Pack n Send Blog

Pack-n-Send has over thirty-four years of experience in Houston moving  priceless antiques around the world. We understand that transporting antiques correctly is an art in and of itself. Let us share some of what we've learned with you so that, should you choose to pack for yourself during the next big move, you'll know how to pack antiques like a professional!

Better Safe Than Sorry

Shipping Antiques Correctly begins long before you break out the bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Play it safe and take these preventative measures before you start packing. If your antiques break in transit, you'll have a head start on reaching a resolution. The information will be invaluable if you have to file an insurance claim.

• Create An Inventory List 

Before you begin packing, it's always a good idea to create an inventory list of your antiques, especially the high-dollar items. Include as much detail as you can including maker, quantity, age, and any other special qualifying information that will be helpful. 

• Photograph Antiques 

Photograph your antiques in advance. The photographs make a great accompaniment to your inventory list. Examine the items carefully and take photographs from several different angles. This will also help you notice imperfections that exist.

• Get an Appraisal

If you have extremely valuable items, you might wish to get your antiques appraised prior to moving them.This will certainly give you an opportunity to make an informed decision as to whether the item is insured properly or if it is advisable to add another rider.

Remember that love alone will not get your antiques to their destination safely.

Almost Ready To Pack

It is a tough decision for some people to hand over their precious antiques for packing, even if it's to a team of experienced professionals. Remember that love alone will not get your antiques to their destination safely. Keep these basics in mind when packing antiques.

1. Make sure all drawers are empty.
2. Once you've emptied the drawers, secure them in place with shrink-wrap. This will keep them from sliding open and closed during transit. Not only does this protect the piece of furniture in question but anything else that the drawers might hit.
3. Remove any loose or detachable pieces from other items and wrap them separately. Use a packing material that is appropriate for the item. Typically, it would be safe to wrap an item in a roll of bubble wrap or padded envelope and secure in a small box with an ample amount of packing peanuts.
4. If the detached item you are packing is a mirror - or any antique mirror, for that matter - you must take special care.

o   Use additional padding on all sides of the antique mirror.

o   Take care not to place anything on top of the mirror once it's in place.

o   Secure the mirror in such a way that it doesn't shift during transit, especially if the truck makes a sudden stop or has to take a sharp turn.

5. When placing items in the truck it's a good idea to pad as much as possible to keep items from rubbing against each other during the journey. Use foam pads in between chair railings and wrap tables with old blankets to prevent scratching.
6. Use the blanket wrapping method for all antiques rather than tape. Avoid tape when shipping antiques. It is very likely to damage your valuable items.

Packing A Box

Everybody knows how to pack a box, right? However, not everybody knows how to pack a box specifically to keep antiques as safe as possible.

What You'll Need

• Make sure you use high-quality boxes. You may wish to consider purchasing packing material from a company that produces customized boxes, crates, and pallets.
• Stock up on bubble wrap, packing peanuts, Styrofoam, and multiple-sized boxes. Double boxing will be an important part to keeping your antiques safe, so get boxes that will fit inside each other, leaving room for packing material to go around all sides.
• Purchase quality tape to secure the outside of the boxes only. Use this tape only to secure the box tops. Make sure that the ends of the tape are securely affixed to the box so they don't roll or come unstuck. If this happens you run the risk of the tape sticking to other antiques and ruining finishes or damaging surfaces. This is another reason to individually wrap all valuable antiques with a blanket once in the truck.

Tips on Packing

• Wrap each item separately.
• If you're packing glass, secure each item in bubble wrap, fill the box partially with packing peanuts, put the antique in the box and continue to fill box with packing peanuts until there's no more room. Secure the lid with tape. Partially fill a larger box with packing peanuts and then insert the first box into the larger box. This is called double boxing. Now fill all around the box with packing peanuts, even on top. When the box is full, secure the lid with tape.
• It's important that you put enough packing peanuts in the box. Overfill the box. Once the lid is closed and secured, make sure there is no 'give' in the lid. In other words, the lid needs to remain strong under pressure.

To Crate or Not to Crate?

If you have an extremely valuable item, you might wish to consult a professional about building a custom crate. It's important to seek expert advice about crate construction and packing because the professionals know exactly how to build, load, and brace antiques in custom crates. This is particularly true if shipping large, expensive antiques internationally.

Happy Packing!

Pack-n-Send hopes that these tips help ease the anxiety of shipping antiques correctly. Aside from the monetary value that antiques retain, they hold precious memories that can never be replaced once damaged or destroyed. If you have any other questions or concerns about how to ship antiques, feel free to contact us. We're here for you when you're ready to make that move.