Moving can be an exciting time. Whether you’re moving local or cross-country, moving into your new place can be a fresh start, which can be a great opportunity for improvement. You don’t want the logistics of the moving process to keep you from enjoying this time, especially if you have antiques or collectible items you need moved. These items need special care when being relocated as they have sentimental value and importance to you. Wanting these items to be in the same condition when they arrive at your new home as they were at your old home is understandable—so how do you get your valuables, antiques, and collectibles safely from point A to point B?
Find Reliable Specialty or Antique Movers
Depending on what your valuable items are, you can either transport them yourself or enlist the help of a professional. Items that you should transport yourself are smaller items like jewelry, coins, etc. This way you know where your collections are at all times. But if you have other more fragile or larger items, like antique furniture, porcelain/glass, and artwork, then hiring a professional mover would be the safest route. They know how to handle fragile items from the use of appropriate packing material, to the correct size box required for your valuable items, and they’ll make sure to pay extra attention when taking care of them. But some movers perform at a higher quality than others, so it’s important to pick a reliable company to move your antiques and valuables. Make sure to research companies near you, and look at their ratings as well as the specialty moving services they offer. When you talk to different companies, let them know that you have precious items that you do not want damaged. Here at MG Moving Richmond, we are known for our experienced and careful movers.
Packing and Shipping Antiques and Collectibles
Before you pack, make sure you clean your items and take detailed pictures of them. Make sure these pictures are high quality—photograph them on a blank background and with natural lighting. This way, if your items do get damaged, then you have proof that your item was damaged by a mover. Next, disassemble larger items if possible. Some moving companies will offer disassembly services so you don’t have to.
Packing is the most important step to make sure your antique items do not get damaged. If you plan to pack your valuables yourself, be sure to use textured materials such as:
- Fine tissue and Kraft paper
- Stretch and cushioning wrap
- Double-and triple-walled cartons
- Wrapping blankets
- Styrofoam and cardboard corner protectors
Adding outer layers to your boxes will provide extra security when your items are being shipped. Some outer layers include wood crates or a large cardboard box.
Depending on what your item is and how long it will be in storage, it will need to be wrapped a certain way—so make sure you know the best way to wrap your antique so it is shipped safely and securely. After your packing is done, communicate with your movers about what boxes are needed to provide extra care and protection. Don’t forget to label your boxes “Fragile” so you or your mover don’t forget what boxes contain your valuable items. After your packing is done, it is time to ship! When putting your valuables in the truck, make sure the boxes are positioned in a way so they do not get damaged by your other belongings in the truck. Your moving company should be able to help you with this.
Doing proper research and being careful are the best things to do to make sure your antiques, valuables, and collectibles make it to their destination unscathed. The fact that you’re reading this blog now means you’re beginning to take the necessary precautions to keep your antiques safe while moving. So great job and good luck!