Furniture/bulk item transport

What to confirm on handling, insurance and access

Confirm access routes, damage insurance coverage, and protective handling methods before booking furniture transport. Essential details to check upfront.

You've got a removal date locked in, a quote accepted, and now you're staring at the details. Before you confirm the booking, three things should be crystal clear: how the driver will actually move your furniture through your home, what happens if something breaks, and whether they can physically access your property. These are the gaps where things unravel—not because the transporter is dishonest, but because assumptions were never tested.

Access and entry: the overlooked blocker

You might assume that because your sofa fitted through the front door when it arrived five years ago, it'll fit again on the way out. But removal day is different. The driver won't have the luxury of time or patience to angle, tilt and wrestle. They'll want to know the path from kerb to door to room is clear and wide enough, or they'll refuse the job or quote you extra.

Before you call anyone, walk the route yourself. Measure doorways, hallways and stairwells if the item is large. Check for overhead beams, low ceilings, light fittings or cornicing that might catch. Note whether you have gates, security doors, or narrow passages. If you're on a top floor with no lift, or if the stairs turn sharply, say so upfront. A good transporter will ask about these things before they arrive, and they'll sometimes suggest solutions—removing feet from furniture, taking it up on its side, or using an external lift or hoist. Vague descriptions invite costly surprises on the day.

Also confirm parking. Can the truck pull up close, or will they need to park a block away and hand-truck items further? Is your street permit-only, or will they need to pay for loading time? These details affect both the job length and their willingness to take it on.

Damage cover and liability: read before you rely on it

Every transporter should have insurance. The question is what it covers and who pays if something goes wrong. This is where the fine print bites.

Ask directly: what does their public liability insurance cover, and what's the limit? If an accident damages your wall, the driver's van, or someone else's property, that's what public liability is for. But damage *to your furniture during transit*—that's different. Some transporters include goods-in-transit cover as standard; others don't, or it costs extra. Some only cover what they've damaged through negligence, not accidental breakage. Some cover only declared value up to a certain amount.

Get the answer in writing or take a screenshot. If they're vague, ask them to send their insurance details and the conditions. You might also ask: if a glass top cracks or veneer peels during the move, do you claim on their insurance or yours? Who decides if it's their fault? A professional will have a clear answer. A dodgy one will dodge the question.

Declare the value of items beforehand if asked. If they offer increased cover for a premium, compare that cost against the risk. For cheap items, it might not be worth it; for a family heirloom, it could be essential.

Handling methods and protection: specifics matter

Don't assume all transporters wrap and pad the same way. Ask what they use: blankets, furniture pads, bubble wrap, cardboard corners, plastic sheeting? Will they protect corners and edges? Do they disassemble items (removing legs, drawers, mirrors) to reduce damage risk, and will they reassemble at the destination? Some charge extra for disassembly; others include it.

Bring up any particularly fragile pieces—a marble-top table, a velvet sofa, anything with veneers or glass. Ask how they'd handle it. Their answer will tell you whether they've done this before or are winging it. Experienced transporters will often suggest protective methods you hadn't thought of.

Confirm who bears the cost if a board or beam gets scuffed while they're manoeuvring. Some transporters include minor wall and frame touch-ups; others don't. It matters more if you're renting and liable to a landlord.

These three conversations—access, insurance and handling—take ten minutes but save weeks of regret. Once you've confirmed them clearly with your transporter, you can book with real peace of mind. On Strove, you can message verified transporters directly with your specific questions and compare their answers before deciding who to book.

Common questions

What should I measure before I contact a furniture transporter?: Measure doorways, hallways, stairwell widths, ceiling heights and any tight corners the furniture must pass through. Check for beams, light fittings or cornicing that might obstruct movement. Note whether you have stairs, gates, or security doors. Share these measurements when you get a quote so the transporter can confirm they can do the job safely and won't charge surprise fees on the day.
Does a transporter's insurance cover damage to my furniture during the move?: It depends. Public liability insurance covers damage they cause to your home or third parties, not your goods. Goods-in-transit or items-in-care insurance covers your furniture, but not all transporters include it—some only offer it as an add-on or have strict exclusions. Ask explicitly what their policy covers and get the answer in writing or as a screenshot before you book.
What's the difference between a damage claim due to negligence and accidental breakage?: Negligence claims usually succeed if the transporter failed to take reasonable care—like dropping a sofa or not wrapping fragile items. Accidental breakage (a glass top cracking from a jolt despite proper wrapping) may not be covered, depending on their insurance terms. Ask their policy upfront and clarify who decides liability if damage occurs.
Should I mention fragile or delicate items separately?: Yes. Tell the transporter about anything with glass, veneers, marble, mirrors or fragile finishes before you book. They can advise on special handling, disassembly or extra protective materials, and flag any items they're unwilling to move. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures your most valuable pieces get appropriate care.

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More on Furniture/bulk item transport

Access and entry: the overlooked blocker

Damage cover and liability: read before you rely on it

Every transporter should have insurance. The question is what it covers and who pays if something goes wrong. This is where the fine print bites.

Handling methods and protection: specifics matter

Common questions

What should I measure before I contact a furniture transporter?

Measure doorways, hallways, stairwell widths, ceiling heights and any tight corners the furniture must pass through. Check for beams, light fittings or cornicing that might obstruct movement. Note whether you have stairs, gates, or security doors. Share these measurements when you get a quote so the transporter can confirm they can do the job safely and won't charge surprise fees on the day.

Does a transporter's insurance cover damage to my furniture during the move?

It depends. Public liability insurance covers damage they cause to your home or third parties, not your goods. Goods-in-transit or items-in-care insurance covers your furniture, but not all transporters include it—some only offer it as an add-on or have strict exclusions. Ask explicitly what their policy covers and get the answer in writing or as a screenshot before you book.

What's the difference between a damage claim due to negligence and accidental breakage?

Negligence claims usually succeed if the transporter failed to take reasonable care—like dropping a sofa or not wrapping fragile items. Accidental breakage (a glass top cracking from a jolt despite proper wrapping) may not be covered, depending on their insurance terms. Ask their policy upfront and clarify who decides liability if damage occurs.

Should I mention fragile or delicate items separately?

Yes. Tell the transporter about anything with glass, veneers, marble, mirrors or fragile finishes before you book. They can advise on special handling, disassembly or extra protective materials, and flag any items they're unwilling to move. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures your most valuable pieces get appropriate care.