If you’re moving and have a lot of antiques to move with you, you may start to get stressed thinking about how you will get it done safely. After all, you spent a lot of money on your antiques and don’t want them damaged en route. You may assume you can just wrap them and put them in a box and you’ll be all set.
But there’s a lot more to it than that. In fact, it’s best to employ the help of your movers who are skilled specifically in moving and packing antiques. Here are some considerations to think about.
DIY vs. Hiring Movers
Hiring relocation professionals with a skill set in antiques is always the way to go. They have knowledge and training on how to pack and transport fragile items. In fact, they handle these items on the daily, so you can rest assured they know what they’re doing. Not only do they bring all the specialty packing supplies with them, they pack and move your items for you too. If you did this yourself, you could risk breaking something, which can end up costing you dearly.
Benefits of Pros
Above all, professional movers are quick. If you did it yourself, it could end up taking you days or weeks to complete the process. Do you really have that much time on your hands in the middle of a relocation? We thought not. Tasks that may take you a week to do will take the pros less than a day.
Plus, in addition to packing your antiques, they also load them on their truck and then unload them at the destination.
It’s also important to note that antique movers are insured. That means that if something gets broken or misplaced during the move, you will get reimbursed. Antique movers generally provide minimal insurance so you are covered in the event damage occurs. You can also sign up for additional coverage with your insurance company to get optimal coverage above and beyond what your movers offer.
How to Prep Antiques For Moving
The preparation phase is just as critical as the packing phase. Here are some tips:
Create an inventory
Go through each room of your house and make a detailed list of all the antiques you own. Take photos of each piece too, and note their condition. Don’t skip this step, as it can help you compare this list once you are all moved into the new house. If anything is missing or damaged, you will have proof.
Clean the Antiques
To do this, just use water and a clean cloth, don’t use strong chemicals. Empty out any antique furniture that you may have, such as drawers or cabinets. Take off anything that you can, such as doors and knobs. This will make it easier to transport your items plus it will serve to protect the antiques as well as surrounding floors and walls.
Packing Antiques
Now that you have prepped your antique furniture, you can start packing it. Here are some tips.
Use quality materials
The quality of the packaging is what will impact the condition of your antiques upon arrival in the new home. Add two layers – at least – of protective materials. Cutting corners will only serve to damage your antiques. In order to keep them as safe and cushioned as possible, wrap them in as many layers as you can.
Secure them properly
Stock up on plenty of plastic wrap to safely yet firmly hold the items in place. If you have breakable antiques, which most of them are, fill in the gaps in the moving box using packing paper or foam peanuts. This will ensure shifting does not take place, which is one of the top reasons items get damaged in boxes during a move.
Use packing tape to secure all items, and properly tape up boxes (even on the bottom) so nothing falls out in transit.
Label the boxes
Once you have packed your antiques in a box, label it in detail and mark FRAGILE. Place all such boxes in one designated area so your movers know to take great care with those. This will also make it easier for you to unpack once in the new digs.
Contact Olde World Movers
Olde World Movers has all your antique packing needs covered. We offer this specialty service throughout Fort Worth for your peace of mind. Call for a free estimate today at 817-618-1557.
