🎨 How to Move Special Items: Plants, Artwork, Instruments & More

Moving day involves more than just packing boxes of clothes and dishes. Many of us have delicate, valuable, or sentimentally important items that require special care. Moving things like plants, artwork, and musical instruments can be stressful, but with the right preparation and packing techniques, you can ensure they arrive at your new home safely. Here’s how to handle these special items.

🌿 1. Moving Your Green Friends: Houseplants

Plants are living things and can be sensitive to the stress of moving. A little extra care will help them survive the journey.

• Prune and Consolidate: A few weeks before the move, prune any dead leaves or excess branches to make the plants more compact and easier to handle. Repot any plants from heavy, fragile ceramic pots into lightweight, shatterproof plastic pots of the same size.
• Check Regulations: If you are moving to another state or country, check the regulations regarding the transportation of plants. Some states have restrictions to prevent the spread of pests.
• Packing Day: Water your plants 2-3 days before the move—you want the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. For small plants, place them in a sturdy, open-top box, and wedge paper or cardboard between the pots to prevent them from tipping over. For taller plants, you can wrap the base in a plastic bag to keep soil contained and carefully wrap the leaves and stems with craft paper or a light sheet to protect them.
• Transportation: Transport plants in your own vehicle if possible. This allows you to control the temperature and prevent them from being crushed. Never put plants in the trunk or a sealed moving truck for long periods.

Pro Tip: Label the boxes with "LIVE PLANT" and "FRAGILE," and make them one of the last items loaded and first items unloaded.

🖼️ 2. Protecting Your Art and Valuables

Artwork, antiques, and other valuable decorative items require meticulous packing to prevent scratches, cracks, or breakage.

• Framed Artwork and Mirrors: For pieces behind glass, create an "X" on the glass with painter's tape. This won't prevent breakage, but it will help hold the glass shards in place if an accident occurs. Wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap or a soft moving blanket, paying special attention to the corners. Use a specialty picture/mirror box for a snug fit. Fill any empty space with crumpled paper to prevent shifting.
• Canvas Paintings: Do not let bubble wrap touch the surface of an oil or acrylic painting directly, as it can leave imprints. First, cover the surface with a layer of acid-free glassine paper. Then, wrap it in bubble wrap and place it in a properly sized box or a custom crate for very valuable pieces.
• Sculptures and Statues: These items are often irregularly shaped. The key is to provide ample cushioning. Wrap the entire object generously in bubble wrap, securing it with tape. Place it in a sturdy box filled with packing peanuts or crumpled paper on all sides to ensure it is completely immobilized.

Pro Tip: Always label these boxes as "FRAGILE - DO NOT LAY FLAT" and indicate which side is up.

🎸 3. Handling Musical Instruments

Musical instruments are delicate, often expensive, and highly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Using their dedicated hard case is always the first and most important step.

• Guitars, Violins, and Other String Instruments: Loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension on the neck. Place soft cloth or crumpled paper inside the case around the instrument to add extra padding and prevent it from shifting. Once secured in its case, pack it in an outer box with additional padding for maximum protection.
• Pianos and Large Instruments: Moving a piano is a job for professionals. Pianos are incredibly heavy and have complex internal mechanics that can be easily damaged. Professional movers have the right equipment (like dollies, skid boards, and straps) and the expertise to handle the job safely. Never attempt to move a piano by yourself.
• Drums and Brass Instruments: Disassemble what you can. For drum kits, take off the legs and cymbals and pack them separately. Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect individual drums. For brass instruments, make sure they are securely padded within their cases.

Pro Tip: For any high-value item, whether art or an instrument, consider getting a professional appraisal and checking your moving insurance coverage. For irreplaceable items, hiring professional specialty movers is your best investment for peace of mind.