How to Move Antiques?

Antiques differ from the other types of furniture according to their peculiarity of being unique and valuable. They are like a little house of history, which contains different centuries, life-changing moments and people generations. Some bear a value of family relic. That is why the antiques are of a great worth for every owner.

When the time is to move to another place, the first thing you begin to worry is how to ship the antiques. However, do not worry, here you will find useful information to help you with moving your valuable property.

Preparation before Moving the Antique Furniture

Provide the Inventory

Before starting any movements, you had better know exactly what you are possessing. Observe attentively all the antique objects you are going to replace and make a list, marking its description (year of manufacturing, approximate worth etc.)

Make a Photo and a Video

It is hard to keep in mind all the details, therefore photograph the furniture from all sides. Having images will be necessary in case of claiming against a moving company for inflicted damages. Besides, it will help you in reconstitution the original set.

Get All the Antiques Appraised

The first step in assuring the safety of your antiques is to get it valued according to the appraisements in front of the moving day. You need to find a reputable antique appraiser to give you documentary certified confirmation of its value.

Purchase the Insurance

To be more confident in a safe transportation of the antique property you need to buy an appropriate insurance coverage. Maybe you think it’s a waste of money, but you never know what can happen on a way. In case of that, only insurance coverage will recover the value of antiques. Don’t risk! Usually, the price is not so high while repairing can cost you a fortune. Compare the different types of proposed insurances and choose the most suitable for your condition.

Make a Decision about the Future of the Antiques

Sometimes it happens that there are no guarantees of secure moving the antique furniture because of its fragile or broken shape. One more obstacle may be provided by too expensive price for transportation. Proceeding from these situations you must decide what is better: to move or to offer your car for sale at an auction.

Identify All the Existent Damages

Before packing the antique furniture, you must take a close look at all the details. If there are some damages, it is better to fix them as well as possible. Otherwise, they can lead to the breakage of the whole item during the transportation process, where shakes and pushes can take place. Mark the defects, that cannot be treated and let the moving company know about them.

Antique Shipping Companies

The antique furniture requires lots of care to be moved across the country, that’s why it is better to rely this work on the professionals. Choose only top-rated companies to work with, read their feedbacks. The higher rate they have, the more experienced they are.

Beware of scams! First of all, when you call the antique moving company, they should give you all the necessary information about their services and probable prices. They should view and experience the antique staff on their own and only then create the most appropriate plan of moving. Be careful, if such deals are made only through the telephone.

Check out all the steps. Find out how many movers are considered to be, learn more details about their experience, technical condition of the vehicle, climate control inside and the road condition.

Packing Antique Furniture before Moving

Obviously, you want to minimize all the risks that can occur, when moving your antique values. For this reason, the furniture should be packed as best as possible. You may order special packaging services, which have all the necessary materials and instruments. They can do it fast and reliably. Otherwise, you can do packaging on your own. Maybe it will take more time and energy but definitely will save your money.

Here are some steps for preparing your property for shipping:

• Disassociate All Potential Details

To provide a moving procedure more convenient, empty the furniture and unscrew everything that is possible. Remove all detachable sections, such as shelves, doors, handles, legs, glass panels and pack them separately.

• Fill up Empty Area with Soft Staff

You may use cushions or blankets to put inside the furniture in order to swallow all vibrations and shock during transportation.

• Pack the Antiques Outside

Firstly, close all possible doors. Then prepare materials for packing: soft packing white paper, shrink-wrap, blankets, bubble pack, rope and packing tape. You may need only a few of them due to the type of your antique furniture.

If the content is fragile, then wrap it up with blanket and wind around with packing tape or rope. Wooden furniture may be wrapped with soft paper, as a basic layer, and shrink-wrap on the outside.

Actions After the Antiques Being Moved

After your antiques reached the place of destination, you should carefully unpack all the pieces. Better, do it until the workers of antique shipping company are present in case of revealing some damages. If you do find defects, call your insurance company to get information on what to do next.

If everything is okay, think about the place in your new home where the antique furniture should be settled. Take into account that direct sunlight, as well as heat or cold that can be harmful to your furniture. So take more time to think about where you’ll place your furniture.

Summary

So, using the above-mentioned tips, you’ll definitely move your antiques safely and stress-free. Dust every element with a soft dry cloth and enjoy using antique furniture for many years on.