You love your antiques, but when faced with packing them all in anticipation of a move, the prospect can sound like a nightmare. To ensure your precious valuables arrive unscathed, it’s important to make sure you pack and transport them correctly. We suggest hiring a professional for guaranteed results, but if you want to tackle this job yourself, here are five tips.

Gather Your Supplies

First, you will need the right supplies, such as:

Moving blankets
Microfiber cloth
Packing paper or peanuts
Plastic wrap (air-filled)
Furniture pads
Packing tape
Corner protectors
Boxes, including specialty boxes
Glassine (buy it by the roll at the craft store)

Now that you have the right supplies, it’s time to get started.

1. Inventory and Clean

Before you begin packing, take a detailed inventory of the items in your possession that are of great value. Take photos and note their condition. Next, clean each item with a microfiber cloth.

2. Get an Appraisal and Check Your Homeowner’s Policy

You should always know the precise value of your antiques before a move. This way, you will have the value on paper if you have to make an insurance claim later due to damage, theft or loss. Next, check your homeowner’s insurance policy, as some cover antiques during a move while others require an add-on at an extra fee.

3. Pack Artwork, Mirrors and Smaller Antiques

Next up, you will have to figure out the size or type of box you will need for each type of antique. Use the smallest box you can to avoid shifting. Use specialty boxes for paintings and mirrors. For glassware, use boxes with dividers built in. Speaking of glass items, wrap those in a layer of Glassine — a barrier paper with a wax-like finish. This way, your items won’t get stained or smudged.
Affix corner protectors on framed artwork and mirrors, and use air-filled plastic wrap to cushion each item. Wrap them at least twice and secure with packing tape. Fill any gaps with packing peanuts for even more protection.

4. Disassemble and Wrap Furniture

If you can, disassemble any large antique furniture for easier transit. If you can’t remove the larger parts, at least remove small items such as casters, knobs and drawer pulls. Place those in baggies and attach to each piece of furniture so you don’t lose them.
Wrap each item in furniture pads or moving blankets. Never put plastic wrap directly on furniture because it holds in moisture and can damage the wood. Use twine instead of tape to close your drawers. Lastly, apply air-filled plastic wrap for added protection.

5. Notify Movers and Label Boxes

Once your antiques are packed snug and secure, you have to ensure the safest transport possible. A lot can happen on a bumpy truck ride! When booking your movers, let them know you will have antiques so they can take extra care. If you are really worried about the antiques breaking, bring them in your car for the trip.
Worried about moving your own antiques? Your best bet is to hire professional movers who also offer packing services. Choose movers with specific experience in antique handling. They will arrive with all the proper materials for the job, saving you stress and time.