5 Tips to Move Your Antique and Fragile Items

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Collectibles and Antiques are priced for their monetary and sentimental value. Remember, antiques are irreplaceable; therefore, careful planning is necessary for these items. 

Packing up antiques and valuables may become nerve-wracking. Remember, bumpy rides in a moving truck can damage an inappropriately packed item. 

Here are some tips to safely move your antique and fragile items.

  • Get them Appraised

Make sure to appraise your valuable property before moving it. Sometimes, it becomes necessary for insurance purposes of the homeowner. 

Find a certified, reputable appraiser or for a recommendation from a bank official, attorney, or insurance agent. Ask them their charges, such as an hourly rate or a flat fee.

You will need clear photographs of antiques and inventory in each room to supplement appraisals. 

Try to get high-quality, well-lit, and clear video footage of every item. After video documentation of antique and high-value items, it will be easy for you to verify a claim for anything damage during a move.

  • Moving Protection Plan

When the agents of Moving Company NYC come to give an estimate, sensibly point out fragile and high-value items. It allows them to arrange custom-built crating and special packing for additional protection.

These items must be listed on the inventory form. Before signing this document for verification, check the presence of these items in the list of inventory.

  • Packing Supplies for Antiques and Valuables

If you are concerned about the safety of your antiques and valuables, it becomes necessary to arrange unique packing supplies. You will need these items for packing.

  • Packing peanuts or packing paper
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Air-filled plastic wrap
  • Glassine or other plastic wraps resistant to grease, water, and air
  • Packing tape
  • Boxes
  • Corner protectors for mirrors and art
  • Furniture pads
  • Moving blankets

Before you start packing, make sure to cover your antiques with an insurance policy. Homeowner insurance may not offer sufficient cover to these items. For this reason, you will need a particular policy.

  • Clean Every Item

Before packing up your antiques and valuables, it is essential to clean them nicely. A soft and clean microfiber cloth becomes a necessity while packing. It will help you to remove any debris or dust accumulated on every item. 

You should not use chemical-based products on wood or any other item that will go into storage. Remember, chemicals can damage or dampen your antiques in storage.

  • Ideas to Pack Antiques

Moving valuables and antiques can be a complicated process without packing. Here are some steps to keep everything in the best condition.

Packing Mirrors, Smaller Antiques, and Artwork

Assess the size of antique and box before packing. People often prefer to go with small boxes to get sufficient room for other items. You have to consider the shape and size of the object to move everything in one piece. 

Remember, mirrors and paintings need specialty boxes. You can pack water glasses with dividers in a box. Make sure to use a layer of glassine for glass items. It becomes a barrier paper with wax-like finishes. With the use of glassine, you can protect your items from stains and smudges. 

A layer of glassine is necessary to protect paint or print on a fragile item. Tightly wrap this layer around a ceramic, porcelain, and glass items. Use packing tape to secure glassine

Corner protectors are necessary to protect all the corners. Pay special attention to the edges of mirrors and artwork. Remember, corners are prone to scratches and nicks during moves. You have to add layers of protection. Feel free to buy corner protections made of cardboard, Styrofoam, and plastic. 

With some cushioning, you can protect fragile and antique items from bumps in a moving truck. Create a soft and secure cushion around everything with air-filled plastic wrap. Try to cover each side of fragile items from the bottom and the top. 

Consider the shape of each item before packing to protect their corners and special sides. Based on the size and shape, you have to pack each item in its own box. 

Don’t forget to use packing peanuts or packing paper to fill in possible gaps in a box. It will help you to avoid wear and tear. If you want to avoid potential hassles, you should consider the services of expert movers and packers.