Extra Moving Charges Explained: Pianos, Safes, Long Carries, Stairs and Items We Can't Move
Updated: 2 days ago
Most moving estimates have two parts: the cost of transporting your shipment, and the cost of extra services that some homes and some items require. These extras are not hidden fees. They pay for additional labor, equipment, and time. When you know about them in advance, they go into your estimate and there are no surprises on moving day.
Here are the most common ones, what they mean, and how to prepare.
IN THIS GUIDE Which moving services cost extra and why? Pianos, safes, stairs, long carry, shuttles, plus the items movers cannot transport, including firearms and hazardous materials. |
WINTER MOVING TIP Heavy items and icy steps do not mix. Tell your mover about stairs, long walkways and special items up front, so the crew comes prepared. |
Items that always need special handling
Pianos. Upright and grand pianos are heavy, top-heavy, and easy to damage. They need extra crew members, special dollies, padding, and sometimes a piano board. Grand pianos usually have their legs and lyre removed. Always tell us the type and size of your piano, and whether there are stairs involved.
Safes and gun safes. A safe can weigh several hundred pounds or more. Moving one safely requires extra crew, heavy-duty equipment, and careful planning for floors, doorways, and stairs. Please let us know the size and approximate weight, and empty the safe before moving day.
Other heavy or oversized items. Pool tables, large gym equipment, hot tubs, large aquariums, oversized sectionals, and marble or stone tables may require disassembly, crating, or extra crew. Mention them when you request your quote.
Charges based on your home and access
Long carry. Movers include a set walking distance between the truck and your door. When the crew has to carry items farther than that, for example in large apartment complexes, gated communities, or homes with long driveways, a long carry charge applies. The distance is defined in the mover's tariff and will be explained in your estimate.
Stairs (flight charge). Each flight of stairs adds time and effort. If there are stairs at pickup or delivery, they are usually charged per flight.
Elevators. Waiting for and using an elevator adds time. Many buildings also require you to reserve the elevator and provide a certificate of insurance, so ask your building manager early.
Shuttle service. If a full-size moving truck cannot reach your home because of narrow streets, low bridges, or building restrictions, your items are transferred to a smaller vehicle. This extra step is charged as a shuttle service.
Optional services that change the price
Packing and materials: if our team packs for you, labor and boxes are added.
Crating: custom wooden crates for artwork, glass, marble, or antiques.
Disassembly and reassembly: beds, cribs, tables, and some furniture.
Appliance disconnect: some appliances must be prepared or serviced before moving.
Storage: if your new home is not ready, storage in transit or long-term storage is billed separately.
You can see how packing and storage fit into a move on our Home Relocation page.
Items we do not transport
For safety and legal reasons, some items cannot go on the truck. Please plan to move these yourself or dispose of them properly:
Firearms and ammunition. MLV Transportation does not transport firearms or ammunition. Owners should move them personally, following the laws of every state they travel through.
Hazardous materials: gasoline, propane tanks, paint, paint thinner, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, fireworks, matches, and car batteries.
Perishable food and plants, especially on long distance moves. Some states also restrict moving plants across state lines.
Valuables and important documents: cash, jewelry, passports, birth certificates, medical records, keys, and personal computers with important data. Keep these with you.
Pets. They should always travel with you.
Understand your protection before you move
For interstate moves, federal rules require movers to offer two levels of liability:
Released value protection: included at no extra cost, but it only covers up to 60 cents per pound, per article. A 10-pound television would be covered for $6.
Full value protection: the mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged items, up to the declared value of your shipment. It costs extra, and the price depends on the value you declare and the deductible you choose.
If something is damaged, you have up to nine months after delivery to file a written claim. Note any visible damage on the inventory before you sign at delivery, and take photos.
The best way to avoid surprise charges
Tell us everything up front: special items, stairs, elevators, parking, and the distance to your door at both homes. Every extra service that is known in advance goes into your estimate, so the price on moving day matches the price you approved. Learn more about how we plan long distance moves.
Ready to Move? Talk to the Real Movers
SAVE 10% WHEN YOU BOOK DIRECT Use code MLVSAML2026 The Real Movers. No broker in the middle. |
Planning a move? Get your instant estimate in 2 minutes and save 10% with code MLVSAML2026.
FMCSA licensed and insured: USDOT 4429331, MC 1742575. Se habla español.
Comments