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Packing Techniques of any Antiques
A grandfather clock handed over generations, an antique roll-top desk, heirloom porcelain – these are the kinds of treasures that make a home seem like a home. They are also among the hardest to move from one house (or apartment) to another. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make a successful move, even with hard-to-pack antiques. With the right techniques and some special materials you pack antiques like a pro.
Create an inventory of your Antiques
Once you decide to move, create an inventory of all the items in your antique collection.
Start with the biggest items like cabinets and dining tables. Photograph every piece for your documentation. Measure all sides of each object; You will need these measurements for custom boxes and to make sure your large antiques fit through the doors of your new home.
For smaller antiques such as jewelry, silver and collectibles, photograph each object and make a note of any defects.
Get Professional Reviews
If you have not received any recent reviews of your antiques, please do so next. The American Society of Appraisers is a great source of information for reviews and referrals to certified assessors in your area.
Consider your Insurance Options
Are your antiques insured for the move? Check that the insurance cover is also valid for transportation and unpacking in your new home during a move, even if it is included in the insurance policy of your homeowner or renter. Before moving, consult with your broker or insurer to discuss your options.
If you use a professional Best Removalists Melbourne , you may think that you are covered by the company’s liability insurance. However, the policies of many moving companies are based on a 60-cent-per-pound formula. If this is all the cover you have for the move, and your $ 100 worth of $ 1,000 worth of antique monuments is broken during transit, the removal company may only be liable for $ 60 and vise versa.
For inter-state removals, the federal government requires that removal companies offer two liability options: release value (the 60-cent-per-pound option described above) and full value protection. With Full Value Protection, the removal companies are responsible for repairing or replacing items that have been damaged or lost during a move. However, there are limitations of liability for items such as antiques that exceed $ 100 per pound. For in-state moves, the requirements for coverage vary. For more information, contact the Attorney General. When it comes to moving to quality antiques, a third party insurer is always worth considering.
Do it like the Smithsonian
Of course you want your antiques to arrive undamaged in your new home. To achieve this goal, you must pack everything properly. To find out how antiques can best be packaged, we turned to experts. Is there a better resource for dealing with antiques than a place that has some of the finest antiques in the world? The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute provides detailed guidelines for transporting antiques and advises on the packing of antiques with three protective layers:
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Protective cover
The first layer keeps the object clean and secure. For porous objects such as artworks, antique books and fabrics, non-acidic archive fabric forms a fine protective layer. Use stretch film or foam film on glass or wood to fully cover the items, and be sure to extend the film around corners and edges. You can also use fabric as a protective film, but as Smithsonian puts it, “in some cases soft material such as flannel can trap dirt that rubs off the surface.”
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Shock and Vibration Protection
The purpose of this layer is to absorb small impacts that occur during transport. Use a combination of blankets, foam and bubble wrap and secure securely.
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Protective Cover
The outermost layer protects your precious antiques from the most dramatic effects of the move. An ideal protective cover is a wooden box.
Packaging Antiques:
Considerations for small items
The Smithsonian approach can also be used for smaller objects. Since the archiving is smooth and acid-free, it is ideal as a protective layer for dishes, glasses and collectibles. These smaller items should be double wrapped for added protection, with a layer of peanuts or foam between the inner and outer packaging. If you send them, you may want to combine several smaller items in one box. If you bring small antiques into your car, you should always keep them in your trunk – out of sight, in the spare tire compartment or hidden behind your luggage.
- The smallest of your antiques and possibly the most valuable are watches and jewelry. Take the steps outlined above: inventory the items, take pictures, get a rating and get the right amount of insurance. Always keep these small items in your area during transport: with your personal belongings, such as a laptop bag or purse, when you are driving or when you are flying in your carry-on baggage.
Pack Antiques in the Moving Van
The rule of thumb for loading fragile items – especially antiques – is “last on first off”. The idea is to limit the likelihood that your antiques are bothering with loading and unloading.
Check your Treasures while Unpacking
Take some time after the move to unpack your antiques. If you notice any damage to the boxes or external boxes, document them with photos or videos.
- Check each item carefully while unpacking it. Do you recognize a kink or scratch that did not exist before the move? In this case, the photos you took while creating your inventory are useful. If there is damage and you need to file a claim, review your policy to determine how much time you need to submit and what types of documentation (such as before-after photos and rating forms) you need to claim.
Antiques are by nature rare and irreplaceable. By investing time, effort, and money to protect them, you can ensure that your most valuable possessions safely arrive at your new home, no matter how far the move is.
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