White Glove Delivery Explained

Written by Martha Lott Reviewed by Dave Sayce

26th Jan 2018 (Last updated on 12th Mar 2024) 8 minute read

When should you use white glove delivery?

It’s advised to use white glove delivery services when you are looking to move expensive items that are more delicate and valuable. Some items that may need this specialised service include:

• Piano removals
• Lab equipment
• Fitness equipment
• Perishable goods
• Valuable goods
• Fragile items
• Antiques and vintage clothing
• Some home appliances (e.g. washing machines)
• Specific furniture (e.g. dining tables or expensive chairs)
• Medical equipment
• Artwork

White glove logistics aren’t limited to these items. The service can be applied to any items that require secure and careful handling.

Packing Your Specialist Items

Packing services may be offered as part service when you enquire about white glove delivery. General packing services cost an average of £250 for a 3-bedroom house. The cost of white glove delivery packing services will differ based on the cost of the items, their size and the number of items being shipped.

The company will provide specialised care when packing your items. They will use protective packaging to ensure that items are safe and not damaged during transport.

The packers are experienced with packing items such as expensive artwork and luxury goods. As a result, special care is taken to not damage anything on your moving day. Some companies will use temperature-controlled packaging as an additional precaution.

If a packing service is not available to you, you will need to take added care when packing your own items. If you’re in this situation, we’ve provided a couple of tips on how to pack valuable items so that they’re completely secure and ready for transit.

These include:

1. Packing Paintings

All packing materials and product packaging should be checked to ensure no sharp objects are sticking out. All the materials used should be dry and clean so the painting isn’t damaged during transit.

Lay the painting flat in its frame and cut some brown packing paper large enough to wrap it. We recommend you cut enough to wrap around the painting several times to keep it secure. Fasten the paper with a good-quality adhesive tape.

Pack the painting into cardboard. You can either buy speciality boxes, which are sturdier, or you could cut cardboard to create a box to the correct size yourself.

Fill any remaining box space with polystyrene filler or newspaper. Ensure the box is secure and tightly shut to limit the possibility of it moving during transit.

2. Packing Antiques & Collectables

Packing antiques and collectables correctly is important. Not just because of the value of the item but also often because of the ornate presentation of them. For example, an antique clock may need certain elements removed so the strain of moving does not damage the working parts.

Ensuring the antique is wrapped to protect it from dust and dirt is the first step to packing. Using good-quality tissue paper in a few layers works well. Good-quality tape will keep this layer in place.

Place the antique into a suitable box to protect it on its journey. Depending on how fragile the item is, you may want to double-box it with plenty of protective layers inside.

Avoid placing multiple antiques or collectables into one box. This can cause them to become damaged during transit. It's advised to place antique collections into smaller boxes and then into one larger box.

3. Fragile Items

Moving fragile items can be tricky, especially if they are oddly shaped or you no longer have the correct packing materials for them. The best thing to do is to ensure the box is filled with suitable packing materials to protect the items.

You should always use sturdy boxes, even for lighter items. This will help to prevent any damage to the box and the items inside during transit. Bubble wrap is particularly useful, as are packing beans and packing paper. You will want to ensure the items are well.

White Glove Removals vs Standard Removal Companies

All removal companies take great care when handling your personal goods. Their staff are trained in moving your items safely and correctly. In addition to this, all trusted and reliable removal companies should have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance.

The main difference between standard removal companies and white glove services is that white glove removalists are specifically trained in handling specialist items. They can handle a wide variety of items, from fragile antiques to grand pianos.

White glove moving companies focus on ensuring valuable items arrive in pristine condition. Some use padded trucks to improve the delivery experience. This helps to reduce the risk of scratches and breakages during transportation.

These companies have the vital knowledge and experience to handle even the bulkiest and most difficult items. With the latest technology used, they can ensure an efficient and safe delivery.

Benefits of White Glove Delivery Services

There are many benefits to choosing white glove removals over a traditional removal service. The most notable benefits include:

1. Highly-Trained Personnel

Everyone within a white glove removals team is trained to a high standard. They have extensive knowledge of the industry. The team will know how to handle delicate, valuable and sentimental items.

They have dedicated drivers and removalists who are regularly trained. This keeps them up to date with the latest modern removals equipment and techniques. This helps to ensure the reputation of the business remains intact.

It also provides customers with peace of mind that their items are fully protected and secure. Knowing your items are being handled by movers with extensive experience allows you to have a hassle-free experience.

2. Regular and Flexible Delivery Options

As white glove delivery is a specialist service, it’s not as popular as standard removal services. As a result, delivery options tend to be more flexible and available.

This can mean that a greater number of delivery options are available. This is an excellent benefit as it allows the service to suit your moving home schedule.

Some companies may offer international shipping. This will typically be at an extra charge, due to the additional risks of shipping high-value goods abroad.

3. Specialist Storage

White glove deliveries provide specialist storage. This ensures that your precious items can remain safe throughout the process. They can then be brought into your new home when you have finished removing and disposing of items through the process.

4. Reliability

White glove moving services help to provide reassurance that your items will be protected during transit. They can be trusted with valuable items. As a premium service, reliability and customer satisfaction are important to white glove delivery companies.

There’s a certain level of urgency involved with moving valuable items. As a result, companies that offer white glove delivery aim to deliver these items as quickly as possible.

Reputation is important to white glove companies. They always ensure they are providing high-quality services.

Costs of White Glove Delivery Services

The average removal company cost for a 3-bedroom home travelling 50 miles is £806. If you’re looking to add packing and furniture dismantling, assembly or installation, this will cost around £1,181.

White glove deliveries are a premium service. As a result, these services include an additional charge. You should expect to pay a reasonable amount more for white glove delivery compared to regular home removal services.

It’s impossible to give an accurate figure on the overall costs as they are dependent on many variables. This includes:

• Distance travelled
• The cost of the item being shipped
• Size and weight of the items
• Number of items
• Chosen provider
• Difficulty of the move (staircases, awkward entrances etc)

If you’re opting for a white glove delivery service, we recommend booking a home removals survey in advance. The removals company can then examine your items and provide you with an accurate quote.

Is it Worth Using a White Glove Delivery Service?

If you’re looking for additional peace of mind when moving fragile, sentimental or high-value items, a white glove delivery service is certainly worth using. It provides reassurance that your items are in safe hands and will have specialised handling.

You can work closely with the delivery company to choose a customised solution to meet your specific needs. This will include choosing a delivery date. Most companies will offer scheduled deliveries and a high-end service.

Some may offer same-day delivery. Companies tend to keep an inventory of your items to ensure that everything arrives at your new home correctly. In addition to this, some companies will provide you with real-time updates of where your goods are during transit.

Book Your White Glove Moving Service With Compare My Move

Here at Compare My Move, we can connect you with up to 6 different removal partners that offer white glove moving services. All of our partners are trusted and verified. Simply fill out our online form and save up to 70% on your removal costs.

Before choosing a company, you will want to ensure that they are trusted and reliable. It’s useful to read customer reviews and research the company before making a final decision.