Tips for Packing and Moving Antiques

Once you start preparing for your move, a lot will be on your plate. When it comes to packing your household items, you can ask your antique movers NYC for some top packing tips. You can also research online to learn packing like a pro. But packing and moving antiques requires a bit different approach. Because of its value and fragility, antique items will need special handling. You can hire one of the fine art movers NYC, or you can do it yourself.

Here are a few tips for packing and moving antiques:

Make inventory

Before moving, it is always a great idea to have your home inventory. It will give you a good look at your belongings which can lead to finding out you don’t really use some of the items. You can declutter your home and leave only items that are appealing and necessary. If hiring moving services, it will be easy to track if all items were transported safely. And if you choose a DIY option, then the inventory will be a lifesaver when packing and unpacking. Especially when packing and moving antiques, you should have a detailed list of your valuables.

The traditional way will do just fine, just grab a pen and paper and write down item description. Start with its name and add the value of it as well as its designated space in your home. If you prefer to use a phone or a tablet, opt for one of the many home inventory apps. They are easy to use and you get to download them for free.

Prepare items for packing

Before you pack your antiques, make sure they are ready to go, which also includes cleaning. You want to make sure they arrive at the new address in its best shape. Go ahead and clean dust or debris that got accumulated since the last cleaning. Use only soft fabrics like a microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces gently. Avoid harsh chemicals because they can be extremely damaging to sensitive items.

Gather supplies

This is the important part when it comes to packing fragile items. Some stores might be cheaper than others, but don’t try to save money when purchasing professional packing materials. You can improvise and use old newspapers when it comes to durable items, but for fragile and antique items, always opt for the best materials. You will need boxes for storing them, so first take a look at shapes and sizes to determine which types of boxes to get. There are boxes there are extremely durable that you can rent, or you can choose cardboard ones. You will also need bubble wrap (a lot of it), packing tape, and tissue paper.

For glassware, the best is to opt for glassine which is a special type of packing paper with a wax-like finish. It is better to spend a few extra bucks and pack safely than to regret having irreplaceable items damaged.

Packing Antiques Guide

Now that you have everything ready, it is time to start packing.

Wrap each item

Don’t try to save space by wrapping a few small items together. Each one should be wrapped individually. Make sure to cover all surfaces by wrapping all sides. If an item is not in great condition, make a few layers of protection.

Protect corners

This is especially important when moving artwork or any other items that have sharp edges−mirrors, paintings, picture frames. Get a plastic, cardboard, or Styrofoam corner protector and cover any edges. If you prefer to DIY, download a free corner protector template.

No voids

Once you place all of the items in a box, you will notice some empty spaces inside. Use tissue paper or bubble wrap to make sure there are no voids inside. The reason for this is to prevent jiggling. If the moving truck goes over a bumpy road, items could move around and break, but if there is no space to move then they will be properly protected.

Make cushioning

Layer the box with bubble wrap before you place antiques in it. This serves as an extra layer of protection that makes a good base for packing. Because the wrap is filled with air it is perfect for making a soft cushioning. You can also use another material, like a blanket, but bubble wrap is the best choice because it is very lightweight.

Disassemble furniture

If you are moving an antique piece of furniture, check if it can be disassembled for transport and reassembled at your new home. Some antiques can be too large to fit through the doors. Measure both old and new entrance doors to make sure the space is large enough to pass. Pay attention to its condition, as you want to avoid disassembling piece that can get damaged in the process. If safe, proceed to take out drawers and disassemble your antique furniture piece.

Get help for packing and moving antiques

Since antiques require special handling, you want to have an extra pair of hands to carry them gently. Another thing is that antique furniture is probably heavy and if you try to lift it or carry yourself, chances are you will get hurt. We all need a helping hand when making a big step like moving home, especially when it includes moving antiques. So seek help because for sure some of your friends will be happy to assist you during your relocation.

Hire professionals for packing and moving antiques

Eventually, if you think that antique items are too valuable to you to take any risks, hire a moving company. Fine art movers NYC can take your belongings safely to the new destination. Whether you plan on moving antique artwork, vintage piece of furniture, or an important family heirloom, NYC movers with insurance got you covered.

Rabbit Moving and Storage is a moving company based in Brooklyn that will pack and move your antiques safely to the new destination. We understand the value of your belongings, as we employ creative people and we are supported by our own collective of artists living in NYC. Contact us anytime to get a free estimate.