What is the difference between an International Mover and a Local Mover?

International Movers specialise in preparing your goods and paperwork for an international removal. They provide export-quality packing using specific wrapping and packing techniques, assist with customs forms paperwork and clearance, and coordinate road transport and air or sea shipments using FCL or LCL methods.

How are goods packed for international shipping?

International movers and packers use special materials and techniques to help make sure household goods can safely travel by road, sea or air shipment to your destination. This includes using sustainable and eco-friendly 4-6 ply export wrap, thick-walled specific packing boxes, and acid free tissue paper. Furniture is typically cornered with thick carding and wrapped with export quality wrapping material.

What is the difference between FCL, LCL and air shipments?

Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and Air are three methods of international shipping. When you are moving overseas, it is helpful to understand the difference, but you won’t need to select a shipping method by yourself. Your international mover will advise you on the most cost- and time-effective method based on your personal circumstances.

How are shipment volumes calculated?

Moving shipments are calculated based on volume, typically by square meter. A square meter is calculated by multiplying an item or carton’s length by width by height.

What should you pack, store or give away when you move overseas?

We strongly recommend that you sort through your items and sell or donate unnecessary or prohibited items before your moving survey. When deciding what to bring, consider the shipping cost and potential carbon footprint of shipping an item versus buying a new one in your new location.

Piano Moving and Bespoke Crating | Sterling Lexicon Removalists

Moving pianos, art, antiques and collections

Your high value items and collections are special– your moving solution should be too

Piano Removals – From baby pianos to baby grands

Did you know that an average grand piano can weigh upwards of 400 kg and is often too large to fit through a standard door opening?

Don’t try to move your piano by yourself or with the help of a few friends. Your piano is a significant investment and should only be moved by professional piano movers.

At Sterling Lexicon, we are experts in piano moving – from baby pianos to baby grands, and everything in between. Speak with one of our Move Specialists, who will review your specific piano type and advise you on the best way to ensure its safe removal to your new home.

Art, collectibles and antiques moving services

At Sterling Lexicon, we understand the unique challenges of moving valuable and fragile pieces of art, antiques, and collectibles.

We assess each case individually and recommend the best way to pack and ship high-value items.

Our packing methods include specialty cartons, acid-free paper or bespoke crating, all specially selected to protect your treasured belongings.

Art, collectibles and antiques moving services

At Sterling Lexicon, we understand the unique challenges of moving valuable and fragile pieces of art, antiques, and collectibles.

We assess each case individually and recommend the best way to pack and ship high-value items.

Our packing methods include specialty cartons, acid-free paper or bespoke crating, all specially selected to protect your treasured belongings.

Moving a fine wine collection

Fine wine needs special care to remain stable during moving.

Our Move Specialists will evaluate your wine collection and recommend the best packing and shipping methods to minimize changes in temperature, moisture and excessive movement.

For overseas moves, our Move Specialists can advise you on potential customs restrictions and duties in your destination country, and they can assist with any required paperwork.

Choose Sterling Lexicon moving services for your high value items

We are a member of the British Association of Movers and we are FIDI certified. With offices across Europe, the US, and in Asia, we can coordinate complex removals of high value items, including art, antiques, collectibles, fine wine collections and pianos.

Piano, art and antique moving | Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]:

How do you move a piano?

Pianos are a high value, high risk item to try to move yourself. They can weigh more than 400 kg and – when moved by inexperienced individuals – there can be damage to the piano, the home or both.

Professional movers and packers know how to prepare every type of piano for moving, which may include partial dismantling, speciality wrapping, and/or crating. They also know how to safely move a piano through your home and onto the moving van.

How do you pack expensive antiques, art or collectibles for moving?

The packing methods and materials used for art and antique removals are as unique as the items themselves. Professional removalists who offer high-end moving services assess the individual item’s size, weight, medium, and fragility, as well as the distance and method of travel. Depending on these factors, the packers use specialty cartons, acid free paper and/or bespoke crating to safely pack and ship your high-value art and antiques.

How do you move a wine collection?

While smaller wine collections or just a few bottles may be moved with you in your car, if you have a large or valuable wine collection, you should hire professional home movers. They use specialty packing to minimize disruption to the wine due to movement, extreme temperature or moisture. Professional movers also know the import regulations and potential customs duties for wine moved across country borders.