Planning a move is a big job, and it can feel even more overwhelming when you remember that family piano that’s been in your living room for decades. While most moving companies handle standard furniture, ultra-heavy or specialty items require specific expertise, equipment, and sometimes extra fees.
Fortunately, many professional moving companies can handle these items. The trick is finding the right mover who’s trained and equipped to do it safely. In this article, we’ll cover what counts as ultra-heavy and how to find the right team for the job. You’ll also learn what to look for before you book and what you can expect to pay.
What Counts as an “Ultra-Heavy” Item?
“Ultra-heavy” isn’t an official industry term, but it’s what many people say when they mean something far beyond the weight of a standard dresser or sofa. In the moving world, this generally refers to any single item that weighs over 300 pounds. These items cannot be safely lifted by only two people and often require special handling.
Approximate Weights of Common Ultra-Heavy Household Items
Moving these items isn’t just about muscle. They require special equipment like heavy-duty dollies, straps, ramps, and sometimes even cranes. They also need careful planning to protect the item itself, your floors, your walls, and the movers.
Do All Moving Companies Move Heavy Items?
Not all moving companies are equipped or insured to move ultra-heavy items. A standard crew might not have the training, the right gear, or even the correct insurance to cover a 1,000-pound safe, for example.
“If you’re moving long-distance, expect much higher costs since your mover will factor in travel time, mileage, and additional labor hours.”
This is why it’s important to tell movers about any ultra-heavy items that need to be moved — including the approximate weight — when getting quotes. It’s better to know now than to have a crew show up on moving day and say they can’t handle the job.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of movers who typically handle your move:
- Standard residential movers: These are experts at typical household goods. They handle the vast majority of local and long-distance moves.
- Specialty movers: These teams have specific training and use equipment like piano boards, stair-climbing dollies, and sometimes even small cranes to handle high-value or high-weight items.
When reviewing a mover’s list of services, look for mentions of “piano moving” or “specialty items.” If it’s not listed, ask directly about whether or not they can move your particular belongings before booking.
Finding a Moving Company to Move a Piano, Safe, or Other Heavy Items
Some items are just too heavy or delicate to trust to a regular moving crew. Pianos, safes, and large appliances all need extra care, specialized equipment, and movers who know exactly what they’re doing. If you need to move something ultra-heavy, here are the most reliable options:
Option 1 – Use HireAHelper’s Moving Marketplace
When you use our platform to compare movers, you can specify exactly what you need. Be sure to add your heavy item to your inventory list. This instantly filters your search to show local movers who have the equipment and have confirmed they can handle that item.
Option 2 – Ask Movers Directly When Booking
If you’re calling movers for quotes, have a list of your heavy items and approximate weights. Ask if they can move them. If not, call another mover until you find one who can.
Option 3 – Call a Specialty Mover
For especially tricky or valuable items, you can search directly for a “piano mover” or “specialty item mover.” These companies specialize exclusively in moving heavy or delicate items, so you know they’re prepared. This is a practical choice if you’re only moving one of these large and heavy items.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company
Once you have a few potential companies, how do you pick the right one? For a heavy, valuable item, you want to focus on expertise, not just the lowest price. Here’s what to ask and what to look for:
- Ask about their experience: Movers should be able to explain how often they’ve handled similar heavy items and what training their crews have.
- Confirm specialized equipment: Ask what they will use. Do they have heavy-duty dollies? Floor protection? Vague answers are a red flag. For example, when moving a piano, you want to hear words like “piano board” and “straps.”
- Check reviews for similar moves: This is where HireAHelper’s marketplace really helps. Sift through the customer reviews and look for mentions of “safes” or “heavy items.” Seeing that a mover successfully handled a similar job for someone else is a good sign.
- Clarify insurance, liability, and valuation coverage: Ask how your item is covered. Standard moving liability, called “Released Value Protection,” is minimal, often covering just $0.60 per pound. For a 500-pound piano, that’s only $300 if it gets damaged. If you need to move a high-value item, you should ask about “Full Value Protection” or see if you need a separate insurance policy.
- Get a detailed in-person estimate: For a complex item, a good mover may want to inspect it. They’ll check the item itself, plus the doorways, hallways, and any stairs to create a solid plan before giving a final price.
How Much It Costs to Move Ultra Heavy Items
The cost of moving a heavy item, like a piano, depends on what it is, where it’s going, and how hard it is to move. Knowing the average price range helps you plan your move and avoid unexpected charges. The table below shows some typical figures you might see.
Estimated Cost to Move Ultra Heavy Items (Local Moves)
These estimates assume a local move. If you’re moving long-distance, expect much higher costs since your mover will factor in travel time, mileage, and additional labor hours. Specialty items require not only physical strength but also expertise, which is why prices reflect both the weight and the precision needed to move them safely.
What Affects the Final Price?
Those numbers are just a starting point for estimating your total moving cost. Your final quote will change based on a few key details.
- Item weight and size: Heavier and bulkier items require more movers, powerful equipment, and extra time. A 200-pound safe is much easier to move than a 1,000-pound one, which may need a bigger crew and more specialized gear.
- Number of stairs or obstacles: Stairs, narrow hallways, or tight doorways increase the difficulty of the move. Movers may need to disassemble items or use additional equipment, which adds to the cost. For example, moving a piano up or down a flight of stairs is harder and riskier than rolling it out the front door.
- Distance of the move: Local moves are generally less expensive. Longer distances add mileage, fuel, and labor time, which can significantly raise the price.
- Specialty team required: Some items require a specialty team, which comes at a set price. But if your item is just bulky, like a heavy treadmill, you may be able to book hourly moving help instead. This is a flexible option costing between $60 and $100 per hour for a crew.
In short, the more complex the move, the higher the cost. Be sure your quote includes all these factors to avoid unexpected costs on moving day.
Final Thoughts
Moving your heavy items doesn’t have to be stressful. While it’s true that not every company is up to the task, plenty of experienced professionals are ready to help.
The key is to be clear about your needs, ask the right questions, and compare your options. By choosing a mover with the right skills and equipment, you can ensure your heaviest items reach your new home safely and efficiently.
FAQs
Can movers move a piano upstairs or downstairs?
Yes, many movers can move pianos up or down stairs, but it requires extra labor, equipment, and planning. Expect an additional charge since stairs add significant difficulty and risk to the move.
Do movers charge extra for heavy items?
Yes, most movers charge extra for heavy items because they require more time, equipment, and sometimes additional crew members. Always disclose these items upfront to avoid unexpected fees.
Will insurance cover damage to a piano or safe during a move?
It depends on the coverage you have. The basic, required liability for movers is very limited and based on weight, often paying just $0.60 per pound. You should always ask your moving company about purchasing additional valuation coverage that will cover the full replacement value of your items.
Can I hire movers for just one heavy item?
Typically, yes. Many companies offer single-item moves. You can hire a labor-only team for a small, two-hour job just for one heavy item without needing to book a full household move. It’s a great way to save money while still getting professional help.