When it comes to moving, knowing what counts as heavy goods is crucial for planning and safety. At ASP Transport & Removals & Storage, we often get asked about what qualifies as heavy goods and how to handle them during a move. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, understanding what is classed as heavy goods can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Let’s dive into what you need to know about heavy goods and how to manage them effectively during your move. Discover what is classed as heavy goods when moving with ASP Transport & Removals & Storage. Get expert advice on your move.
Understanding Heavy Goods
Heavy goods refer to items that require extra care and effort to move due to their weight or size. These are typically items that can’t be easily lifted or carried by one person. Common examples include large furniture, appliances, and certain types of equipment. Heavy goods often require special handling, such as the use of lifting equipment or additional manpower. Properly identifying these items is the first step in planning your move effectively.
Large Furniture Pieces
Large furniture items, such as wardrobes, sofas, and dining tables, are often classified as heavy goods. These pieces are bulky, and their size makes them difficult to manoeuvre through doorways and tight spaces. Moving large furniture usually requires disassembly, careful packing, and the use of dollies or trolleys. It’s important to measure your furniture and plan the best way to move it to avoid damage to both the furniture and your home.
Household Appliances
Household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens are prime examples of heavy goods. These items are not only heavy but also fragile, requiring careful handling to avoid damage. When moving appliances, it’s essential to disconnect them properly, secure any loose parts, and use protective covers. Additionally, appliances should be transported upright to prevent internal damage, which could be costly to repair.
Pianos and Musical Instruments
Pianos and other large musical instruments are considered heavy goods due to their weight and delicate nature. Moving a piano, for example, requires not only strength but also precision to avoid damage to the instrument and property. Special equipment like piano dollies and protective padding are often needed. It’s advisable to hire professionals who have experience in moving such items to ensure they arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
Gym Equipment
Gym equipment, such as treadmills, weight benches, and exercise machines, falls into the heavy goods category. These items are often bulky and awkwardly shaped, making them challenging to move. Disassembling gym equipment can make it easier to transport, but it’s important to keep track of all the parts. Proper packing and labelling will help ensure everything is reassembled correctly at your new location.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture, including large patio sets, garden benches, and BBQ grills, can be classified as heavy goods. These items are often made from materials like metal or stone, making them particularly heavy. Moving outdoor furniture requires careful planning, especially if the items are exposed to the elements. Protective covers can help prevent damage during transit, and it’s important to ensure that any fragile parts, such as glass tabletops, are securely packed.
Safes and Security Cabinets
Safes and security cabinets are designed to be heavy, making them a significant challenge to move. These items often contain valuable or sensitive items, so it’s crucial to handle them with care. Moving a safe may require specialised equipment, such as a safe dolly, and several people to ensure it’s moved safely. It’s also important to ensure that the safe is securely closed and locked before moving to prevent damage or loss of its contents.
Large Electronics
Large electronics, such as big-screen televisions and home theatre systems, are considered heavy goods. These items are often delicate and expensive, requiring careful packing and handling. When moving large electronics, it’s essential to use the original packaging if possible or invest in sturdy boxes and protective padding. Additionally, keeping track of cables and accessories can make reassembling your electronics easier once you’ve moved.
Books and Bookcases
Books might not seem like heavy goods, but when packed together, they can be surprisingly heavy. Moving a large collection of books or a heavy bookcase requires careful planning to avoid injury or damage. It’s best to pack books in small boxes that are easy to lift and carry. For bookcases, disassembly can make them easier to move, but it’s important to keep track of screws and other small parts.
Commercial Equipment
Commercial equipment, such as office furniture, industrial machinery, and specialised tools, falls under the category of heavy goods. These items are often heavy and bulky, requiring specialised handling. When moving commercial equipment, it’s important to work with a moving company that has experience in this area. Proper planning, packing, and labelling are essential to ensure that everything arrives at your new location in working order.
Artwork and Sculptures: What is classed as heavy goods when moving
Large pieces of artwork and sculptures are considered heavy goods due to their size and fragility. Moving these items requires careful handling to avoid damage. Specialised packing materials, such as crates and protective wrapping, are often needed. It’s also important to plan the route for moving these items, as tight spaces and narrow doorways can pose a challenge.
Garden Ornaments and Statues
Garden ornaments and statues, particularly those made of stone or metal, are classified as heavy goods. These items can be difficult to move due to their weight and shape. When moving garden ornaments, it’s important to use protective padding and secure them properly to prevent damage. Planning the move on a dry day can also help prevent slipping or accidents during the process.
Large Mirrors and Glass Items
Large mirrors and glass items are heavy goods that require special care when moving. These items are fragile and can easily break if not handled properly. Using protective covers and packing materials, such as bubble wrap, can help prevent damage. It’s also important to keep these items upright during transport to reduce the risk of breaking.
Heavy Machinery
Heavy machinery, such as lawnmowers, generators, and power tools, falls under the category of heavy goods. Moving these items requires careful planning, especially if they contain fuel or oil. It’s important to drain any liquids before moving to prevent leaks or spills. Additionally, securing any loose parts can help prevent damage during transit.
Bicycles and Motorcycles
Bicycles and motorcycles are considered heavy goods due to their size and weight. Moving these items requires careful handling to avoid damage. For bicycles, removing the pedals and turning the handlebars can make them easier to pack. Motorcycles should be secured on a trailer or in a moving van to prevent them from tipping over during transport.
Large Rugs and Carpets
Large rugs and carpets can be classified as heavy goods due to their size and weight. Moving these items requires careful rolling and packing to avoid damage. It’s important to secure rugs and carpets with protective covers to prevent dirt or moisture from getting in. Properly labelling these items can also make it easier to place them in the correct rooms once you’ve moved.
Mattresses and Bed Frames
Mattresses and bed frames are heavy goods that can be difficult to move due to their size. These items often require disassembly and careful packing to prevent damage. Using mattress covers can protect your mattress from dirt and moisture during the move. It’s also important to keep track of screws and other small parts when disassembling bed frames.
Dining Room Sets
Dining room sets, including tables and chairs, are often classified as heavy goods due to their size and weight. Moving these items requires disassembly, careful packing, and the use of dollies or trolleys. It’s important to protect the surfaces of tables and chairs to prevent scratches or dents during transport. Properly labelling the parts can also make reassembly easier once you’ve moved.
Pool Tables
Pool tables are considered heavy goods due to their weight and size. Moving a pool table requires disassembly, careful packing, and the use of specialised equipment. It’s important to handle the slate with care, as it can easily crack if not properly supported. Hiring professionals to move a pool table is often the best option to ensure it arrives safely at your new location.
Large Aquariums: What is classed as heavy goods when moving
Large aquariums are classified as heavy goods due to their weight and fragility. Moving an aquarium requires careful planning, including emptying the tank and securing all accessories. It’s important to transport the aquarium upright to prevent it from cracking or breaking. Properly packing and labelling all parts can help ensure that your aquarium is set up correctly in your new home.
Filing Cabinets
Filing cabinets, especially those made of metal, are considered heavy goods due to their weight. Moving a filing cabinet requires emptying the drawers and securing them to prevent them from opening during transport. It’s important to use a dolly or trolley to move filing cabinets to avoid injury or damage. Properly labelling the contents of the drawers can also make it easier to organise your files in your new location.
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
Wood stoves and fireplaces are heavy goods that require special care when moving. These items are often made of heavy materials, such as cast iron, and can be difficult to move. It’s important to disassemble any removable parts and secure them properly. Using protective covers can help prevent scratches or dents during transport.
Large Wardrobes
Large wardrobes are classified as heavy goods due to their size and weight. Moving a wardrobe requires disassembly, careful packing, and the use of lifting equipment. It’s important to protect the surfaces of the wardrobe to prevent scratches or dents. Properly labelling the parts can also make reassembly easier once you’ve moved.
Grandfather Clocks
Grandfather clocks are considered heavy goods due to their size and delicate nature. Moving a grandfather clock requires careful disassembly, including removing the pendulum and weights. It’s important to secure all parts and use protective padding to prevent damage. Hiring professionals to move a grandfather clock is often the best option to ensure it arrives safely at your new location.
Conclusion: What is classed as heavy goods when moving
Knowing what is classed as heavy goods when moving is essential for planning a successful and stress-free move. By identifying these items and understanding the special care they require, you can ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home. At ASP Transport & Removals & Storage, we’re here to help with all your moving needs, providing expert advice and professional services to make your move as smooth as possible. Whether you’re dealing with heavy furniture, large appliances, or delicate items, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.