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Moving Specialty Items: What to Know Before You Ship Overseas

When moving specialty items, you cannot just toss everything into a box and proceed to shipping.


You must plan carefully so that your delicate, sentimental, and high-value items are protected throughout the journey. This is especially true when dealing with bulky, fragile, or irreplaceable items like artwork, musical instruments, wine collections, or electronics.


Fortunately, you do not have to handle everything alone and honestly, you should not. Attempting to move heavy or complex items without training or equipment can be risky, expensive, and even dangerous.


This guide covers everything you need to know about moving specialty items overseas, with tips from professional movers and real-world experience to help you avoid damage, delays, or costly mistakes.


Quick Tips for Moving Specialty Items Overseas

  • Identify all items needing special handling (art, tech, instruments, wine, etc.)

  • Use custom crates, protective padding, and climate-controlled transport

  • Never move high-value items without proper insurance

  • Label boxes carefully and keep an inventory

  • Work with specialty movers who understand global shipping regulations


Now, let’s get into it…


moving specialty items

What Counts as a Specialty Item When Moving Overseas?


Specialty items refer to anything that requires special handling, packaging, or care.


Common examples include:

  • Pianos, harps, and musical instruments

  • Fine art and antique furniture

  • Wine or liquor collections

  • Aquariums, terrariums, or large plants

  • High-tech electronics (servers, home studios, etc.)

  • Jewelry, documents, or collectibles

  • Boats, cars, or jet skis

  • Safes and vaults


These items often require custom crates, heavy-lifting tools, climate control, or insurance beyond standard coverage.


How to Pack Fragile Specialty Items Like Art, Piano, Wine, and Tech


Here are some ideas you can try: 


Wine collections

Wine bottles are fragile. They are also sensitive to sunlight, shaking, and temperature changes - typical moving events. 


It's best to wrap bottles safely using high-quality wine boxes. 


Next, get a moving vehicle that's dark and climate-controlled. You'll also need to strap the boxes into the van's storage area for extra protection and security.

Pianos and other instruments

Often, they won't fit through the doorway. You must make them fit or be lifted through a window, other entryway, steep, or sloping walkways with these items. 


Handling them on your own will require a lot of hands, ladders, and other equipment. 


You also need to take note of its delicate inner parts, which must be preserved to ensure that it reaches the destination in the best condition. 


Your piano must be wrapped in padding and tape or strap down the moving or opening parts, such as the keyboard or top lid. 

Small items

The small stuff, such as jewelry and vital paperwork, should travel on your person. However, figuring out which items you can leave with the rest of your belongings can be confusing. 


Hence, your specialty moving company will also provide you with a list of things they would prefer you take with you. 

Household and Outdoor Plants

You should check the state and country laws to determine if your plants are allowed into that country and region.

You will also need a climate-controlled moving van and shipping to get your plants to your destination. 

Fragile Antiques, Fine Art, and Mirrors

Wrap with packing paper and pad the corners with cardboard or Styrofoam padding to prevent damage to the corners.


Use custom boxes, bubble wrap or packing peanuts to cradle fragile antiques and smaller items during the move.


Consider keeping these items separate from your other belongings in the moving vehicles and keeping paintings and other fine art items out of sunlight to prevent fading.

You can move with less hassle if you have the original box and packaging. You'll need to put it back in the way it came and then ensure extra padding on all four sides. This means you must purchase or rent specialty furniture padding. 


Ensure you indicate which side has the screen and whether you'll use a moving company to ship. 


When moving the TV down the flight of stairs, the best way to hold it is by placing the base towards the bottom stairs with the screen side facing up. If it's dropped, there's a chance of saving the screen. 

Boats or Jet Skis

Before proceeding, you need to remove items that can move or shift. This includes your items like storage items, dinnerware, and even antennas. 


You also need to remove the plug and disconnect the batteries. Drain any water tanks. 


Finally, consider getting the item wrapped for the journey.


moving specialty items

Tips to Avoid Damage or Loss When Shipping Specialty Items Overseas


  • Disassemble large items (e.g., beds, furniture) and pack parts in labeled bags

  • Label everything clearly with “fragile,” “this side up,” and item descriptions

  • Use an inventory list to track each box and its contents

  • Take photos before and after packing for insurance and customs

  • Choose direct shipping routes when possible to reduce handling risks


Do You Need Extra Insurance for Specialty Item Shipping?


Absolutely. Standard moving insurance usually covers general loss or damage, but may not be sufficient for high-value or rare items.


You should:

  1. Declare item value in advance

  2. Review the mover’s standard liability policy

  3. Consider third-party or item-specific insurance

  4. Get written documentation for all items and their condition before packing


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What are specialty items in overseas moving?

Specialty items include anything fragile, high-value, oversized, or hard to pack: such as artwork, pianos, wine, antiques, and electronics.


Is it safe to ship artwork or wine internationally?

Yes, if handled by professionals using climate control, custom crates, and experienced carriers. DIY methods risk damage.


Can I insure my specialty items when moving abroad?

Yes. You should request additional insurance coverage that specifically lists the declared value of high-risk items.


How do I avoid damage when shipping high-value items?

Use proper materials, avoid excessive handling, label clearly, and work with movers who specialize in international relocation.


Why Hiring the Right Movers for Specialty Items Matters


Moving specialty items across borders is not something you want to rush or risk getting wrong. Between the paperwork, packaging, customs rules, and physical handling, it is easy to underestimate what goes into a successful move.


By following these tips and working with a reputable international specialty mover, you protect your investments and reduce the risk of breakage, delays, or insurance disputes.


Need help moving specialty items overseas?


Let SirMove handle the packing, lifting, and logistics, so you can focus on your new destination.


Call us at: +65 6534 7345


 
 
 

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