Are you about to move houses? If so, packing your belongings is one of the most important steps that are ahead of you. As easy as it seems, it’s good to be meticulous about it. That way you’re minimising the risk of damaging your property. It gets even trickier if you have to move antiques too. How to do it safely? Here are some tips and tricks.
Moving antiques – why is it more challenging?
All your possessions need to be secured for removal. Bear in mind that they can be damaged in the process, even if the movers are careful enough and know what they are doing. But there is a group of belongings that you should focus your attention on in the moving process – the most valuable items: antiques.
Moving antiques can be a lot more challenging than transporting electronics or “normal” furniture. Why so?
They are really expensive.
No matter if it’s about old books, a 100-year-old sofa, or some fine art, antiques are very valuable. That means, if they are damaged during the removal, it will be a significant financial loss.
They are unique
If you damage a coffee table from a popular furniture shop it can be easily replaced. But when it’s an antique chair that you damage, you can’t just go and buy another one. That is what makes antiques so precious.
They are more susceptible to damage
No matter how sturdy your antique furniture is, it has been used for decades. That’s why the materials they are made of can get damaged easier – mechanically, by humidity and so on. That’s why they need to be packed properly.
Sometimes it’s the size that causes problems with antique shipping. Imagine a large piano or a huge wardrobe. Those can’t be easily moved by a standard-size van.
Antique shipping – how to do it properly
First of all, if you need to move antiques, don’t do it on your own. Hire professionals. They will take care of your belongings and make sure they get to the new place in one piece. But before they take over, there are a few things that you have to remember.
1. Get an appraisal and insurance
If you’re about to move items that are of extraordinary value, an appraisal is a must. You have to know the exact value of your possessions in order to buy insurance. Remember: good removal companies have their own insurance. Nevertheless, in this case, it’s better to follow the good, old rule: better safe than sorry.
2. Prepare the antiques for packing
Before they can be wrapped, some antiques may require some extra preparation. For instance, you may want to have them cleaned, oiled, or waxed – to protect them from water and humidity in general. If you’re not sure whether you should do something or not, contact an antique dealer or another expert in this area.
3. Make an inventory of the antiques that are to be shipped
A detailed list of all the items of extraordinary value will make the shipment more secure. It will lower the chance of losing something in the process. And if something gets lost; with a proper inventory, you will be able to make a successful insurance claim.
4. Photograph all items
Taking photos of your antiques is also advisable and might come in handy if something gets damaged during the removal. If so, you will have clear evidence of the fact and you will be able to demand reimbursement. Make sure you photograph every detail so that even a small scratch can’t be unnoticed.
5. Make sure your antiques are properly packed
To begin with, you need to remember NOT TO:
- use synthetic wraps directly onto natural materials, such as wood – they can get stuck to it,
- use newspapers to pack antiques – the ink can stain them,
- put packing tape directly on the antique’s surface.
Instead, we advise you to use sturdy cardboard boxes, acid-free paper, large quantities of bubble wrap and elastic bands.
Apart from that, remember to:
- pack fragile items separately and wrap each of them individually;
- mind the temperature – be aware that, for instance, porcelain items can crack due to a rapid temperature change. That’s why you should wait for an hour or so after having it transported to the new place, before opening the boxes – especially if you move houses in winter;
- label all the boxes with the “fragile” sign – to make sure the movers are extremely careful while transporting them,
- protect the antiques from humidity – it’s good to wrap them in foil.
6. Check whether the antiques are undamaged after they’re delivered to the new place
Start with checking the inventory of your household goods and make sure everything has been delivered and nothing is missing. Then open the boxes and check if there’s no damage. If you notice anything disturbing, don’t hesitate and inform the moving team immediately.
If you want to be sure that your valuables are looked after during the removal, hire a team that has vast experience with moving antiques. In this case, it’s more important than ever.
If you need help with shipping antiques, feel free to contact us. We’ll move them to your new home as safely as possible.