Safety tips for moving your expensive antiques- LA edition

If you have lots of valuable antique items you know how nerve-wracking packing them can be. Especially if you have a few of the irreplaceable ones in your collection. The thing with these old items is that they’re usually fragile, so sometimes it doesn’t take much more than a bumpy ride in a moving truck to damage them. Exactly this is why it’s so important to plan as much ahead as possible and to pack the items as good as you possibly can. We’ve prepared some tips for moving your expensive antiques and we’ve focused on LA especially. It seems that most transactions of this type happen here so we’ve talked to local professionals to learn more.

But, before we start let’s focus on the things you’re going to need. Here are some supplies to get your hands on:

  • Microfiber cloth
  • Packing paper and peanuts
  • Bubbly plastic wrap
  • Packing tape
  • Corner protectors (for art)
  • Boxes
  • Moving blankets
Man taping a box shut.
Before you even start thinking about moving your expensive antiques you need to have all of the necessary moving supplies.

Preparation time

Now, before you start wrapping all of your precious items, you need to do a few things. Good preparation is the first step to moving your expensive antiques safely. At least that’s what our professionals from Good Neighbors Moving Company LA have to say. 

Make an inventory and get an appraisal

Making an inventory is the first thing you want to do. This is especially important if you’re moving an entire collection of valuable items. Take note of what each item is and the condition of it. If you want to ensure yourself even further, take a few pictures of every item and send it for appraisal. You’re going to need this piece of information if you decide to do it properly and hire a moving company to help you out. 

Here, we’re not talking about moving old furniture that you’re going to sell online later. So, you should take all the precautions to protect your interests during the process.

Get insurance and clean everything

Firstly, check your homeowners’ insurance policy. It is very possible that it will cover your antiques during the relocation. If you can’t find what you’re looking for you can always call an agent and ask about it. However, remember that this type of insurance won’t replace the item if it gets damaged, but you’re at least financially secure. 

One more thing to remember is to clean everything thoroughly before you decide to relocate your special items including antiques. Use a clean and soft microfiber cloth for this task and don’t spare time doing this. Make sure not to use any chemical-based products, especially if you’re cleaning wood or items that are going into storage. These chemicals can dampen and damage your antiques if they have no room to breathe.

Woman signing a paper.
Make sure that you have the proper insurance for all of your items so you can proceed with the process.

Packing your antiques for moving

Now, we’re arriving somewhere. Properly packed items have very low to none chance of being damaged during the transport, so we don’t have to explain how important this step is. We’ve divided this section into packing small antiques and art, and packing antique furniture as those are two biggest categories. 

Artwork, mirrors, and small antiques

Figure out what kinds and sizes of boxes you’re going to need for each of your antiques. The idea when moving your expensive antiques is to get the box that is the smallest possible. This will give the item inside of it the smallest room to wiggle and therefore it will be safer. If you have items like mirrors and artwork be sure to invest in some quality corner protection, as well as in special boxes for these. Similarly to moving large and heavy items, they require a little bit of extra care.

Cushioning is the next thing to think about. Air-filled plastic wrap can create a soft cushion around the item you’re trying to protect and it works amazing. For maximum protection, be sure to wrap each item a few times and secure everything with packing tape. When this step is done, all that is left is to box everything up. If you have enough room and time, it’s advisable to pack each item in a separate box. These, of course, should be filled with packing peanuts or packing paper so there are no gaps in them.

Antique furniture

When it comes to antique furniture, try to disassemble as much as it is possible. This will make packing easier and transport safer at the same time. Of course, don’t dismantle anything that isn’t fit for it or anything that is too fragile for such an activity. If you decide to do that, you won’t need the best price for your upcoming move as you’ll have nothing to move. So be careful. 

Wrap everything in moving blankets and furniture pads. Remember that plastic wrap can trap moisture and lead to damage, so be sure not to put it directly to your old furniture, but above the blankets. When you’re done secure everything with packing tape. However, be sure not to use the tape to keep drawers and doors of cabinets closed. Twine is a much better material for this application. 

Antique furniture waiting to be packed.
It’s important to remember to be much more careful with your antique furniture opposed to your regular sofas and chairs.

Moving your expensive antiques

Once all of your items are packed up, the only thing that is left is the act of moving them. Make sure that your movers know exactly what is inside of each box as well as how worth it is. Mark these boxes as violently as you can and ensure that nothing is put on top of them. Do everything by the book and the only thing you’ll have to worry about will be how to throw a housewarming party after the move.

Now, it’s important not to get carried away and try to do all of this by yourself. The last and the most important of all safety tips for moving your expensive antiques is to work with the pros. This is the best way to stay safe and glide through the relocation process.

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