How to Move Your Valuable Antiques and Cherished Collectibles

Are you planning a move in the near future? If so, you’re not alone. Between 2015 and 2016, 11.2% of the population moved.

A significant concern during the moving process is making sure your belongings get there in one piece.  That’s especially true of your valuable antiques and collectibles, which are often irreplaceable.

The steps you take before and on moving day determine how well your antiques and collectibles remain protected during the move. A little extra prep work and additional layers of protection can cut down on breakage, nick, dents, scrapes, and broken glass.

Take these steps when preparing your valuables for a move.

Appraise and Document Valuable Antiques

If it’s been a while since having your valuables appraised, do so before your household move. Not only do you know what you’re working with, but the appraisal may be necessary for insurance purposes should something happen during the move.

Create a record of all valuables by taking photos from all angles. Store the appraisal documentation in a safe place during the move.

Wrap in a Protective Layer

Start with a protective layer around your antiques and collectibles.

Glassine works best for glass items. It’s a particular type of paper with a wax-like finish to protect the items. Glassine protects your valuables from dust, moisture, and other potentially damaging elements. Plus, it’s acid-free.

Bubble wrap is another versatile option that adds cushioning. Wrap the selected protective layer around each antique piece individually. Tape it in place to secure it. Never attach tape directly to your valuable.

Protect the Corners

If you’re packing antique picture frames, artwork, or similar pieces, use corner protectors. They come in a variety of materials, including cardboard and plastic. Corners tend to sustain more damage, so the protectors give those areas extra protection.

Add a Cushioning Layer

Since packed items tend to shift in transit, adding a cushioning layer is essential to create a protective barrier. You can use additional bubble wrap, bunched packing paper, air-filled plastic pouches, packing peanuts, or similar items. Surround your valuable items with the cushioning layer inside the box or other packaging you use.

Place in a Box

Antique items that are small enough to fit inside a box benefit from that additional protection. Choose a box that’s a little larger than the item to leave room for your cushioning layer. Fill in any extra space with your filler material so your item doesn’t shift.

Box smaller items together, but pair items wisely. A heavy ceramic figurine packed with a picture frame might break the glass or damage the frame. Put plenty of filler material between the pieces that are packed together to prevent damage and movement.

Protect Furniture

Removing some parts of the furniture cuts down on the risk of breakage. Knobs, drawer pulls, and casters are usually safe to remove. Be cautious about disassembling older pieces if removing parts might damage the piece or make it weaker.

Avoid direct contact between plastic wrapping materials and furniture, especially wood, as it can hold in moisture. Moving blankets or furniture pads work well for wrapping furniture. Then you can wrap the furniture in bubble wrap or air-filled plastic wrap to add a cushioning barrier.

Move Items Carefully

If you’re loading the moving truck yourself, enlist extra help to carry heavy valuable antiques. Dollies help move more substantial, heavier pieces to minimize dropping.

Arrange antiques in a safe spot inside the truck where other items can fall or shift into them. Avoid stacking pieces on top of antique furniture, as they can cause damage if they shift or bounce.

Move Antiques Safely

Are you worried about moving your valuable antiques? With proper packing and careful handling, you can get your antiques to your destination safely. If you’d rather leave it to the moving professionals, request a quote from us today.