone should prompt you to make that call immediately!
Reduced Stress and Peace of Mind
Who doesn’t want less stress in this busy life? Well, there is something to be said about letting go and letting the professionals do the hard work for you. With the logistics as well as physical strain out of our hands, you can put more focus on your family or business needs.
Disassembly and Reassembly Services
Many large items require disassembly and reassembly. This can be an extra chore for an already overwhelming undertaking. The disassembly and reassembly of large items is a service offered by many moving companies and is probably one of the most valuable services to a home or business owner.
Licensed Large Item Movers Based in Fort Lauderdale
Allegiance Van Lines, LLC has been based in Fort Lauderdale for over a decade. As a family-run business, we take pride in moving families and businesses locally and nationwide. With all the required licenses to move across state lines and safely move large items, there’s no job that is too much for us.
What are you waiting for? Call us today at (561) 210-5120 to plan your next move!