What Counts as a “Specialty” Item?
Specialty items generally fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Extremely heavy (safes, pool tables, gym equipment)
- Delicate or fragile (glass-top furniture, chandeliers, pianos)
- Valuable or irreplaceable (fine art, heirlooms, collectibles)
- Awkwardly shaped or oversized (sculptures, antique armoires)
- High-risk electronics (home theater systems, medical devices)
These items need special packing materials, handling techniques, and sometimes even custom crating or equipment.
Why You Shouldn’t Move Them Yourself
Trying to move a 600-pound safe or a vintage oil painting yourself could easily result in:
- Personal injury
- Damage to the item
- Damage to your property
- Voiding of insurance coverage
That’s why hiring reliable movers with specialty item experience is so important. You want people who know how to assess weight distribution, secure fragile components, and protect your belongings during transport.
How Specialty Item Movers Prepare
At Economy Movers RI, we start with an in-depth assessment of your specialty item(s), including dimensions, fragility, and access points (staircases, tight corners, etc.).
- What tools and equipment are needed (dollies, sliders, cranes)
- Whether custom crating or disassembly is required
- How to best protect the item during transit
This plan is tailored to your specific move, not based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Techniques Used for Safe Transport
Here’s how professional movers protect specialty items:
Safes and Heavy Items
- Use of hydraulic dollies or lift gates
- Floor protection and doorway padding
- Secure anchoring inside the truck to prevent shifting
Need more info? Check out:
→ How to Move Heavy Furniture Safely (Without Hurting Your Back)
Fine Art and Antiques
- Custom crates or mirror cartons
- Acid-free packing materials to prevent moisture damage
- Climate-controlled trucks if necessary
Fragile or Collectible Items
- Layered padding using moving blankets, foam wrap, or corrugated cardboard
- Specific labeling for “Top Load Only” or “Fragile—Do Not Stack”
- Separate loading for high-value items
Insurance Coverage and Peace of Mind
Even with the most careful movers, accidents can happen. That’s why professional movers in RI should offer comprehensive insurance options.
Ask about:
- Basic coverage vs. full-value protection
- Documentation required before the move
- How to file a claim if damage occurs
Pro tip: Always take photos of your high-value items before the move, just in case.
Why Local Experience Matters
Specialty item moves are about more than equipment—they require strong local knowledge, especially if you’re moving in or out of tight Rhode Island neighborhoods, walk-up buildings, or historic homes with narrow hallways.
Specialty item movers in RI know how to navigate these situations without causing damage to your home—or your valuables.
When to Book a Specialty Item Move
If you have one or more specialty items, let your movers know during the estimate process. These jobs often require:
- Extra manpower
- Specific tools
- Longer timeframes
- Insurance approval ahead of time
The earlier you book, the more flexibility your mover has to accommodate these needs.
Planning a complex move? Read: → How Movers Handle Multi-Day Moves in RI
Final Thoughts
Not all moving companies are equipped to handle your most valuable or fragile items—but at Economy Movers RI, we are. Our trained crews specialize in transporting everything from upright pianos to centuries-old antiques with care and confidence.
Need help moving something that’s hard to pack, heavy to lift, or priceless to replace?
Request a specialty moving estimate now
