How do I safely move valuable or fragile items?

Tell the removal company before you book. Pianos, artwork, antiques and large TVs need extra protection (for example a piano shoe and quilted covers), not a standard blanket. Hand-carry jewellery, passports, cash and laptops yourself. Leaways carries appropriate insurance for its removal services; standard liability is subject to our Terms & Conditions and limited to £100 per individual item unless extended liability has been agreed in writing in advance, before work commences.

But when you're moving a 100-year-old grandfather clock, an original oil painting, a marble dining table, or high-end electronics, “standard” packing stops being adequate — and starts becoming a genuine risk.

These items aren't just valuable financially. Many are irreplaceable. They require a very different approach to packing, handling and transport, one that goes far beyond bubble wrap and cardboard.

Why bubble wrap isn't always your friend

Bubble wrap is everywhere, and for many everyday items it works perfectly well. For fine wooden furniture and antiques, however, it can cause more harm than good.

Plastic bubble wrap traps moisture against the surface of polished wood. In the UK, where temperature changes during transport are common, that trapped moisture can lead to blooming — cloudy white marks in the varnish that are difficult and expensive to repair.

For delicate or antique wood, breathable materials are essential. Specialist packing uses layered, padded papers designed to absorb impact while allowing the surface to breathe, helping preserve the finish and patina rather than damaging it.

Boxing vs proper protection

A cardboard box, no matter how thick, has a limit. Once pressure is applied from the outside — another item shifting in the van, a sudden brake, or uneven weight — the box becomes vulnerable.

This is especially risky for mirrors, glass-fronted artwork, chandeliers and framed pieces. A box may look secure, but it offers very little structural protection against crushing forces.

For truly delicate or high-value items, timber crating provides a completely different level of security. For large TVs and artwork, reinforced telescopic cases with non-abrasive inserts prevent movement and edge damage during transit.

When valuable also means heavy

Some of the most valuable items are also the heaviest — pianos, large American-style fridge freezers, safes, stone tables and oversized furniture.

These items can't simply be pushed across floors or lifted with basic equipment. Without proper protection, it's not just the item at risk — flooring, stairs and door frames can suffer serious damage too.

Professional handling involves specialist skids, floor runners, ramps and careful route planning. The key principle is simple: the item should never be dragged, rolled directly on flooring, or forced through tight spaces.

Handling delicate mechanics and electronics

High-value items often include complex moving parts or sensitive electronics.

Grandfather clocks, for example, must be partially dismantled before transport, with weights and pendulums secured separately. High-end media systems require careful cable labelling and anti-static protection to avoid damage during handling.

Equally important is documentation. High-value items should be individually logged, photographed before packing, and checked again immediately on arrival. This level of control reduces risk and ensures accountability at every stage of the move.

Peace of mind matters most

Moving valuable possessions isn't just about getting them from A to B. It's about knowing that every item is being handled with the level of care it deserves.

When something is irreplaceable, cutting corners simply isn't worth the risk. The right materials, equipment and processes don't just protect your belongings — they protect your peace of mind on moving day.

If your move includes antiques, artwork, high-value furniture or specialist equipment, it's worth having a proper conversation before packing begins.

Speak to a Leaways Removals & Storage specialist about custom packing and handling, or get in touch to discuss a tailored plan designed around your most valued possessions.

For a move around Luton, tell us about valuable and fragile items before booking so the move can be planned around them. Get a free quote for your move.