From Art to State-of-the-Art
Correctly handling specialty household goods items during a move can be the difference between peace of mind and broken pieces.
Though each company’s relocation policy should identify eligible and ineligible household goods, it is common for some transferees to possess items which are too massive or fragile to be moved safely without expert assistance. Examples of specialty items not managed by the regular moving crew include, but are not limited to:
- large appliances
- flat panel TVs
- various electronics
- pool tables
- outdoor lawn and garden equipment
- large “grandfather” clocks
- pianos and musical instruments
- exercise equipment
- large sofas or cabinets
- mounted taxidermy
- artwork and collections
- other heat-sensitive items.
NEI and our experienced service partners are prepared for specialty move situations to minimize the chance of transit damage.
Careful and Cost-Effective
Sometimes it is best to use moving experts who are trained and experienced to provide the most cost-effective options for disassembly and crating specialty items. Consider the following:
- The sophistication of today’s electronic devices requires extra preparation. Careful packing and a climate-controlled space is critical as moisture or temperature fluctuations can damage components. Relocating employees should ensure their data is backed up, gather the manuals for their electronics and put them with the electronic devices. NEI service partners are constantly training about modern technology to address moving needs.
- Mounted taxidermy, such as animal heads, stand-alone antlers, fish, and some game birds. NEI service partners use a variety of mounting and/or strapping techniques to securely fasten these fragile items and minimize any chance of damage.
- Front load washers require manufacturers’ shipping kits. These kits are not generic. Every front load washer has a specific “stabilization kit” depending on its make and model. Transporting these items without the proper kits could cause serious internal damage to the machine. The universal air bag type kits should only be used as an emergency fix when no other option is available.
- Oil paintings and other artwork. Oil paint may become soft during transporting because the interior temperature of a moving truck can exceed 140 degrees on a hot day. Technicians from NEI service partners use a variety of crating techniques to ensure the surface of the artwork is not adversely impacted.
- Airbeds need special attention. Problems arise when soft foam sides or ends are improperly packed, causing permanent indentation and creasing. A better alternative is leaving the mattress structure intact and packing it in standard household goods mattress cartons. This requires disconnecting air pumps, removing supply hoses and sealing bladders with the original manufacturer supplied caps, which are typically missing on pack and load day.
Policy Perspective
Each client’s policy is unique in its approach to reimbursing expert crating/packing costs:
- Some cover the expenses by approved exception only.
- Others expect the costs to be paid out of pocket or through one’s miscellaneous expense allowance.
- Most companies authorize all professional crating for authorized pieces (uncapped).
- Still others clearly state a maximum dollar limit reimbursed within their policy’s “Moving Your Household Goods” section. Caps can range anywhere from $500 to $4,000, sometimes up to a specified number of crates, depending on company preference and history.
NEI always collaborates with each client to develop policy parameters that work for one’s cost objectives and culture. If the policy does not offer crating as a benefit, NEI’s Account Executive could offer to obtain a bid for the service from our service partner and the relocating employee would set up a Cash on Delivery (or “C.O.D.”) payment.
Experts Mean Peace of Mind
To deliver “Service Exceeding Expectations” and keep costs to a minimum, NEI calls on service partners MSS Logistics and Custom Movers Services with their decades of experience. They use quality materials for crating/packing/wrapping and have a network of skilled professionals who provide consistent, high-quality, customizable solutions for assembly, install, and uninstall.
Helping relocating employees with eligible household goods items that need special protection from damage in transit is worth the extra cost: not only will they have peace of mind that skilled professionals will manage these items, but they may also be more focused on their new job.
“The movers were very accommodating and professional. The packing was incredible-we didn’t have any damage on the most fragile items. Great team and I would hire them personally for any needs I had in the future.” ~ NEI Client Relocating Employee
“The specialty mover used did a great job overall, he was great! Very professional and very personable and would definitely recommend!” ~ NEI Client Relocating Employee
Of course, if you would like to discuss this topic further, please contact your NEI representative at any time.