Moving can be stressful in and of itself, especially when you have fine artwork, antiques, and other valuable items to transport. Fortunately, with proper preparation and packing, you can feel confident that your moving service will deliver your items safe and sound without any damage. Below is a helpful guide.  

Packing Supplies for Art & Antiques

Properly packing your most valuable objects is the first step in ensuring that they make it to your new home undamaged. Before you start wrapping and packing, have the following on hand:

• Glassine: This is a smooth paper that is resistant to air, moisture, and grease that will protect artwork and mirrors from damage.
• Bubble wrap: All breakables should be wrapped in multiple layers of protective bubble wrap.
• Box cushioning: Packing paper, packing peanuts, or air-filled plastic wrap will fill in the space around valuables and keep them safe in transit. 
• Telescoping boxes: These are heavy-duty, two-piece boxes designed for protecting large framed pieces and mirrors.
• Corner protectors: Place these small pieces of padded wood or cardboard over the edges of furniture or frames to protect from bumps and scratches. 
• Packing tape: This will help you ensure your boxes are secure. 
• Furniture pads or blankets: Your moving service will likely provide these to protect valuables.

How to Use Packing Materials Properly

Even when you wrap belongings carefully, using packing materials incorrectly can still lead to damage. For example, using newspaper can lead to ink transfers and cosmetic damage. Putting bubble wrap directly on wooden surfaces or artwork can leave impressions behind.

Meanwhile, shrink wrapping artwork, antiques, and wood or leather furniture without placing protective blankets down first can create damaging moisture and condensation. Use caution with packing peanuts, as they can break and get caught in the crevices of items. Finally, never re-use boxes to transport valuable items, as they aren’t as strong and could break apart when moved. 

The Best Way to Pack Art and Antiques

Communicate with your moving service throughout the process to ensure everything is properly packed and loaded onto the truck. For example, artwork and mirrors should always be loaded upright, and placed front to front or back to back to prevent damage from hanging hardware.

Wrap all breakable items in paper and multiple layers of bubble wrap secured by packing tape. When loading the truck, place antique furniture and boxes marked fragile last, so they will be first off the truck and less likely to get damaged by other items. 

If you are overwhelmed by the prospect of moving, or just want to be sure that all of your belongings are packed and moved safely, turn to Broadway Transfer & Storage. This experienced moving service in Russellville, AR, can help at every stage of your move, whether residential or commercial. For a free estimate, call (479) 968-3900 and learn more about their services online.