Archive for the 'Packing Fragile and Unusual Items' Category

Probably the most important facet of moving a piano is communication.  The type of piano and the access at both the origin and destination locations will determine the equipment and manpower required to safely transport the piano.  Critical information that needs to be communicated to Olympia Moving includes:

Wheaton Moving Truck

1)     What type of piano are you moving (upright, spinet, baby grand, concert grand)?

2)     What is the access like at your origin residence (stairs, elevator)?

3)     What is the access like at your destination residence (stairs, elevator)?

4)     How the piano was moved in originally; i.e. was a crane required?

The bottom-line is that when moving a piano, you want to avoid the potential for any “surprises”.

You should also consider whether you want to take out any additional liability coverage for your move.  There are two options that Olympia makes available to our clientele.  The first option is at no additional charge and is comprised of the legally mandated 60 cents per pound article.  The second option is called or “Replacement Value Coverage” and allows you to increase the level of coverage for your relocation.  A detailed explanation of these options is available to you here.

Along with our partner, Wheaton World Wide, Olympia has been named as the official mover for Steinway and Sons.  Our movers receive specialized training in transporting pianos of all sizes and are supplied with the newest and latest equipment.

While we are certainly happy to move boxes of old newspapers from one basement to another for you, this is often not a particularly economical approach.  Relocating to a new home is a great opportunity to purge unused and unwanted items.  A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t opened a box or used an item since your last move, it may be time to get rid of it.

Items Not To Pack

On Local Moves, which are based upon an hourly rate, additional boxes of books and papers simply add to the total amount of time to complete the job.  The addition of 10 – 20 additional boxes typically will not add any significant time or cost to the move.

On Interstate Moves, which are based upon weight, eliminating excess boxes of papers, magazines, or books can have a significant impact upon the final cost of the move.  Before you start packing, it is certainly a good idea to sort through what items you want to take and what items you can discard or donate.

In addition to the above, there are several items that Olympia simply cannot transport for legal and/or liability reasons.  These include, but are not limited to:

1)     Fire extinguishers

2)     Any gas in tanks; such as propane or oxygen

3)     Aerosol cans

4)     Paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners, oils, heating agents

5)     Ammonia, bleach and household cleaning agents

6)     Auto batteries

7)     Lighter fluid

8)     Ammunition

9)     Any combustible products

For more check our full list of items not to pack.

We are frequently asked about whether we can move plants.  The answer to this question is two-tiered, as it depends upon the type of service that you require.

On Local Moves, our preference is that you relocate plants on your own; however that is not always feasible.  Olympia can and will move plants, but cannot make any guarantees as to the safe transport of these items.

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Smaller plants should be placed in a box with the top taped open; whereas larger plants should be left as they are.  If your shipment involves an “overnight hold”, it is advisable that you water your plants 12-24 hours before the move.  The crew will certainly do their best to ensure that your plants arrive safely at your new home; however Olympia does not accept any liability for plants.

On longer Interstate Moves it is often advisable to give plants away rather than move them.  Plants are difficult to load properly and do not typically do well in the back of a trailer for days without water.  Having said this, there are no legal regulations against moving plants across state lines, and it is ultimately at the discretion of the individual driver.