While moving has its advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The most significant challenge which comes with moving is preserving your valuable items and protecting them from breakage and other damages in the move. Some of the most delicate household items that you need to pay special attention to when you are moving are antiques and Collectibles.
Here are some of the most useful tips to help you move these precious items without causing damages.
Get the antiques appraised
If you have not had the antiques appraised in the near past, you may want to have them appraised before moving. Most home insurance coverage will require you to have them appraised, but just in case you haven’t, it is a great idea to do it. Check out this article on how to find a reputable antique appraiser. After having them valued, take very clear photos of them as an illustration of the state that they are in before the move.
If possible, you can also get video footage of the items. These are the things that will help you make a sensible claim in case anything happens.
Informing the movers about the antiques
Before you even pack the antiques, you need to inform the movers that there are some items which need a little extra care than others during the move. Have them visit the house and have a look at the items. In most cases, the antiques will include things like family heirlooms and valuable porcelain. Let them know that they will be moving these special items.
Getting the right packaging materials
The next step in the process is getting the right packing material to help you store the antiques for them to move. When you go shopping for the items, look for:
- Double and triple walled cartons
- Cushion and stretch wrap
- Packing tape
- Kraft paper and fine tissue
The aim is to pack the items in such a way that they will be well-cushioned against any form of external force. Before putting an item in the carton, you have to wrap it up well with the soft tissue and also the Kraft paper. Put on the cushion wrap inside the box and then place the item. Use the packing tape to seal the item inside the box and ensure that it does not move around during the move.
Then, always make sure that all the items are properly labeled as it will help the people moving them to handle with care. If possible, set aside the antiques and tell the movers to pack them where they are least likely to get ruined.
Other things that you can do to make sure that the process of packing your antiques and moving them from one point to the other is smooth, including ensuring that the mover also has insurance and agreeing on who will take liability in case anything gets ruined during the move.
Finally, always ensure that items such as fine jewelry, money, keys, important documents, and photos stay with you during the move.