How to Prepare Antiques for Moving

Museums, art galleries, and exhibition centers order antique moving services. However, individuals sometimes also have to transport antiques to their new home. Transportation of antique furniture, tableware, and books kept in apartments can be arranged by moving companies. However, when choosing a carrier to move an old piano or artwork, first clarify whether it has a similar experience.

Peculiarities of Transporting Antiques

The first rule for successful antique transportation is to create the right climate in the car body. It isn’t recommended to transport valuable items in extreme heat or frost, as well as if there is high humidity outside.

You cannot disassemble antique furniture because it’s securely nailed down. Since these items were made of natural wood with multiple lacquering and a mass of decorative fixed parts, the weight of the furniture is impressive. Sometimes it’s impossible to remove a closet or a chest of drawers with the efforts of only the movers, so rigging equipment is required.

The second rule is to transport antiques safely and securely. That’s why experts must pack these items carefully. Air-bubble and stretch tape, roll-flexible corrugated cardboard, and rigid cardboard linings help preserve its appearance.

A simple truck for the delivery of antiques isn’t the best choice. You only need a sealed van, and if it comes to a valuable and expensive item, a specialized vehicle and a permit are required.

Take Steps to Ensure the Safety of Your Antiques

Calling an Appraiser

Start preparing for the long-distancemove by calling an appraiser. Such services are provided by moving companies for free. The expert will assess the following points:

• the number and types of items to be transported;
• dimensions and weight;
• technical conditions at the addresses — availability of elevators, convenient access to the car, etc.

Based on these data, the evaluator will plan the amount and types of packing materials, select a suitable transportation vehicle, calculate the number of employees, and form a commercial proposal.

Insurance

All valuables should be insured before moving. The art appraisal and valuation of antiques are the second step that should be performed by licensed experts. The expertise will establish the authenticity of things, their age, and origin, and make an assessment based on market conditions. If you cannot carry out expertise, you agree on the cost of insurance directly with the carrier.

Moving

In the car, the furniture is carefully secured with straps. Boxes are placed close to each other, so they don’t move around the cabin during transportation. Even the route should be discussed in advance to avoid dangerous sections of the road. If the cargo is on the road for a long time and is sensitive to environmental factors, a car with special temperature and humidity control systems is selected.

After loading, the vehicle must be sealed in your presence. At the delivery address, there also must be someone for unloading. After unpacking at the new location, movers check for damage carefully.

With the observance of all the rules and the use of the services of a professional moving company, the transportation of antiques to a new place will be fast and neat.

How to Pack Collectables

Small statuettes, clocks, and antique vases are wrapped in air-bubble wrap and packed in thick cardboard boxes. Chandeliers and other things of unusual shapes are put in a box without packaging, and the free space around it is filled with pieces of foam. For paintings, movers use thick cardboard sheets and air bubble wrap. In some cases, it’s necessary to make individual packaging from stronger materials, such as plywood.

Packaging can protect expensive belongings from mechanical damage, temperature changes, and precipitation which can cause irreparable harm.

When transporting antique furniture, try to avoid disassembly. If it doesn’t pass through the doorways in assembled form, discuss this issue in advance with a moving company and plan the necessary tools and experienced assemblers for a better moving experience.