It all started in Florence, where my friends — a young designer couple — had built up a collection of antiques and contemporary art, and were preparing for a long journey to their new home.
In the end, everything went smoothly, though not without a few twists. And what those twists were — you’ll find out in this article, because as experience shows, Italy knows how to surprise you.
The Italian Movers’ Style
We possessed an ancient walnut sideboard that had survived centuries, and Murano glass vases — as delicate as the recollection of one’s childhood. The team, gloved, wrapped everything in cloth, foam-padded the corners, and constructed bespoke crates.
It was the correct decision, as much of the damage is caused in packing — something I am aware of from personal experience. Novices in the moving industry tend to cut corners on supplies, and the outcome is, well, regrettable.
Fortunately for us, our team was absolute professionals and used the same principles as the ones I was accustomed to in the States — namely, Greenwich CT movers.
For the Italian artifacts, they suggested climate-controlled shipping to save the wood from humidity and other weather-related factors. That’s what we did, then. When the merchandise arrived in Siena, all was well. Attention to detail — that’s what distinguishes pros from amateurs.
In Siena, the movers certainly went beyond the norm in their service, and I have to say, I was impressed. For one, they put a few cases of wine in climate-controlled storage when we readied the cellar.
The temperature was maintained at 55-60°F to keep the bottles intact. Special padding was used for antiques such as the carved table to prevent scuffs on historical surfaces. Their after-move service featured a two-day follow-up call to determine satisfaction, which introduced an element of trust — the company did not disappear after payment.
Logistics
Planning a move in Tuscany resembles a game of chess with city officials. The narrow Florence streets, where a truck passes with little room to spare, and aggressive parking prohibitions in the city center require local expertise. But our movers had a personal coordinator — a person who was familiar with every turn and every city ordinance.
That saved us time: without him, approvals would have taken days, but instead, the movers obtained permits ahead of time, and loading took four hours.
Here’s the entire process in greater detail:
| Stage | Duration |
| Initial planning | 2 days |
| White glove packing | 1-2 days |
| Loading | 4 hours |
| Transportation | 6 hours |
| Unloading | 3 hours |
| Post-move follow-up | 2 days |
How Did We Even Find This Company?
Selecting an Italian moving company is somewhat akin to selecting a fine wine — you have to know where to search and what to look for. We nearly got trapped in a low offer that subsequently added hidden charges for “additional handling.”
So, the following are some pointers to enable you to make the proper selection:
- Verify licensing (in Italy, that implies EU-compliant certification);
- Require good pricing;
- Read recent reviews;
- Discuss liability coverage;
- Confirm timelines.
In our situation, Trustpilot reviews indicated constant punctuality and care, which made our decision final. We conducted a final walk-through after loading to ensure all was fine, and the coordinator addressed all our queries.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan move taught us that relocation is more than transport alone — it’s a synergy of experience, planning, and care.
The experts made what would have otherwise been stressful, from the packing to the unpacking, a seamless process, and my friends could begin their new life without any stress.
Select movers who have local knowledge, upfront pricing, and attention to detail, since moving is not so much an address change — it’s an opportunity to make a house a home from day one, with your possessions and your attitude intact in every way.
