Antiques are more than just furniture or décor. They’re pieces of history, often holding significant sentimental and monetary value.
Moving them, however, is where things can get tricky. Their fragility and uniqueness make them especially vulnerable during a move, which is why expert guidance can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore what professionals recommend to ensure your antiques arrive safely at their new home.
Assessing the Value and Condition of Your Antiques
Before you even think about packing, it’s essential to take stock of what you’re moving. Examine each piece carefully for existing signs of wear. Look for scratches, loose joints, dents, or fading.
Make a note of any imperfections and take clear photographs from several angles. These visual records are invaluable if you ever need to make an insurance claim or seek professional restoration.
If a piece holds significant value, consider getting it professionally appraised. A current appraisal helps determine whether the item is worth the effort and cost of moving.
It also makes arranging insurance coverage much easier. Keep any documentation, receipts, and appraisal records in a secure spot throughout your move. Knowing exactly what you’re moving and its value sets the foundation for a smooth, damage-free process.
Choosing the Right Packing Materials
Packing antiques well is all about using the right materials and techniques. Delicate surfaces, like porcelain or fabric, benefit from being wrapped in acid-free tissue paper.
This helps protect them from yellowing or staining over time. Bubble wrap is your next line of defence, especially for fragile corners and intricate details. Using the larger-bubble variety around especially delicate areas adds extra cushioning.
For boxes, sturdiness is key. Choose high-quality, reinforced cardboard boxes, or better yet, custom wooden crates for larger or heavier pieces. Strengthening the bottom of each box with extra cardboard or a thin sheet of plywood gives added support and peace of mind.
Every box should be clearly labelled as “fragile”, ideally on all sides, and a splash of colour on the label helps movers spot them more easily.
It’s best to wrap each item individually, even if they’re going into the same box. This prevents surfaces from rubbing together and reduces the risk of scratches or chips.
Try to avoid using newspaper as wrapping material, as the ink can easily smudge onto delicate surfaces. If acid-free tissue is hard to come by, plain packing paper is a safe alternative.
Good packing materials could feel like an added expense, but they’re truly an investment. Proper wrapping and boxing not only protect your antiques but also preserve their long-term value and integrity.
Whether you’re safeguarding a family heirloom or a one-of-a-kind auction find, careful packing is your first step in making sure it all arrives safely.
Hiring Professional Movers with Antique Experience
When it comes to transporting antiques, experience matters. Not all movers are equipped to handle delicate or high-value pieces, so it’s worth doing your homework.
Start by looking into local moving companies that specifically mention antiques or fine art transport as part of their services. Reading through reviews and testimonials can give you a clear sense of their expertise.
When speaking with movers, ask direct questions about their methods.
It’s important to know how they plan to pack and handle your antiques, including whether they use climate-controlled vehicles or offer custom crating services. You should also find out what kind of insurance coverage they provide.
Find out whether they’re willing to conduct a pre-move assessment of your antiques, as this helps them plan ahead for safe handling.
Even if the price seems a bit higher than a standard moving service, investing in professional movers with the right experience often saves you money in the long run.
Fewer mistakes mean less risk of damage, and much less stress during what can be a chaotic time. The right team will treat your antiques with care and attention, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
Disassembling Large Antique Pieces
Oversized antiques like armoires, carved tables, or grand mirrors can be tricky to move without taking them apart. If the item was originally assembled in pieces, it’s usually best to disassemble it before the move.
Start by carefully removing shelves, drawers, or removable panels. Any screws, bolts, or hinges should be stored in clearly labelled bags, and keeping them taped discreetly to the piece can prevent confusion later.
Taking a few photos as you go can be incredibly helpful during reassembly. These images serve as a visual map, especially if the item has intricate or unfamiliar construction. Each component should be wrapped separately to protect it from scratches or dents.
It’s worth noting that not all antiques are safe to disassemble. For pieces with very old or delicate construction, it might be safer to move them whole, with plenty of protective wrapping, or to consult a professional conservator or furniture restorer beforehand.
The goal is always the same: prevent stress or breakage, and make sure everything arrives in one piece.
Loading and Unloading Antiques Safely
Once your items are packed and ready, loading them properly into the moving vehicle is the next important step. Professional movers often rely on tools like padded dollies and sliders to move heavier items without strain or risk.
Before placing anything in the vehicle, make sure every piece is wrapped in thick moving blankets or padded covers. This helps prevent scratches, dents, or rubbing during transit.
Heavier items should be placed on the floor of the vehicle to create a stable base. These should be securely strapped in to prevent shifting. Antiques should never be stacked. Placing anything on top of a fragile piece, even a light box, increases the risk of cracking or breakage.
When unloading at your new home, take your time. Rushing leads to mistakes, and fragile items demand patience. It’s best to plan ahead and decide exactly where each item will go before you start unpacking.
Having a clear layout reduces the chances of moving items more than once and makes it easier to set everything up safely.
Setting Up Antiques in Your New Home
Once your antiques have arrived safely, get them out of their packing materials and into place sooner rather than later. Prolonged wrapping can trap moisture or put pressure on delicate areas.
Choose spots in your home where the pieces won’t be exposed to direct sunlight or placed near heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Both can cause wood to warp or fabrics to fade.
To protect your floors, place felt pads beneath heavier furniture, especially if it’s going on hardwood or tiles. Position each item securely and away from high-traffic areas where accidental bumps or scrapes could happen.
After everything is arranged, take time to inspect each piece for any unnoticed wear or signs of stress from the move. A quick once-over now can prevent small issues from turning into big repairs later.
Proper placement does more than keep your antiques safe. It also helps them shine. When displayed thoughtfully, even a single antique can become the standout feature of a room, adding character and charm to your new home.
Conclusion
Moving antiques successfully comes down to planning ahead, handling with care, and using the right techniques every step of the way.
From assessing their value and wrapping them properly to choosing experienced movers and setting them up in your new home, each detail matters.
By approaching the process thoughtfully, you protect not only the financial worth of your antiques but also the stories and memories they carry with them. And that’s something truly worth preserving.