1. Create an item and condition inventory
List furniture and specialty items room by room. Include approximate dimensions for pieces that may be difficult to move, such as sectionals, armoires, conference tables, large appliances, sculptures, and oversized mirrors. Note loose parts, existing scratches, cracked glass, weak joints, or other visible damage. Take dated photos from several angles for your records. Match removable components to the main item. Label shelves, legs, hardware bags, cords, remotes, and keys so they can be identified at delivery. If an item is going to storage or a different destination, mark that clearly on both the inventory and the item.
2. Decide what must be disassembled
Measure furniture, doorways, hallways, stair turns, elevators, and loading entrances before deciding whether an item can travel intact. Beds, tables, modular shelving, desks, and sectional sofas may require partial disassembly, but construction varies. Ask in writing which items the mover expects to disassemble and reassemble, whether that work is included in the estimate, and who is responsible for hardware. Do not dismantle complex, antique, built-in, mechanical, or electrically connected pieces without the manufacturer's instructions or an appropriately qualified professional. Empty drawers and cabinets unless the mover confirms otherwise.
3. Flag specialty items before requesting a quote
Identify pianos, safes, fragile art, antiques, glass or stone tops, aquariums, exercise equipment, pool tables, and unusually heavy appliances when describing the move. Provide dimensions, estimated weight when known, photos, pickup and delivery floor levels, and details about stairs, elevators, tight turns, thresholds, and outdoor paths. Ask whether the mover handles that item type, what preparation is required, and whether specialized equipment or a separate specialist is needed. For a piano or safe, specify the exact type rather than using only a general label. Do not assume that specialty-item handling is available until it is confirmed in writing.
4. Separate restricted items and confirm access
Ask the mover for its written prohibited-items and owner-packed-items policies. Set aside anything the mover will not accept or requires you to transport separately. Common categories that may need special handling include hazardous, flammable, pressurized, perishable, valuable, medical, or personally essential items, but the mover's policy controls. Keep identification, medication, keys, financial records, irreplaceable documents, and other essentials with you. Confirm the equipment and route needed for each difficult piece: dollies, ramps, lifting straps, padding, floor protection, elevator access, or another method approved by the mover. Check loading-area rules at both addresses. In Raleigh, the city administers parking permits and related curb-use rules, so confirm whether a truck may legally occupy the intended loading area rather than assuming curb space is available (City of Raleigh — Parking Permits: https://raleighnc.gov/parking/services/parking-permits). Send the final inventory, photos, access notes, and packing requests before accepting an estimate. For broader scheduling and address details, use the planning guidance in /resources/planning-move-guide/. If furniture handling is the main need, review /services/furniture-moving/ and verify availability for the specific items.