What Types of Specialty Movers are Available for Your Move?
When individuals took the step to buy a new house, and get ready to move homes, one of the first thoughts on their minds is whether to employ a rental truck or hire a professional moving team. But, the concern does not stop there, as many types of specialty movers are available to help with the move. Sometimes, depending on the items being moved, it is wise to use a specialist to avoid potential damage. Also, a specialty mover may assist with the setup of the item at the destination. And, a specialist will come to dismantle the item and prepare it for transport.
To help decide whether you require a specialty mover, here is a list of the types of specialty movers available for your move.
Pet Movers
When contacting a pet mover, the first question will be what type of pet you own. Not all pet movers move all types of pets. For example, if you own a small petting farm or a little zoo, the move may require more specialized pet handlers than a regular dog and cat pet mover.
Once you know that the pet mover is able to transport your specific type or breed of pet, inquire about the credentials of the handlers. Some of the more common memberships for animal handlers are:
- The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA)
- The Animal Transportation Association (AATA)
- Professional Handlers Association
- The American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA)
- USDA certified as pet handlers
Full service pet relocation companies will pick up your animal at home, deliver him to the airport, pick him up at the destination airport, and deliver him to your new location. When required, they may provide or make arrangements for boarding, as well. The animal must travel in an appropriate crate, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian and pet relocation service staff before purchasing the crate. There are specific legal requirements regarding size and locking mechanisms.
Piano or Organ Movers
Your piano is an expensive investment. Maybe it has been handed down from generations or maybe you recently purchased it so your child could take piano lessons, but whatever the reason for owning a piano, a move can be detrimental to the instrument if not handled properly. This is why piano movers exist.
When choosing a piano or organ mover, an excellent recommendation would be a company who moves new pianos from the showroom to your home. If piano dealers entrust their clients to a specific piano moving service, then that company is most likely qualified to move your piano or organ. In addition, a professional piano mover will send at least two people to ensure the safe removal and placement of the piano.
Spa Movers
Moving a spa or large whirlpool tub is a difficult job. Basically, you want to be careful not to smash up the sides of the tub or damage any of the water injection nozzles. Placing the spa in a truck on its side can cause severe damage, particularly if the move is long distance. In the long run, it will be cheaper to rent a spa dolly to safely move it to the new location.
Antique Movers
Much like your prized piano, antiques are irreplaceable items that need special care when moving and loading into a rental truck. Heirlooms such as grandfather clocks, old dressers, fancy mirrors, and china vases all require special handling. The mechanism in a grandfather clock is quite sensitive, and the moving pieces need to be secured properly without hampering the future workings of the clock. You will want to avoid scratches and damage on old dressers, as well as the wood splitting or bowing from pressure and humidity. Protection is important while in the items are in the truck. Antique specialists are usually well-qualified in the preservation of heirlooms and their proper handling and packing.
Vehicle Movers
Suppose you have to fly to your new destination or you own more than one vehicle, how will you get the vehicles to the new location without driving them? For each vehicle, you would need a driver. Extra vehicles, however, can be transported in a variety of ways.
- Some moving companies specialize in preparing vehicles to travel by train.
- Other businesses use ferries if the destination is situated across a body of water.
- Some vehicle movers secure the car or truck on long flatbed trucks like you see when new cars are being delivered to car dealerships.
- Vehicles can be shipped in crates or containers with other household items, but preparation and securing must follow certain government regulations. The truck rental agency will pick up the container for shipping.
- Lastly, the vehicle can be moved to the new location simply by hiring a driver.
Office or Corporate Movers
For large corporate moves, many companies hire moving specialists, as it is more efficient and less time consuming than using their own staff. Typically, staff are more productive doing the job for which they were hired. Having completed many corporate moves, the specialists come in and complete office relocation with as little downtime as possible to the company.
Further, the specialists have the necessary experience to pack up the office, and are aware of little tips to make the job easier. With all the cords and gadgets that go with computers, fax machines, telephones and other office equipment, something is bound to get lost. Professional office movers, however, have figured out ways to keep everything together so setup is streamlined in the new office space.
Refrigeration Trucks for Restaurants
When moving goods from a refrigerated warehouse or a restaurant freezer, a special truck rental may be necessary in order to keep the contents from spoiling. In most instances, a driver can be hired, as well, who is more familiar with handling the truck.
Bucket Trucks
For contractors and long-term rental truck users, their companies may perform tasks that require workers to be up high off the ground. Bucket truck rental vehicles are available to keep workers safe instead of using ladders in unstable areas.
Industrial Movers
Industrial type moves usually involve the relocation of a factory, the disposal of materials, or even the delivery of raw materials. Factories and producers may hire an industrial moving company to move the toxic waste from its plants to the hazardous waste dump. In addition, industrial movers might transport large pieces of machinery to job sites, or pre-fabricated goods to the site where they are being installed. Whole houses can even be moved on specialty moving truck units.
To summarize, there are many types of specialty movers. If you are not sure how to handle any item in your home or business, contact an authorized dealer and they may be able to recommend a company to aid in the preparation, moving and setting up of your item. In some instances, the mover may only be experienced at packing the item and moving it. You may still require someone to test the item at the new destination or set it up. An example is a piano that would need tuning.
Finally, when you book your moving truck, let the truck rental agency know about any items that need special handling. The staff should be able to advise you where to find further help.