One of the most delicate moves happens when antiques are involved. Whether it’s from a museum or a private home special care must be taken when moving items that cannot be replaced. It takes shipping knowledge and experience.
According to an article in Antique Trader Magazine, “Inventory each individual item in your collections, and take photos as you do. Then, upload the photos to your computer. After you enter your inventory data into software of some sort, write a description, provenance and value for each item, then attach photos.”
Appraisal
Prior to a move it is important to have each piece appraised by a professional appraiser. When moving any type of antiques it is essential to also have a sufficient amount of insurance. When you are moving antiques, ask if the company that you are moving or shipping with offers valuation coverage to cover your antique items. Your homeowners insurance may cover your antique while it is being shipped. You may want to check with your insurance company.
Glass Items
If you are packing on your own, one of the best ways to move glass items is to wrap them in bubble wrap and then place them in large box filled with Styrofoam peanuts. Then place the first box inside another box also filled with Styrofoam peanuts. Make sure to securely fasten the bubble with tape. If you are shipping the glass with a common carrier, make sure to overstuff both boxes with packing peanuts. You should not be able to compress the box when you press down on the lid of the box.
Furniture
When moving antique furniture it is important to make certain all the drawers are empty. When using a mover, make sure that the antique furniture is blanket wrapped. If you are transporting via common carrier or via freight, you may want to have a custom wood crate built. Make sure that the crate is lined with Styrofoam. Check to see if blocking and bracing is needed inside the crate.
Packing Materials
A professional moving company will have all the necessary packing materials to safely ship valuable antiques. If blocking and bracing is needed inside of a crate, a professional packing company will be able to do this for you.
If you are shipping an antique chandelier, be sure to provide the packer with the chandeliers composition as well as the dimensions. Chandeliers can be hung within a crate, or blocked and braced within a crate. Chandeliers with many crystals are packed differently than chandeliers made from iron or animal horns.
If you would like to know more about what is offered with antique shipping in Houston we can help. Contact us today and learn more.
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