When packing one’s belongings for a move, everyone knows there are certain items, like family heirlooms and antiques, that need special protection. As these items are unique, many are simply irreplaceable if they are broken or damaged, making proper packing a must. Different types of family heirlooms will require different packing methods to ensure their safety.
Prepacking
Before you start packing any of your family heirlooms, create a document that records the current condition of these items. This document will allow you to keep track of everything and make sure that none of your heirlooms or antiques are harmed in the moving process.
Packing fragile items
One of the keys for packing fragile heirlooms, such as fine china, pottery or porcelain, is double boxing. To do this, first pack items carefully into a single box, stuffing the box with newspaper to support and cushion these fragile goods. Make sure that all items are well padded and protected with newspaper, packing peanuts, and/or other cushioning and packing materials before sealing the box. Next, place the first box inside of a larger box, and add newspaper and padding around all sides to cushion the inner box in case it is dropped or bumped.
Packing antique and heirloom furniture
Due to its size, furniture can be difficult to pack safely and securely. While you can’t simply box antique and heirloom furniture, you can, however, take apart any components that can be separated, such as headboards, mirrors and dresser drawers, and wrap and pack those separately. Be sure to wrap and cushion all chair, table, and sofa legs, in addition to wrapping any delicate corners or areas of your heirloom furniture in bubble wrap to protect it from damage. Where there is upholstery, cover it with blankets and/or other cloth covers to prevent tears, rips or stains. Also, when you are packing antique and heirloom furniture, never stack the pieces.
Packing Art
When packing priceless art and paintings, you can start by covering the entire art piece with glassine paper and clear plastic. Paintings and other art pieces should then be surrounded with cardboard and supported with padding for the move. If you want, you can also get custom crates made for packing and moving art. Regardless of which packing method you choose, to prevent damage always stand paintings upright when moving them, as laying paintings flat makes it too tempting to stack items on top of them.
Hiring a professional mover
Without a doubt, the best protection for your valuable antiques and heirlooms is to choose top-notch moving and storage experts. Nevertheless, before you move, be sure to include any family heirlooms and antiques on your moving insurance policy. While a mover’s valuation protection can’t necessarily replace a one-of-a-kind item that is lost or damaged, it can at least provide compensation for any harm done to antiques and heirlooms during the packing and moving process.
