Pack n Send Blog

 That means that shipping an antique treasure requires extra care.

Professional antique movers know how to make this transition go smoothly, but there are still some steps you can take on your end to insure the process goes smoothly.  Shipping antiques does not have to be a stressful. Follow the following steps for a successful experience.
Start with an appraisal. By getting an official appraisal you will know exactly how much the piece is worth. That is information you need for insurance purposes.
Photograph the item. This is especially helpful if the antique requires some assembly after the move. Photograph the antique from all angles and keep the photos handy.
Inspect your antique. If your item has a loose knocker or is missing a drawer, let your moving company know. Professional movers will handle these items with special care.
Remove any extras. Is that antique a dresser or nightstand? Don't forget to remove any hidden items. You should avoid shipping antiques with knick knacks or change rolling around inside of it.

Skip the tape. Put down that tape! Packing tape is not suitable for contact with antiques. Instead, ask for the blanket wrap move method…or ask if you antique can be placed inside a custom made crate and shipped via freight.

Whether shipping one unique piece or an entire estate of antiques, we can help!  Contact us at pack n send in Houston for more antique moving tips. We are able to pack and ship, or pack and move antiques both domestically and internationally.

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.

If you need to move small amounts of furniture from one city to another, it may be less expensive to freight the furniture than to put it on a truck and move it.

Houston mover and freight preparation company offers advice.

Furniture freighting involves securing the furniture on a pallet, surrounding the furniture with protection and stretch wrap, and shipping the furniture via truck to its new city.

As an ultimate price saver, the furniture can be delivered on a pallet to your curb or loading dock, and you can unload it. Of course you have the option for the freight company to unload the pallet and bring the furniture into your home or office.

This is just another way to save money when shipping with Pack n Send. Do you have furniture to move somewhere in the country? Contact us for a free furniture shipping quote.