From artwork to jewelry and figurines to collective dishware, there are many types of antiques you might need to pack up when preparing for a move. But as items that may be worn, fragile, and valuable, these belongings may easily get damaged during the process. To help you preserve all of your older pieces and set yourself up for a stress-free relocation, here are five essential tips for packing up antiques for a residential mover.

5 Moving Tips to Protect Antiques

1. Appraise & Document Each Item

Items that may carry a lot of value should be professionally appraised before a move. Make sure this value is adequately covered by your homeowners insurance or your moving company’s insurance policy.

Take detailed photos of each item before packing. If you suspect they were damaged during transport, you can use these images to support your claim.

2. Cover Surfaces

Wrap antiques to defend them from bumping and shaking during the move. Decorative china and glassware, for instance, should be covered in cushioning wrap or glassine to prevent scratching. Mirrors and artwork, on the other hand, should be wrapped in moving blankets and have corner protectors to keep the frames intact.  

3. Avoid Empty Spaces in Boxes

If a box of antiques has too much free space inside, objects may shift during transport and break. Empty spaces can be filled with blankets, pillows, clothes, or other soft materials.

In most cases, you can find a box designed specifically for the item. For example, you can use dish packs for plates and saucers. Large and awkward items may need to be placed in custom wood grates for the greatest level of protection.

4. Take Larger Pieces Apart

Tables, wardrobes, and other large furniture pieces should be taken apart if they can be disassembled without causing extra damage. Temporarily dismantling these items will reduce the risk of dropping or bumping them during transit. It can also make it easier to move heavy objects upstairs and fit large pieces through small door frames.

5. Steer Clear of Stacking

Avoid stacking items on top of antiques, as the extra weight of the boxes may crush the valuables. Sensitive belongings—such as mirrors or artwork—should be placed right side up, so they are not smashed. If you have a residential mover loading your items into a truck, carefully note which items are fragile and should be handled with additional care.

Keeping your antiques in good condition shouldn’t add to the stress of a move. That’s why D & R Movers is committed to providing reliable packing and transportation services for the Cincinnati, OH, community. Whether your relocation is across town or the country, these experienced professionals will carefully wrap all fragile items, as well as load and unload them with care to prevent damage from occurring. Visit these residential movers online to learn how they’ll get you to your new home with confidence or call (513) 921-1968 for a free quote.