No part of the moving process is easy – but packing is probably the most nerve-wracking, especially when you’re dealing with packing irreplaceable and expensive antiques. After all, the slightest bump during the ride can be disastrous for unsuitably packed items. So for them to endure safe transport, properly preparing and packing antiques for a long-distance move is essential. If you need help with how to do this, continue reading as below we’ll cover the basics of packing and moving antiques. All that will be left for you is to get in touch with reliable and trustworthy movers who will ensure your valuables arrive safely in your new home.
Even though you want all your belongings to be safely moved, moving antiques requires extra caution. The tiniest bump on the road can destroy your precious and irreplaceable item even if you’re moving within the same neighborhood.
Antique items have tremendous emotional and financial value and thus need to be packed and moved with extra caution.
So before you start packing your antiques, it’s essential to prepare them first. Further in this article, we’ll let you know everything you’ll need on how to pack antiques for a long-distance move.
Gather everything you need
The first thing to do on how to pack antiques for a long-distance move is to gather your packing supplies. Please do this as soon as possible so you’ll have everything on hand once it’s time to pack your antiques. Consider getting the following items:
- The first thing to do is to gather your packing supplies. Please do this as quickly as possible so that you have packing peanuts or paper ready when loading.
- A soft microfiber cloth.
- Air-filled plastic wrap.
- Glassine is a better choice than standard plastic wrap because it’s resistant to air, water, and grease.
- Packing tape and markers for labeling boxes.
- Corner protectors for mirrors, art, and similar fragile items.
- Standard and specialty moving packages.
- Moving blankets and furniture pads. Ques, you’ll have everything on hand. Consider getting the following items:
Make an inventory
If you’re moving several antiques, taking an inventory might be a good idea. You can even go a step further and take pictures of your antiques. After all, you can always be careful, especially when many expensive items are involved. You’ll be able to assess the condition of your items and confirm if they have sustained any damage.
Get an appraisal
Even if you are not planning to move soon, it’s a good idea to get an appraisal of any valuable items you have. However, if you’re working with professional movers, it’s essential to know the precise value of your antiques.
This way, if you need any claim, you’ll have proof. However, since you want to prevent any potential damage, before hiring movers, make sure they have experience transporting antiques. You should also check their customer reviews to ensure they’re a good fit.
Read your insurance policy.
Some other tip on how to pack antiques for a long-distance move is that some homeownership insurance policies cover antiques during a move. Therefore, check yours or call your agent to find out. Even though they won’t replace broken items, you’ll get financial compensation.
Clean every item
Lastly, before packing, make sure to clean every item safely. This way, you’ll ensure they arrive in the best condition possible. Always have a clean microfiber cloth on hand, and make sure not to use chemical-based products. This is especially important for items made of wood and things you plan to relocate to storage.
How to properly pack antiques for a long-distance move?
Now that you prepared your antiques, the next item on your moving checklist is to pack them.
How to pack antique furniture?
When packing antiques, it’s essential to take special care. This is especially true when moving bulky furniture. When loading a large table, disassemble everything you can beforehand. This will allow safer packing and much easier transit.
Make sure to wrap every item in moving blankets or furniture pads. Remember to not wrap air-filled plastic around the old table, especially if the parts are wooden. This can trap moisture and cause significant damage.
Lastly, add a layer of air-filled plastic wrap, and pay special attention to the corners. Now secure everything with packing tape, and your antique furniture is ready for transport. At Aleks Moving, we offer furniture disassembly and assembly services. Just contact us today and we’ll take care of the rest!
How to pack smaller antiques?
When packing smaller antiques, the first step is determining the sizes and types of boxes you’ll need for each antique. Always aim to find the smallest packages, as you want minimal room for items to shift around. Remember to pack painting, mirrors, and similar items in specialty boxes.
Your glass items require special attention, so wrap each of them in a layer of Glassine. It’s vital to use it for anything with print or paint on it. Another critical thing to do is to secure corners with corner protectors. This will help you avoid potential nicks and scratches. Of course, suppose you are particularly worried about a particular item. In that case, it’s always a good idea to resort to professional antique movers. The safety of your most precious belongings should always come before any sum of money.
Next, make sure to add some cushioning by using air-filled plastic wrap. For maximum protection, it’s best to wrap it around each item at least twice. Now it’s time to box everything up. Some things are best packed in their own box, but always use packing paper or packing peanuts to fill in any gaps and keep the item from moving around.
Final thoughts
Even though it can be hard to pack antiques for a long-distance move, it’s essential to do it right and in a way that will keep your things from getting damaged on the way to your new home. However, even if you do everything exactly, your efforts could be better if you choose the right moving company. Therefore, get in touch with movers experienced in moving antiques, and you’ll have a carefree drive to your new place.
