How to Safely Pack and Move Your Antiques: Tips for Professionals

Moving antiques and delicate items can be a daunting task. Proper preparation and the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring your valuable pieces arrive safely at your new location. This guide will provide essential tips and advice for packing and moving your antiques.

Why Professional Help Matters

Because moving antiques and delicate items involves specialized care and handling, it is crucial to hire experienced professionals. Movers equipped with the right tools and expertise can handle the delicate nature of these items with care and minimize the risk of damage.

Security and Protection

When moving antiques, it is essential to ensure the security of your valued possessions. Any expensive ornaments, ancient coins, stamps, or even money should be kept with you at all times and stored in a secure, weather-regulated warehouse with added measures against explosion and robbery. Consider using an atmosphere suspension container that can move your artifacts carefully into the vehicle without causing damage.

Preparation and Tools

Before you begin the packing process, gather all the necessary supplies. Here is a list of items you'll need:

Packing film Packing tape Microfiber cloth Plastic bubble wrap Edge protectors for glasses and fine arts Shifting boxes Furniture pads

It is crucial to verify that items being moved are not in contact with other objects that might cause damage during transportation.

Professional Relocation Services

For a more seamless experience, opt for professional packers and van supervisors who can make inquiries simultaneously during the process. companies like PM Relocations have extensive experience in fine arts shipping and antiques requiring special care and packing.

Personal Experience and Preparation Tips

As someone who collects and sells 20th-century vintage furnishings as a hobby, I have found that working with specialty moving companies ensures the safe transport of items over long distances. For instance, an antique church steeple can be moved across Texas on the roof of a Tundra pickup, which requires careful handling due to the potential for legs to break.

Old English furniture polish can help cover up light spots, and a furniture repair kit online can be useful. Basic tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, needle-nose pliers, and a battery-powered drill with drill bits can save significant time. Dry wall screws in various sizes can also help with hanging pictures and making wobbly chairs more stable.

Preventative Measures and Insurance

While thoroughly cleaning and preparing your furniture, it is also important to consider the practical aspects of moving. For example, dust may not be a primary concern, but being prepared is key to maintaining confidence during the stressful day. Utilize bubble wrap for lightweight breakables and fill sturdy chest drawers without adding too much weight.

Purchase two or three mover’s quilts per piece of furniture. Ensure that elastic cords are positioned to the back of the pieces, and cover all upholstery with waterproof material to protect against accidental wetness. A tightly packed load is much better than items sliding around even the slightest bit.

For valuable items, strongly consider shipping them. It is challenging to obtain insurance for items in transit, which is why some individuals prefer to ship overland to avoid the risk of loss due to accidents or theft.

Driving slowly and paying attention to your gut feelings about motels can help ensure a smoother and safer move. Remember, the key to successful antique relocation is thorough preparation, professional help, and careful handling at every stage of the process.