Moving can be a daunting task, especially when you have specialty items like gun safes or pianos. These items are not only heavy and cumbersome but also require extra care to avoid damage to the item itself, your home, and anyone helping with the move. Here’s a guide to help you prepare these specialty items for a safe and stress-free relocation.
Preparing Gun Safes for Moving
Gun safes are incredibly heavy and often have delicate locking mechanisms that need protection during a move. Here’s how to prepare:
- Empty the Safe
- For safety reasons, remove all firearms, ammunition, and other contents. Transport these items separately, following all legal guidelines.
- Secure the Door
- Lock the safe and, if possible, secure the door with heavy-duty moving tape or straps to prevent it from swinging open during transport.
- Assess the Weight
- Check the weight of your safe to determine if you’ll need specialized equipment like a heavy-duty dolly or stair-climbing tool.
- Clear a Path
- Plan your route out of the house. Remove rugs, furniture, or other obstacles, and measure doorways and hallways to ensure the safe can pass through.
- Use Proper Equipment
- Rent or purchase a heavy-duty dolly, straps, and padding to protect the safe and surrounding areas. Consider hiring professional movers experienced in handling heavy items if your safe is exceptionally large or heavy.
- Team Effort
- Always have multiple people assist with moving a gun safe. Never attempt to move one on your own.
Preparing Pianos for Moving
Pianos are not only heavy but also delicate, with internal components that can be easily damaged. Here’s how to prep your piano:
- Close and Secure the Lid
- Close the piano lid and secure it with moving straps or tape to prevent it from opening during transport.
- Protect the Keys
- If possible, cover the keys with a soft cloth before securing the lid to protect them from scratches or damage.
- Wrap the Piano
- Use furniture blankets or specialized piano padding to cover the piano, ensuring all sides are protected. Secure the padding with straps or moving tape.
- Disassemble When Possible
- For upright pianos, detach the legs (if removable) and wrap them separately. For grand pianos, you may need to remove the legs and secure the pedals.
- Plan the Route
- Similar to moving a safe, clear a path and measure doorways and hallways. Have a plan for navigating stairs or tight corners.
- Use a Piano Dolly or Board
- Invest in a piano dolly or a piano board to distribute the weight and make the move easier.
- Hire Professionals
- Pianos are best moved by professionals who have the tools and expertise to handle these delicate instruments without causing damage.
