Specialty Moving Services: Why We Partner with MSS for Expert Care
Not everything in your home fits in a standard moving box. Exercise equipment. Pool tables. Marble countertops. Valuable artwork. Advanced electronics. These items need more than careful handling—they need specialized expertise.
That’s why Lite Movers partners with MSS (Movers Specialty Service, Inc.) to ensure our specialty moving protocols follow industry best practices.
Here’s what you need to know about moving your most challenging possessions.
Why Specialty Items Need Specialized Care
Standard moving techniques work great for furniture, boxes, and typical household items. But certain possessions require different approaches:
- Technical knowledge: Some items need professional disconnection and reconnection
- Specialized equipment: Heavy or awkward items require specific moving tools
- Custom protection: Valuable pieces need engineered crating solutions
- Insurance considerations: High-value items often need additional coverage
- Liability concerns: Improper handling can cause thousands in damage
We don’t wing it with your expensive belongings. We follow proven protocols developed by industry leaders.
Our Partnership with MSS: Industry-Leading Standards
MSS has been the specialty moving industry’s gold standard since 1978. Based right here in Pennsylvania (Montgomeryville), they’ve spent over 40 years perfecting specialty moving protocols.
Why MSS sets the industry standard:
- Nationwide network of certified, background-checked technicians
- MSS University training programs for continuous education
- Award-winning service (Cartus Master’s Cup, AMSA Summit Award)
- Custom engineering for complex projects
- Documented processes and quality metrics
- Decades of experience with high-value relocations
By partnering with MSS and following their protocols, we ensure your specialty items receive the same expert care used by Fortune 500 companies and high-net-worth individuals nationwide.
Exercise Equipment Moving: More Complex Than You Think
Home gyms are investments. Treadmills cost thousands. Ellipticals are heavy and awkward. Peloton bikes need careful handling. Weight machines have moving parts that can break.
Why Professional Exercise Equipment Moving Matters
Treadmills and Ellipticals:
- Weigh 200-400+ pounds
- Have sensitive electronics that can be damaged by vibration
- Need proper disassembly to fit through doorways
- Require recalibration after reassembly
- Have warranties that can be voided by improper moving
Weight Equipment:
- Cable systems need careful disconnection
- Weight stacks must be secured to prevent shifting
- Hydraulic systems require special attention
- Some machines weigh 500+ pounds
Stationary Bikes (Peloton, NordicTrack, etc.):
- Touchscreens are fragile and expensive to replace
- Need specific protective packaging
- Balance mechanisms can be thrown off
- Subscription services need transfer coordination
Our Exercise Equipment Protocol
Following MSS best practices, we:
- Assess before moving day: We evaluate your equipment and determine disassembly needs
- Use proper tools: Specialized dollies rated for heavy equipment
- Protect electronics: Padded wrapping for screens and control panels
- Document condition: Photos before and after for your protection
- Secure for transport: Proper strapping to prevent movement in truck
- Reassemble correctly: Following manufacturer specifications
Call 610-755-5535 to discuss your home gym moving needs.
Appliance Moving: Safe Disconnection and Reconnection
Appliances involve water, gas, or electrical connections. Improper disconnection can cause flooding, gas leaks, or electrical damage. Improper reconnection can void warranties or create safety hazards.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Modern refrigerators are complex. French door models. Built-in units. Commercial-grade appliances. They all need specific handling.
Our refrigerator moving protocol:
- Proper defrosting timeline (24-48 hours recommended)
- Water line disconnection (for ice makers and water dispensers)
- Door removal when necessary to fit through tight spaces
- Upright transport to protect compressor
- Leveling and water line reconnection at destination
Washers and Dryers
Front-load washers are especially delicate. The drum needs securing. Water connections need proper disconnection.
Washer/dryer moving includes:
- Hot and cold water line disconnection
- Drain line removal
- Drum securing (prevents bearing damage)
- Gas line disconnection for gas dryers (requires licensed professional)
- Proper venting for dryers at destination
Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers require:
- Water supply line disconnection
- Drain line removal
- Electrical disconnection
- Countertop support during removal
- Proper reinstallation with leak-free connections
Important: Gas appliance disconnection and reconnection must be performed by licensed professionals. We coordinate with certified technicians to ensure safety and code compliance.
Advanced Electronics: Protecting Your Technology Investment
Modern homes contain thousands of dollars in electronics. TVs cost $2,000+. Home theater systems are complex. Smart home equipment is delicate.
Large Screen TVs
Today’s TVs are thin, light, and fragile. OLED screens crack easily. Plasma screens are heavy but delicate.
TV moving protocol:
- Original boxes when available (always save TV boxes!)
- Custom foam padding when boxes aren’t available
- Vertical transport only (laying flat can crack screens)
- Climate-controlled transport for extreme temperatures
- Wall mount removal and reinstallation coordination
Home Theater and Audio Systems
Receivers, amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers—these systems require careful packing and proper reconnection.
- Cable management and labeling for easy reinstallation
- Original packaging when possible
- Anti-static protection for sensitive components
- Shock-absorbing materials during transport
Computer Equipment
Desktop computers, servers, and networking equipment need protection from static electricity and physical shock.
- Hard drive removal for critical data (recommended)
- Anti-static packaging materials
- Proper cable organization for reconnection
- Climate control during transport
Pool Table Moving: Precision Required
Pool tables are deceptively complex. Slate weighs 400-800 pounds. Felt tears easily. Precise leveling is critical for playability.
Why Pool Tables Need Specialists
A standard pool table has three pieces of slate, each weighing 150-250 pounds. The felt costs $300-600 to replace. Improper moving can:
- Crack the slate (expensive to replace)
- Tear the felt (requires complete recovering)
- Damage the frame (can compromise structural integrity)
- Throw off leveling (makes the table unplayable)
Professional Pool Table Moving Process
Following industry best practices:
- Felt removal: Carefully detaching felt without tearing
- Slate disassembly: Removing three pieces of heavy slate
- Frame disassembly: Breaking down the wooden frame and legs
- Protected transport: Slate carried on specialized dollies
- Reassembly: Frame reconstruction at destination
- Slate leveling: Precise adjustment using shims and levels
- Felt reattachment: Professional stretching and stapling
- Final leveling: Ensuring perfect playability
We coordinate with certified pool table specialists who have moved thousands of tables. Your investment is protected.
Art and Glass: Museum-Quality Care
Fine art, glass sculptures, mirrors, and decorative glass need gallery-level protection. One crack ruins a priceless piece.
Artwork Moving Protocol
Whether you have paintings, sculptures, or mixed media, proper handling is essential.
Paintings and framed art:
- Custom cardboard corners to protect frames
- Acid-free paper to protect surfaces
- Mirror boxes or custom crates for valuable pieces
- Vertical transport (never flat-stacked)
- Climate-controlled trucks for temperature-sensitive art
- Insurance documentation with photos
Sculptures and 3D art:
- Custom crating engineered to piece dimensions
- Internal bracing to prevent shifting
- Multiple layers of protective materials
- Special handling for bronze, marble, or ceramic
Glass and Mirrors
Glass is unforgiving. One bump can cause a crack. Proper packing is essential.
- Heavy-duty mirror boxes with reinforced corners
- Multiple layers of bubble wrap
- Corner protectors on all edges
- Clearly marked “FRAGILE – GLASS”
- Upright transport only
- Separate from heavy items in the truck
Custom Crating for High-Value Items
Some pieces justify custom wooden crates. MSS protocols include:
- Engineered crating based on weight and dimensions
- Internal suspension systems
- Climate-controlled transport
- Additional insurance coverage
- Documented chain of custody
We’ve moved museum collections, gallery inventories, and private art collections. Your treasures receive the same care.
Marble and Stone: Heavy and Breakable
Marble countertops, stone tables, granite slabs—these combine extreme weight with surprising fragility.
Why Stone Is Challenging
Natural stone has unique properties:
- Weight: Marble countertops weigh 12-20 pounds per square foot
- Brittleness: Despite weight, stone can crack from stress
- Edge vulnerability: Edges and corners chip easily
- Value: Custom stone pieces cost thousands to replace
Professional Stone Moving Approach
Following MSS best practices for stone:
- Assessment: Evaluating size, weight, and transport method
- Proper equipment: Heavy-duty dollies rated for stone weight
- Edge protection: Foam padding on all edges and corners
- Vertical transport: Stone carried on edge, never flat
- Secure strapping: Multiple points of contact to prevent shifting
- Crew strength: Adequate personnel for safe lifting
- Insurance: Proper valuation for expensive stone pieces
Marble Furniture
Marble table tops, coffee tables, and decorative pieces need similar care:
- Separation from wooden bases when possible
- Cushioned transport to absorb vibration
- Corner and edge protection
- Careful reassembly to avoid stress cracks
Additional Specialty Items We Handle
Pianos
Upright and grand pianos require specialized moving:
- Piano boards and straps for safe transport
- Leg removal for grand pianos
- Internal padding to protect strings and hammers
- Post-move tuning coordination
Learn more about our piano moving services.
Gun Safes
Heavy safes present unique challenges:
- Weight often exceeds 1,000 pounds
- Difficult to grip and carry
- Risk of floor damage if improperly moved
- Stairway challenges requiring special equipment
Grandfather Clocks
Antique clocks have delicate mechanisms:
- Careful disassembly of weights, pendulum, and face
- Protective wrapping for each component
- Proper reassembly and leveling
- Clock specialist coordination for high-value pieces
Hot Tubs and Spas
Outdoor spas require:
- Electrical disconnection by licensed electrician
- Water drainage and line winterization
- Crane or specialized equipment for access
- Reconnection and startup at destination
The MSS Advantage: Why Best Practices Matter
We could attempt specialty moves without following established protocols. Many movers do. But the risks are significant:
Without proper protocols:
- Equipment gets damaged
- Warranties get voided
- Insurance claims get denied
- Repairs cost thousands
- You’re left dealing with the aftermath
With MSS protocols:
- Proven techniques refined over 40+ years
- Documented processes for quality control
- Background-checked, trained technicians
- Industry-leading insurance coverage
- Peace of mind for you
How Our Specialty Moving Process Works
Step 1: Pre-Move Assessment
During your estimate, we identify specialty items. We discuss your specific pieces and determine the best approach.
Call 610-755-5535 to schedule your free assessment.
Step 2: Custom Planning
We create a specialty item plan. Which items need disconnection? What requires custom crating? Do we need additional technicians?
Step 3: Coordination
We schedule any necessary specialists:
- Licensed electricians for complex disconnections
- Certified gas technicians for appliances
- Pool table specialists for disassembly/reassembly
- Piano movers for instruments
- Art handlers for valuable pieces
Step 4: Custom Protection
Specialty items receive appropriate protection:
- Custom crating when justified
- Extra padding and cushioning
- Specialized equipment (piano boards, appliance dollies)
- Dedicated space in the moving truck
Step 5: Careful Transport
Your specialty items travel safely:
- Secure placement in the truck
- Separation from regular household items
- Climate control when needed
- Careful driving with valuable cargo
Step 6: Professional Installation
At your destination:
- Careful unloading and placement
- Reconnection of appliances and equipment
- Reassembly of disassembled items
- Leveling and adjustment as needed
- Testing to ensure everything works
Insurance and Valuation for Specialty Items
Standard moving insurance may not adequately cover high-value specialty items. We help you understand your options:
Basic carrier liability: Covers only $0.60 per pound (not adequate for valuable items)
Full value protection: Covers replacement cost or repair of items
High-value item coverage: Additional insurance for art, antiques, and expensive pieces
We’ll discuss insurance options during your estimate to ensure proper coverage for your valuable belongings.
What Sets Our Specialty Moving Apart
We Don’t Wing It
Some movers treat everything the same. That’s a recipe for disaster with specialty items. We follow proven protocols developed by industry leaders.
We Use the Right Equipment
Specialty moves require specialty tools:
- Heavy-duty appliance dollies
- Piano boards and straps
- Furniture slides for marble and stone
- Custom crating materials
- Specialized packing supplies
We Coordinate Specialists
When your move requires licensed electricians, gas technicians, or other specialists, we handle the coordination. You don’t juggle multiple contractors.
We Document Everything
Photos before and after. Detailed inventory. Condition reports. If anything goes wrong, you’re protected.
We’re Transparent About Costs
Specialty moving costs more than standard moving. That’s reality. We provide clear estimates upfront so you can budget appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does specialty moving cost?
Costs vary by item complexity. Pool table moves typically add $300-800. Custom crating ranges from $200-1,000+ depending on size. Appliance disconnection/reconnection runs $150-400. We provide detailed estimates during your consultation.
Do you move everything, or do I need to hire multiple companies?
We coordinate everything. One company, one bill, one point of contact. We handle specialty items as part of your complete move.
What if my item is extremely valuable?
We can arrange museum-quality care for irreplaceable items. This includes custom crating, white-glove handling, and specialized insurance. Let’s discuss your specific needs.
Can you move items on the same day as my regular household goods?
Usually yes. We plan specialty items into your overall moving timeline. Some items may need advance disconnection or preparation.
What if something gets damaged?
With proper insurance coverage, you’re protected. We work with your insurance to handle any claims. Our careful protocols minimize damage risk significantly.
Do you move industrial equipment?
Through our MSS partnership, yes. We’ve moved manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and commercial machinery. Contact us to discuss your industrial moving needs.
Ready to Move Your Specialty Items?
Don’t trust your valuable possessions to movers who lack specialty expertise. Our partnership with MSS ensures your most challenging items receive industry-leading care.
Call 610-755-5535 now to discuss your specialty moving needs.
We’ll assess your items, explain our protocols, and provide a detailed estimate. Whether you have exercise equipment, appliances, electronics, pool tables, art, glass, marble, or stone—we have the expertise to move it safely.
Related moving services:
Lite Movers—protecting your specialty items with industry-leading protocols. Professional. Experienced. Trusted.
