Some Things Cannot Be Replaced. We Treat Them That Way.
Trusting strangers with irreplaceable items is one of the hardest parts of moving. Serenity Movers makes it less hard: BBB A+ rated, excellent Google and Yelp reviews from customers who trusted us with art, antiques, and pianos and got them back in the same condition they left in. A crew averaging over 20 years with the company — experienced enough that careful handling is not a special effort, it is simply how they work. A flat price that includes proper handling for every delicate item.
- ✓ Fine Art and Painting Handling and Packing
- ✓ Antique Furniture White-Glove Moving
- ✓ Piano Moving — Upright and Baby Grand
- ✓ Custom Crating for Fragile and High-Value Pieces
- ✓ Licensed and Insured — NYS DOT #34554
What We Move with Expertise
Every delicate item receives individual attention from our trained crew. We document, wrap, and transport high-value pieces with the same care you would give them yourself.
Fine Art & Sculptures
Museum-quality handling for paintings, sculptures, and collectibles
Antiques & Vintage
Expert care for heirlooms and period furniture
Electronics & Appliances
Safe transport of high-value items requiring technical expertise
Exercise Equipment
Professional disassembly and reassembly of weights, machines, and fitness gear
Our Careful Process
Every step prioritizes protection and precision
Assessment
We evaluate each item’s requirements and create a custom handling plan
Specialized Packing
Custom crating, padding, and wrapping tailored to each piece
Professional Transport
Climate-controlled vehicle with careful driving and handling
Careful Placement
Items positioned exactly as you specify at destination
Transparent Pricing
Specialty handling includes full insurance and expert care
| Item Category | What's Included | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Art & Sculptures | Custom crating, climate control, full coverage | $250+ |
| Antiques & Vintage | Specialized padding, temperature control, insurance | $200+ |
| Electronics & Appliances | Safe disconnection, protective wrapping, testing | $150+ |
| Exercise Equipment | Disassembly, safe transport, reassembly included | $175+ |
All delicate item moves include: Expert assessment, custom packing, climate-controlled transport, full insurance coverage, and careful placement. Get a personalized quote today.
White-Glove Moving for Valuables
Moving Fine Art, Pianos & Antiques in NYC
Specialized white-glove handling for art, pianos, antiques, and fragile pieces. Here's what the service includes, how piano moves work in NYC buildings, and what insurance actually covers.
What items does the Serenity Movers Delicate Items service cover?
Our Delicate Items team specializes in the pieces that require more than a moving blanket. Every item in this category is handled under a specific protocol developed over 27 years of NYC moves.
What does white-glove handling actually mean?
The term “white-glove” is used loosely in the moving industry. Here’s what it specifically means at Serenity Movers:
- Pre-move photography: Every delicate item is photographed in place before it’s touched. This creates a documented condition record that protects both you and us.
- Item-specific handling plan: During your video walkthrough, we identify each delicate item and note its specific requirements — carry technique, wrapping material, exit route, and placement at destination.
- Dedicated handling crew: Delicate items are handled by experienced crew members, not assigned to junior movers. For significant art collections, we can staff a specialist alongside the standard crew.
- Custom padding and crating: We don’t use standard moving blankets alone for high-value pieces. Custom foam padding, glassine, and crating are used where appropriate.
- Placement at destination: Every piece is placed exactly where you want it, unwrapped carefully, and checked against the pre-move photographs before the crew leaves.
How to move a piano in a NYC apartment building
- Measure the freight elevator first: Many NYC pre-war freight elevators are too narrow for an upright piano to enter standing. Some pianos must be tilted, which requires additional crew and specific techniques. We measure both the piano and the elevator during your video walkthrough.
- Stairwells require 3–4 people minimum: Piano carries on stairs in NYC walk-ups are among the most physically demanding moves we do. We always staff correctly for stair carries — never with minimum crew.
- Grand piano leg removal: Grand piano legs and the pedal lyre are removed before the move and reattached at destination. This is standard procedure and takes about 30 minutes at each end.
- Notify the building in advance: Moving a piano through building common areas typically requires additional padding on walls, floors, and elevator interiors. We coordinate this with your building management before move day.
- Plan to tune after the move: Pianos need to settle for 2–4 weeks after a move before tuning, as temperature and humidity changes affect string tension. Book your tuner 3–4 weeks after move day.
Frequently asked questions about moving delicate items
How are fine art and paintings protected during a move?
Framed works are wrapped in glassine (acid-free paper) first to protect the surface, then padded with foam corner protectors, then wrapped in moving blankets. Large canvases without glass are wrapped in glassine only — no pressure against the canvas surface. Very large or high-value works travel in custom-built crates. All art pieces travel upright in the truck, never flat-stacked.
Can you move a grand piano up stairs in a NYC brownstone?
Yes, but it requires detailed planning. Grand pianos in NYC brownstones must be assessed on a case-by-case basis — the specific piano dimensions, the stairwell width and turn radius, and the floor destination all determine feasibility and crew requirements. We assess this during the video walkthrough and will tell you honestly if a particular carry is not safe or feasible. In some cases, crane or window lift options exist for brownstone upper floors.
Is delicate items handling included in a standard move or is it extra?
Standard furniture protection (blanket wrapping, stretch wrap) is included in every move. Specialized white-glove handling for art, pianos, antiques, and valuables is quoted as a separate line item on your flat-rate quote. The price depends on the number and type of pieces involved. There are no surprise charges — everything is disclosed before you book.
What insurance coverage applies to high-value art and antiques during a move?
Released value protection ($0.60/lb) is not appropriate for high-value art and antiques — a 10 lb painting worth $50,000 would only be covered for $6 under released value. For valuable pieces, you need either full value protection through Serenity Movers, a standalone fine art transit insurance policy, or confirmation that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance extends to goods in transit. We recommend speaking with your insurance broker before the move to ensure adequate coverage. Learn more about moving insurance.
Ready to Protect Your Valuables when you Move in NYC?
Contact us for a free consultation on your delicate items move