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The Wilkins Group

Moving Large or Fragile Items? Wilkins Guide to Specialist Removal Services

When it comes to moving home, standard removals may not be enough—especially if your property includes valuable, oversized, or delicate possessions.

Whether it’s a grand piano, a priceless painting, or a unique sculpture, these specialist items demand more than just care; they require expertise. At Wilkins Removals, based in Reading, we provide professional specialist removals in Berkshire and Oxfordshire tailored to your unique needs.

In this guide, we’ll explain what specialist removal services are, when you might need them, and how Wilkins Removals ensures your most treasured belongings are handled with precision and care.

What Qualifies as a Large or Fragile Item?

If you’ve ever tried to lift a solid oak wardrobe or manoeuvre a grand piano down a staircase, you already know that some items demand more than just muscle. Large or fragile items often include:

  • Grand pianos
  • Oversized furniture (wardrobes, bookshelves, dining tables)
  • Antiques and heirlooms
  • Fine art and sculptures
  • Glassware and mirrors
  • Chandeliers
  • Safes and heavy appliances

These items are not only physically demanding to move, but they also require careful planning, protective packaging, and specialist handling to avoid damage.

Trying to move such pieces without the proper knowledge or equipment can result in damage to the item, your property, or even personal injury. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on experienced professionals.

Why You Need a Specialist Removal Service

A specialist removals company like Wilkins Removals has the training, tools, and techniques required to safely handle irreplaceable goods.

There are several reasons to choose a specialist removal service when moving large or fragile items. 

  1. Expertise

Our team of expert movers are trained to deal with fragile, valuable, and oversized items. From calculating weight distribution to disassembling complex structures, we know how to approach each item with the unique attention it deserves.

  1. Protective Packaging 

Delicate items require more than bubble wrap. At Wilkins Removals, we use:

  • Custom crates for fine art and sculptures
  • Heavy-duty blankets and straps for large furniture
  • Specialised piano skids and covers
  • Acid-free paper and anti-static wrap for antiques and electronics

Wilkins removals protectively package items during removals

This professional packing service minimises the risk of movement, scratches, and environmental damage during transit.

  1. Specialist Equipment

From stair climbers and lifting straps to hoists and custom trolleys, we have the tools to move heavy or delicate pieces safely.

  1. Insurance and Peace of Mind

Our services come with comprehensive insurance for added reassurance. As a reputable specialist removals company, Wilkins Removals is fully insured. This gives you peace of mind that your high-value goods are protected from door to door.

Without proper care, you risk damaging valuable items or causing injury. Our team at Wilkins Removals is here to remove that risk.

The Wilkins Approach – Tailored for Every Item

At Wilkins Removals, we know that every item has unique handling requirements. From start to finish, from initial consultation to settling in, we’ll support you in your home moving journey. Our specialist removal services are all-inclusive and thoroughly comprehensive, which is just one of the reasons we’ve been leading home removal specialists for over a decade. Our tailored approach includes:

  • Initial Assessment: We survey your home and the specific items to be moved, noting any access issues, dimensions, and fragility.
  • Bespoke Packing Plans: Our packing team creates a strategy using appropriate materials for each item—be it acid-free tissue for artwork or wooden crates for sculptures.
  • Safe Handling: Using professional lifting gear and coordinated team efforts, we ensure safe movement from your property to our vehicle.
  • Transit Safety: All items are secured within our removal vans to prevent shifting or damage en route.

Our attention to detail and proactive communication ensures your move runs smoothly, without the stress.

Examples of Items We Regularly Move

We’ve helped countless Oxfordshire residents move some of their most challenging and cherished possessions, including:

  • A grand piano from a second-floor flat in Oxford, using a specialist hoist system.
  • A full glass dining table set with etched chairs and a central pedestal.
  • Multiple antique grandfather clocks with intricate mechanisms.
  • A collection of fine art, including oil paintings and bronze sculptures.
  • Fragile crystal chandeliers from historic countryside homes.

Our experience means there are few items we haven’t handled—and every new move brings a chance to demonstrate our commitment to care and precision.

Read what our happy customers have to say!

Serving the Whole of Oxfordshire – Local Expertise You Can Trust

From historic cottages in the Cotswolds to modern apartments in Oxford city centre, we understand the unique challenges of moving within Oxfordshire. Our local knowledge allows us to:

  • Navigate tight village roads with ease.
  • Understand building restrictions and access points in Oxford’s heritage properties.
  • Provide timely, efficient service thanks to our proximity and regional focus.

Working with a local company like Wilkins Removals means you benefit from a team that knows the area, understands the logistics, and is ready to go the extra mile.

We are proud to be part of the Oxfordshire community and are committed to delivering high standards of care and professionalism.

Give Our Oxfordshire Removals Team a Call 

Moving large or fragile items doesn’t need to be a daunting task. With the right team and the right approach, it can be a seamless experience. Wilkins Removals combines specialist expertise, local knowledge, and a dedication to customer satisfaction that ensures your move goes off without a hitch.

Whether you’re planning a move next month or simply want advice on preparing for one, we’re here to help.

Planning a move in Oxfordshire involving large or delicate items? Contact Wilkins Removals today for expert support and a free, no-obligation quote.