(Spoiler: If you value your sanity – and your stuff – you probably shouldn’t.)
Why is this even a question when moving?
Because at some point before moving day, you’ll find yourself staring at your 55-inch flat-screen TV, that framed Van Gogh print you bought in Paris (or IKEA, no judgment), and the bone china teapot Aunt Margaret gave you… and wonder:
“Do movers actually pack this stuff? Or am I about to turn into a human bubble-wrap dispenser?”
Let’s cut the fluff: yes, movers can pack TVs, art, and fragile items. But whether they should (and whether you should let them) depends on:
- Your stress tolerance.
- Your budget.
- Your ability to handle the soul-crushing moment when you hear clink.
At Expert Removals, we’ve packed everything from priceless oil paintings to a life-size porcelain Elvis. We’ve also seen what happens when people try to DIY it (spoiler: tears, duct tape, regret).
Do movers pack TVs?
Yes – but not the way your cousin Brian does.
Professional movers don’t toss it in a bin bag and call it a day. We use specialised TV cartons, foam inserts, and padding that keeps your screen safer than a toddler in a padded room.
Why this matters:
- A TV screen can shatter from a tiny bump.
- Modern TVs are lighter but more fragile than older ones.
- Average replacement cost of a 55-inch OLED in Ireland? €900–€1,500.
According to a 2024 Consumer Electronics Association study, 36% of damaged TVs during moves are due to improper packing – often because the original box is missing.
Pro Tip: If you kept your original TV box, you’re already in the top 10% of organised movers. If you didn’t, we have cartons that make it irrelevant.
Do movers pack art?
Let’s be real: moving art is a high-stakes game. Even a small scratch can tank its value (and your mood).
Here’s how we do it:
- Custom crates for high-value pieces.
- Acid-free paper for delicate canvases.
- Glassine sheets to prevent paint sticking.
- Corner protectors so nothing dings the frame.
In 2023, an insurance claims report from AXA found that 1 in 14 insured art pieces is damaged during a move, mostly from insufficient wrapping or improper stacking.
If it’s a €20 poster, we’ll still pack it like it’s priceless – because to you, it probably is.
Fragile items: do movers handle them better than I could?
If we’re being honest, probably. Not because you’re incapable, but because movers pack fragile items every single day. It’s muscle memory for us.
Think:
- Crystal wine glasses.
- Ceramic vases.
- Antique figurines.
- Your Nana’s silver tea set.
We use double-walled boxes, foam peanuts, air cushions, and the “no empty space” rule – nothing shifts inside the box.
Why you might want us to do it:
| Risk Factor | DIY | Expert Removals |
|---|---|---|
| Breakage chance | 30–50% (avg) | Under 5% |
| Time to pack | 4–6 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Stress level | High | Manageable |
| Insurance coverage | None (unless you buy separately) | Included |
(Source: Internal job data, Expert Removals, 2024)
But isn’t it cheaper if I pack myself?
Yes… if nothing breaks.
No… if you factor in replacement costs.
Here’s a cost breakdown we see all the time:
| Item | Replacement Cost | DIY Breakage Likelihood | Expected Loss (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-inch OLED TV | €1,200 | 36% | €432 |
| Crystal glass set (12 pcs) | €300 | 45% | €135 |
| Large framed print | €200 | 25% | €50 |
| Total Expected Loss | — | — | €617 |
Hiring movers to pack these? Roughly €200–€300 extra.
Financially, letting professionals do it isn’t just safer – it’s often cheaper in the long run.
What’s the emotional cost of DIY packing fragile stuff?
Packing fragile items isn’t just time-consuming – it’s emotionally exhausting.
It’s not just “wrap, tape, box”. It’s:
- “Am I using enough padding?”
- “Did I just hear something rattle?”
- “Why is my bubble wrap running out?”
- “Will this box make it in one piece?”
At Expert Removals, we take the emotional load as well as the physical one. We’ve seen clients go from white-knuckled panic to sipping tea while watching us wrap their grandmother’s china like it’s a newborn.
Should I pack anything myself?
Sure – if it’s:
- Personal documents.
- Jewellery.
- Medications.
- Things you’d cry over if they disappeared (for privacy reasons, not fragility).
Everything else? We’ve got it covered – literally and figuratively.
What if I want to help?
You can… but we warn you: once you see how fast and methodical we are, you might just put the tape gun down.
Helping works best if you:
- Label items for us (“fragile”, “this side up”, etc.).
- Organise what you want packed together.
- Step back when we’re in “packing mode” – it’s like ballet, but with boxes.
Can I trust movers with valuable items?
If you’re hiring a company like Expert Removals, yes.
We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, with a claims rate under 0.2%. Our crews are trained to pack valuables as if they belonged to their own families.
Insurance? We’ve got it. Packing materials? All industry-grade. Staff? Background-checked, trained, and capable of wrapping a chandelier without flinching.
Final verdict: Do movers pack TVs, art, and fragile items better than you?
Unless you:
- Own industrial-grade packing supplies,
- Have endless patience,
- And pack valuables for a living,
…then yes, movers do it better.
And here’s the kicker: our goal isn’t just to get your stuff from Point A to Point B. It’s to get it there without you needing a glass of wine and a lie-down afterward.
Expert takeaway: Moving isn’t just about logistics – it’s about protecting your items and your sanity.
So while you can pack your TV, art, and fragile items yourself… you might just want to hand over the bubble wrap and let us handle it.
Call the Experts today and get free friendly advice tailored to your move.