Tips for packing and moving antiques and art work

Antique furniture and art work are some articles that require great care and proper handling while relocating. Self packing goes a long way in protecting your items as well as proves to be big cost savers. Also, un-packing becomes easier when you know the packing details. Moreover, one can always utilize the services of a professional movers and packers for greater security of your collectibles.

We have described few tips for packing your valuable items.

Get appraisal for your art work and antiquities before they are packed and shifted. It is also important to have an inventory in place for such items; The American Society of Appraisers can help you in this regard for finding a suitable appraiser.

Packing supplies should be carefully chosen. Packing supplies must include professional moving supplies like boxes of different sizes, packing tapes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, padding and water resistant markers.

Always wrap each item individually. Do not pool many items in a single sheet of packing paper. Use non-printed newspaper to pack small items. This would save you ink marks on your items when they are unpacked. After that, use bubble packing for support. This prevents the plastic in the bubble wrap from oxidizing with the paint. Finally, cover it with a second paper layer before taping it.

Create large chunks of movable boxes. Remove any loose shelves, knobs or handles that may create obstruction in the smooth handling and transportation of your items. Screw them back in case they pop out. Moreover, wrap these items with blankets followed by a layer of packing tape. Please ensure that the tape is kept taught while it is being wrapped around the item.

The framed art work and antiquities should be kept in boxes. Each framed print should be individually wrapped in a non-printed paper along with bubble wrapping. Then tape the cardboard around and put them in flat picture boxes.

Glasses and mirrors need to be protected, packed and handled carefully while relocating. Packing tape should be put across the face of the mirror diagonally to hold the pieces in case the glass is damaged or broken. It should then be wrapped in non-printed newspaper with taping of the cardboard around them. Light wadded paper should be used to fill any loose spaces. After packing, carefully put it in a picture box.

Label each item properly so that there is no confusion later on.

Load these pieces carefully, after all these are your favorite art work and antiques.

Learn about truck rental, storage and self moving in our guides.