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How to Move Antique
Antique furniture pieces are not only beautiful and valuable but also full of memories and feelings.
Quite often, one generation passes antique furniture down to the next as a precious family heritage.
It has survived the test of time and withstood altering fashion trends. Therefore, when moving, you will most certainly want to ensure the safety of your valuable antique furniture.
But how to move an antique safely and efficiently without any damage? How to protect it during the chaotic relocation process?
How to prepare antique furniture for moving?
No amount of money can replace the high value of your precious furniture pieces. So you need to take responsibility to keep them safe and intact during the relocation.
The best variant is to hire reliable long-distance moving specialists with years of experience. But if you decided to do it yourself you better follow the instructions.
Inventory your antique furniture
To see the larger picture and keep better track of your precious possessions, create a detailed inventory list of your antique furniture pieces.
Go from one room to the next and inventory the vintage pieces noting its description: year of manufacturing, condition, estimated worth, etc.
Having images will be necessary in case of claiming against an antique moving company for inflicted damages. Besides, it will help you in reconstitution the original set.
Get your antique furniture appraised
You will have to obtain an antique furniture appraisal as verification of the value of your precious pieces. Make sure you find a trustworthy and properly authorized antique furniture appraiser to assess the actual worth of your treasured belongings.
Purchase adequate insurance.
It’s of great importance to ensure your valuable antiques when in transit. Discuss your options with your insurance agent and your moving company.
Choose the kind of liability coverage that is most appropriate in your particular case.
How to Move Antiques: Plan in advance
Plan a safe route out of your old home and into your new one.
Measure the dimensions of your furniture and the dimensions of the doorways to make sure that your antiques will fit through without a problem.
Create a floor plan of your new home.
Check the ambient conditions (temperature and humidity) in your new place and make the necessary adjustments (use a dehumidifier, an air-conditioner, etc.) to render them safe for your delicate antique furniture.
Get your antique ready for furniture moving company
Empty your furniture pieces, so that they become lighter and easier to carry. Inspect the furniture closely to identify any potentially problematic parts.
Share all the relevant information with your movers well before the move.
How to pack antique furniture for shipping?
In order to avoid unnecessary risks and potential troubles, we strongly recommend hiring professional packing services.
The experienced packers will use the most appropriate packing materials and the most efficient packing techniques to prepare your valuable antiques for shipment.
You will not only save yourself plenty of time and effort but will also ensure your treasured furniture to be delivered to your new location in excellent condition.
In case you need to pack your antique pieces on your own:
#1 Disassemble the furniture: remove any detachable elements such as drawers, doors, shelves, legs, glass panels, etc. and pack them separately with utmost care.
#2 Put any small hardware parts (screws, nuts, handles, etc.) in sealable plastic bags and attach them to the main furniture body or pack them in the same box as the other furniture components.
#3 Secure your furniture well: fix any loose parts, lock doors (if possible), use plastic wrap to hold all the furniture parts securely in place, etc.;
Ensure appropriate protection
Surface protection: wrap your antique pieces with soft packing paper and use thin plastic wrap to hold the coverings tightly in place.
Shock protection: you need to provide adequate cushioning that will absorb any undesirable shocks and vibrations during antique furniture move.
You better use foam sheets or soft moving blankets to cover your furniture pieces completely. Secure the protective materials well with the help of packing tape or rope.
Outer protection: a final hard shell (preferably waterproof), such as a custom crate designed to fit your antique pieces perfectly will ensure the best possible protection during shipment.
When packing your antique furniture, make sure you don’t use packing tape directly on the delicate antique surfaces – the tape can leave sticky marks on the finish and ruin it.
How to move antique furniture?
The actual transportation of your belongings is, of course, the riskiest stage of the moving process. Our professional antique movers are ready to provide you with all tricks and tips they know. Let’s start:
Believe us or not, but the safest and most convenient moving option is to trust functional antique furniture moving company.
You need reliable help to minimize the risk of damaging your valuable furniture items during the relocation.
You can also ask several trustworthy friends to help you take the antique pieces out of your old home and load them onto the moving truck.
Prepare well, inspect the entire area and remove any obstacles, debris, water, ice or anything else that can present a hazard on moving day.
Keep Children and Pets Away to Avoid Accidents and Injuries
In the event of a self-move, make sure you use proper antique furniture moving equipment and safe lifting and carrying techniques to move your cherished pieces around.
Plan every action you’re about to take in advance, obtain the best possible grip, move slowly, and be extra careful.
Never drag antiques directly along the floor and avoid lifting the piece with the help of any attached elements such as arms, rails, or wings.
Take every precaution to prevent slip-offs, impacts, or other accidents when taking your antique pieces out of your home and loading them on the moving vehicle.
Make sure they don’t come into contact with other household items in the truck.
Secure them well with ropes or straps so that they don’t move during transportation.
Once you reach your final destination, inspect your antique furniture for damage and take corresponding measures if necessary.
Moving antiques across the country are quite a challenge indeed. To meet it successfully, you are going to need some expert help.
Take a closer look at the useful tips for moving antique furniture below to get a better idea of what you are in for. If you find this helpful article, proceed with how to pack fragile antique of different shapes.
If you have any questions or would like to know more information about moving don’t be shy to contact one of the best long-distance moving companies.
Ask for a free moving quote and moving helpers will do their best to move you as smooth as possible.
