7 Tips on How to Pack Antiques and Collectibles

An antique clock gifted by your grandfather, the heirloom china, the antique desk your ancestors have worked so hard- these are the kind of possessions that make a home special. Not only do they hold a special significance but are also hard to move from one place to another. Since such items hold special significance, you wouldn’t want any damage to them either. Hence, one needs to be extra careful while planning their move. With a few tips and tricks, packing antiques and collectibles would no more be a problem. Have a look at our fragile items moving tips to know the secrets-

Create an antique item inventory list-

While some people own just a few, there are others who have a lot of antique items in their collection. No matter whether the number is small or great, it is necessary to create an inventory list for every item that you own. Get into a photography session for the large items .Also, measure each item as your would want the packing material of the same size. This will also help you estimate how much of the space you would require to move each item. For antiques which are smaller in size such as gold, silver, jewelry do jot down their quantity and weight. Also, use special packaging material for the same.

Avail professional appraisals-

If you haven’t already, moving might be a good time to get your antiques appraised. This will give you a fair idea of what value your antiques and collectibles hold. Moreover, it’s not the value but the significance that matters more.

Give insurance options a consideration-

It is always necessary to see if your antiques can be insured. If you are availing an insurance policy for the same, it is crucial to check whether the coverage includes the cost of transportation and unpacking. Since you already have your appraisals with you, contact insurance provider or broker to discuss different options with you. In case of antique items and collectibles, even third party insurance would work equally well.

Use a protective wrap-

A protective wrap is necessary to keep your objects safe. Items that are porous in nature such as antique books, artwork, fabrics etc., an archival tissue which is non-acidic would make a perfect protective layer. The items which are made with wood or glass, a foam wrap would provide complete coverage. Do not forget to wrap around edges and corners however.  Although some people use cloth as well, but it is not the best method to wrap your valuables.

Additional sound-proof protection-

This layer makes your fragile items shock and vibration resistant. A lot of things can be used as a second coverage such as bubble wraps foam or combination blankets.

The final outermost coverage-

Once enough of inner protection has been ensured for your antiques and collectibles, it’s time to finalize the packing. The outermost covering usually protects your rare items from being affected by the move. Hence it acts as a protective shell. A wooden crate is usually widely used for this purpose.

Packing small sized antiques-

All the above mentioned steps can be used to pack small antiques as well. However, fragile antiques require double boxing for additional protection. An extra stuffing with foam or packing peanuts too is never a bad idea. While crockery requires some extra care, the smallest antiques are usually the most precious and include things such as jewelry or watches. Instead of mixing them up, it’s best to keep such things as much close to you as possible, preferably your handbag.

Loading antiques into the truck-

You must always load your fragile items towards the end on the truck. It should also be the first thing to take off. This will ensure that your antiques do not get damaged while on the move and there’s less hassle involved in loading and unloading them.

Closely watch your antiques while you unpack-

You ought to carefully unpack your antique items and keep a check on them. If there’s even a slight case of damage, it’s necessary to check the pictures you took initially. This will also help you file your insurance claim.  Keep all the documents that you might require ready and go for the claim.

Antiques and collectibles are usually the most treasured items. They also require your efforts, time and care to ensure protection. Hence, you need to be patient enough while packing them.

Hire a removalist-

There are fragile items removalists Melbourne to take care of your special items. Hiring them is a sure shot way of staying tension-free while moving things they have adequate knowledge and expertise along with experience to make the move as easy as possible. They will ensure the safety of your antique items and are definitely worth a hire.