Whether you are moving across the country or state, there are certain techniques you can use to safely transport your treasures. You can either hire a moving service to do it for you or pack and move the antiques yourself. Here’s how to safely transport your beloved antiques.
1. Getting the Right Packing Materials
Whether you are packing for your move or hiring a moving company, you'll want to get the right box for your smaller antiques. It will prevent the items from shifting and will protect your prized possessions. You should also buy a couple of extra moving blankets for added protection. The best boxes are made of recycled materials, such as cardboard and corrugated fiberboard. You'll also want to use dividers and packing tape to keep your fragile items from breaking. If you have heavy items to move, consider getting dollies or moving pads.
The best box for your small antiques is the smallest. This will reduce the chances of shifting. For smaller pieces of furniture, bubble wrap and packing paper can be used. You may also want to consider getting moving pads for your bigger pieces of furniture.
2. Packing Antique Furniture
First, you need to make a thorough survey of your antique furniture. This will include its construction and current condition. After you have a good idea of its condition, you can decide whether it's worth moving or not.
You will also need to remove any loose components that could cause problems during the moving process and mark any movable parts separately. You might want to leave some of the furniture wrapped up for a few days. This will allow the pieces to air out and sag, which helps to prevent further damage. If you're not sure whether your antiques can withstand a move, it's wise to hire a professional mover. These professionals have special shrink wrap that can be used to pack antiques. They also have a variety of padding techniques, such as foam rubber, to help protect the insides of your antiques.
3. Pack Antique Books Flat on Their Sides
There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your books. You don't want to damage your books by using a cheap box or not wrapping them properly. You'll want to make sure that your wrapping is sturdy enough to protect the book's cover, but not too stiff to cause the book to bend. You can use either a special wrapping material, clean towels, or cling wrap. You can also add a packet of silica gel to your box.
Make sure that you are using acid-free packing paper to keep your books safe from the elements. This is especially important if you are storing antique books. Some of the materials that you can use are glassine paper, freezer paper, or acid-free packing tape. The best way to pack your antique books is to pack them flat and make sure that the box you're using has low relative humidity. This will protect them from mold and mildew.
4. Hire a Moving Service to Pack Antiques
Using a professional antique moving service can help ensure the safe transport of your treasured possessions. A qualified company will also provide you with custom packing solutions and moving plans that are designed to protect your antiques during transit. The most common damage to antiques is poor packing.
It is best to have your antiques insured. This can be done through your homeowners' insurance or an insurance company. It is also a good idea to take photographs of your antiques. These photographs will be needed if you file an insurance claim.
The cost of moving your antiques will depend on the distance they are shipped and the additional services that you have chosen. Using a professional moving company will help to reduce these costs. Lastly, your antiques should be labeled with their condition. If you have a list of your items' condition, the moving company will be able to determine the best route for your move.
5. Get Moving Service that Knows How to Move Antiques
Whether you are moving antique furniture, an antique shop's inventory, or a family's precious treasures, you will need a moving service that knows how to safely transport antiques.
Antiques are valued for their craftsmanship, rarity, and age. They are also susceptible to damage during the move. However, you can avoid this problem by using a reputable moving service like
Safebound Moving & Storage.