METCALF MOVING BLOG

December 18, 2019

How to Pack and Move Antique Items: The Best Tips

Are you preparing for a move and worried about damaging your antiques during the process? This is a valid concern. In addition to their emotional connection, antiques can be both valuable and very fragile.

Whether you’re dealing with delicate china or classic furniture, you’ll need to take extra precautions when packing and transporting them. A minor oversight could lead to costly damage.

That’s why we’re going over some essential tips that will make sure your antique items arrive in the same condition they left.

Get Your Antiques Appraised

If you haven’t had your antiques appraised in some time, have it done before you move.

Take photos of your valuables from all angles. Then keep the appraisal documentation in a secure spot during the move.

 Since your items are valuable, make sure you understand your moving protection options. Discuss this with your moving agent and determine if you need supplemental coverage for your valuables.

Clean Your Antiques

Before the packing process, clean all your antiques. Doing so means they’ll arrive in excellent condition. The last thing you want to do is bring dusty furniture or paintings in your new space.

When cleaning antiques, don’t use products that include chemicals. This is especially true when cleaning wood furniture. Chemical-based cleaners may cause excess moisture once the item is wrapped.

Instead, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust. If you’re nervous about cleaning your items, talk to a local antique restorer for some advice.

Wrap and Pack Your Items

Providing protection is the goal when packing your antiques. You’ll need to wrap them first and then pack them properly.

Wrap large furniture thick with cloth material or moving blankets to prevent scratches or dings. If you’ve hired professional movers, they’ll have the equipment, materials, and know-how to do this correctly.

Wrap smaller items in bubble wrap and secure them with tape. Tightly pack them in boxes with packing paper to prevent them from moving around.

Antique paintings need to get wrapped in plastic and sealed in a box using Styrofoam or other packing materials.

Transport Items Carefully

If you’re transporting the items yourself, you’ll need to load them meticulously. Make sure you have extra help to load any heavy valuable antiques.

Avoid stacking boxes with fragile pieces on top of each other. Arrange antique items in a secure spot inside the truck where other things can’t fall or shift into them.

Place your valuable items upright in the truck. Laying paintings, mirrors, or furniture on their side could result in damage.

Moving Your Antique Items

Even minor damage to antique items can decrease their value significantly. Use the tips above when packing and transporting them to make sure they remain safe and sound.

If you’re hesitant about doing the job yourself, let professional movers step in and help.

At Metcalf Moving & Storage, we provide a wide range of moving services in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Contact us today for a free quote. 

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