5 Challenges in Moving Bespoke Furniture (and How to Overcome Them)
August 18, 2025 - Michelle Murphy
Every home tells a story, shaped by thoughtful interior design and layered with personal meaning. Over time, we collect furniture and decor that reflect who we are, and naturally these pieces become part of the narrative we create in our spaces.
But when it’s time to move? Those carefully chosen pieces often become the hardest to transport.
Whether you’re stepping into a new home or reimagining your current one, relocating bespoke furniture requires more than just careful lifting. It’s about protecting the quality, intention, and stories behind every piece.
Here’s how to make the process feel more manageable, while safeguarding the beautiful things you’ve thoughtfully chosen.

Custom Shapes & Oversized Silhouettes
Bespoke pieces rarely come in standard shapes or sizes. Oversized sectionals, sculptural dining tables, and artful consoles are often crafted to make a statement, but that can mean tight fi ts through doorways, elevators, or narrow staircases.
Before moving, take time to measure everything; furniture, doorways, hallways, and any tricky turns or angles along the way. When possible, carefully disassemble larger pieces and label each part to make reassembly smooth and stress-free. A little extra planning here can save a lot of frustration later.
Graceful Materials, Gentle Handling
From polished stone to lacquered wood, soft velvets to buttery leather, luxury materials make a space feel elevated, but they’re often delicate during a move. Even a gentle bump or trapped moisture can leave lasting marks.
Skip the plastic wrap, which can trap humidity, and opt for soft, breathable coverings like cotton or felt instead. For especially fragile pieces, custom crating or specialized padding offers added protection (and peace of mind). A great moving team will know exactly how to care for these details properly.

Packing With Purpose, Not Just Protection
It’s easy to assume bubble wrap and moving blankets are enough, but intricate, one-of-a-kind furnishings need an extra layer of thought. Attention to form, weight distribution, and pressure points is key to keeping each piece intact.
Working with Calgary moving companies who specialize in high-end items can make all the difference. There are several reputable companies that offer this kind of white-glove service, handling each item not just with strength, but with an understanding of its value and design integrity.
As Ed Burton, CEO of Wise Move, puts it: “Designer furniture isn’t just heavy, it’s valuable, fragile, and often one of a kind. The right movers know how to protect those details with custom packing, careful handling. When the right team is in place, your pieces arrive beautifully and safely.”
Documentation Matters
Even with insurance in place, coverage can vary widely when it comes to rare or custom pieces. For added protection, take clear photos of each important item before moving day and create a simple, organized inventory.
Speak with your movers about their insurance coverage, and confi rm whether it includes full-value protection. It’s a thoughtful step that can save a lot of stress in the unlikely event that something doesn’t go to plan.
Design-Led Timing for a Seamless Move
If you’re moving during a renovation or working alongside trades, deliveries, or design installations, timing can quickly become a puzzle.
Good communication between your designer, your movers, and any contractors involved makes a world of difference. With a clear plan in place, each item can arrive exactly when it’s needed - and land right where it belongs.

A Final Word on Moving Beautifully
Bespoke furniture is more than décor, it’s part of the home you’ve built with care. And like any meaningful part of your home, it’s worth protecting.
With thoughtful planning and the right team in place, moving your most cherished pieces doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be done with the same care, ease, and beauty that went into designing your space in the first place.