Moving can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially if you need to pack and transport a private collection. Whether you collect, stamps, antiques, memorabilia, or another item as a hobby, you’ll need to take additional steps during the moving process to preserve your belongings. Before you call the movers to transport your items to your new residence or office, consult the guide below to help keep your belongings safe and intact. 

How to Move Your Collection

What to Do Before the Move

The first step is to take inventory of your collection. Not only will this help you to keep track of which items you own, but it will also come in handy during an appraisal. Catalog your items by documenting their unique characteristics and take clear pictures of each collectible.

Next, acquire insurance for your collection, especially if its holds monetary value, so you’ll be covered in case something is damaged during transport. Finally, contact the right movers. You’ll need a moving service that can accommodate the shipping requirements for your collection, such as a large freight truck or climate controlled vehicles. 

How to Pack

Once your collection is organized, it’s time to pack. Typically, large belongings like model train sets and electronics can be disassembled first. However, smaller items like toys can be wrapped individually with an acid-free paper covering for protection. Pad your boxes with Styrofoam® peanuts, unbleached muslin, or other packing materials that can fill empty spaces inside the container. This way, your items will fit comfortably in the middle of the box and be less likely to incur damages during transport. After the collectibles are secure, label the box. 

Though the general rules for packing a collection are relatively straightforward, there are special considerations to know based on the type of collectibles you own. For instance, comic books should be packed upright to reduce creasing or bending of the spines. Wine collections, however, will require specialized boxes with individual compartments for each bottle. If the items require humidity control, put silica packets in the box to absorb the moisture. 

If you’re planning to relocate collectibles soon, you’ll need the help of trustworthy movers. As the go-to moving company in Omaha, NE, Firefighters on the Move provides superior services to clients throughout the area, including packing, residential and commercial moving, and long distance relocations. Their skilled movers can handle jobs of any size with care. Call (402) 651-6029 or visit them online to request an estimate today.