Moving antiques and fragile items takes more planning than a standard household move. A chipped vase, cracked frame, broken collectible, or scratched antique table may be impossible to replace, especially when the item has family history or real collector value.
Before moving day, take time to sort your delicate pieces, choose the right packing materials, and decide which items need special handling. Glassware, porcelain, pottery, framed photos, paper collectibles, fine art, and antique furniture all need different types of protection.
Below are practical tips for packing antiques and fragile items before a move, including how to protect paper valuables, breakables, furniture, and delicate pieces that should not be packed like ordinary household goods.
Packing Antiques and Collectibles for a Move
Things to consider when preparing antiques and collectibles (and even computer equipment moving) include what type of packing material to use, what type of container to use, and what else to put inside the box with each antique or valuable you are packing. Here are some suggestions for how to pack common valuable items for moving:
- Paper valuables such as vintage postcards, collectible magazines, photographs, or historical newspaper:
- Use waterproof packaging like a sealed plastic bag to encase the items.
- Sandwich the waterproof packaging between cardboard to avoid folding and creasing.
- Pack the prepared item in an envelope that is taped closed and marked as fragile, do not bend, and do not fold.
- Consider placing this packaging into a sturdy container such as a hard plastic box or bin.
- Glassware, Pottery, and Porcelain:
- Wrap breakables like glass in at least two layers of protective material such as bubble wrap.
- Use a box slightly bigger than the item lined with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspaper and nestle the wrapped item inside.
- Put the smaller box inside a larger box lined with more protective packaging material. Make sure there is a thick cushion between the sides of the outer box and the inner box.
- Tips from the Smithsonian for packing antique furniture:
- Use three layers of protection, including a protective wrap, protection from shock and vibration, and a protective outer shell. Think bubble wrap or soft cloth, a layer of packing peanuts or foam, and a wooden shipping crate.
- Handle with care while packing and wrapping valuables, moving slowly and supporting the item well without dragging or pushing with delicate parts such as thin spindles or decorative parts.
These represent just a few types of antiques and collectibles and some of the most common ways to package and handle them when preparing to move..
Using Recycled Packing Materials
Recycled packing materials are acceptable for antiques and fragile items, within reason. Make sure they are clean and dry.
You may find corrugated boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials free for the taking from friends or business associates who either have recently moved or who frequently receive and send packages. Make sure to inspect any used packing materials for moisture, rips and tears, or wet materials that weaken the structure of boxes and damage items being wrapped.
Newspaper is a common packing material that is fine for outer layers of packing protection. But take care not to use newspaper to wrap valuable items directly to avoid ink transfer. The same is true for shredded newspaper versus raffia or other cleaner packing materials.
Let Moving Professionals Handle Your Fragile Items
When you have to move with antiques and fragile items, Liberty Moving & Storage white glove moving services can give you peace of mind. We offer climate controlled storage and specialized handling for items like paintings and fine art, wine collections, and sculptures and statues to care for your special belongings during your move. Liberty helps make your New York move with antiques and fragile items stress-free.
FAQ’s About Moving Antiques
What is the safest way to move antiques and fragile items?
The safest way to move antiques and fragile items is to wrap each piece separately, use sturdy boxes or crates, and add enough padding so nothing can shift during the move. Glass, porcelain, pottery, framed art, and collectibles should not be packed loosely with everyday household items. For high-value or one-of-a-kind pieces, take photos before packing, label the box clearly, and ask your moving company about custom crating, valuation coverage, and special handling.
