Introduction
Moving can be a stressful experience, filled with scheduling, address changes, and the daunting task of packing your belongings. But when it comes to your antique furniture, the emotional and financial stakes are even higher. Whether it’s a delicately legged Chippendale Lowboy or a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations, these pieces require special care and attention. The thought of scratches, breaks, or any kind of damage to these priceless items can be overwhelming. This blog post aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to move antique furniture safely, whether you plan to do it yourself or hire professional movers. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure your valuable pieces arrive at their new destination unscathed.
Understanding the Unique Nature of Antique Furniture
What exactly constitutes an antique? While there isn’t a universally agreed-upon definition, the United States Customs Service considers an item to be an antique if it is over 100 years old. However, for practical purposes, especially when moving, it’s best to treat anything older than a few decades as an antique and handle it with extra care. The term “antique” can be applied to a wide variety of items, including armoires, china cabinets, grandfather clocks, mirrors, family heirlooms, porcelain, glass items, secretary desks, curio cabinets, chests, and dressers.
Moving antiques presents unique challenges due to their sentimental and financial value, as well as their inherent fragility. They are often made of delicate materials like old wood, glass, and marble, making them susceptible to damage from improper packing and handling. Improper packing is a leading cause of damage to antique furniture. Therefore, it is imperative to understand these risks and take the necessary precautions to protect these cherished possessions.
Preparing Your Antique Furniture for the Move
Proper preparation is key to a successful and damage-free move. Start by thoroughly assessing each piece of furniture.
- Detailed Inspection: Carefully examine each item, looking for any weak spots, existing damage, loose components, or fragile areas. Pay special attention to legs, feet, frames, tops, and pre-existing damage.
- Photographic Evidence: Take photos of your antiques from all sides and angles. This will serve as crucial documentation of their condition before the move.
- Appraisal: Have your antiques appraised before moving. This will give you a clear understanding of their value, which can be critical for insurance purposes. A qualified appraiser can also point out any weak spots that may need repair prior to the move. You can find a reputable, certified appraiser from the American Society of Appraisers, or get a recommendation from your insurance agent, bank official, or attorney.
Before packing, it’s also important to clean your furniture, but avoid using harsh chemicals or water that could damage the finish. Use a soft, microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust or dirt.
* Avoid Waxing or Oiling: Do not wax or oil your antique before moving. A slippery surface makes it harder to grip, and oils or waxes can cause packing materials to leave imprints on the furniture.
Make any necessary minor repairs, such as tightening loose screws, gluing peeling veneers, or fixing minor scratches or dents.
If possible, disassemble the furniture to minimize the risk of damage and make packing easier. Remove detachable parts such as legs, drawers, door panels, mirrors and hardware. Wrap them separately and pack them in labeled boxes. Store all screws and fasteners in labeled bags to ensure easy reassembly later. However, if your antique is too old or fragile to be disassembled, don’t force it.
Before you even begin packing, you should also create a solid moving plan.
* Timeline and Tasks: Outline your moving process with a clear timeline, specific tasks, and assigned responsibilities. This will keep you organized and on schedule.
* Pathways and Measurements: Measure all doorways, hallways, and staircases in both your old and new locations. This will ensure that your furniture will fit through all necessary pathways, preventing potential damage from trying to squeeze items through too small openings.
Choosing the Right Moving Option
Deciding whether to move your antique furniture yourself or hire professionals is a critical step.
- DIY vs. Professional Movers: Moving antiques yourself can save money but requires a significant amount of effort and knowledge. For particularly valuable or delicate pieces, it’s highly recommended to hire professional movers who specialize in handling antiques. They have the necessary expertise, equipment, and experience to ensure the safe transport of your precious items.
If you decide to hire professional movers, consider the following:
* AMSA Certification: Look for companies that are members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), as these companies are certified as ProMovers.
* ProMover Status: Seek out companies that display the ProMovers logo, indicating they have passed a consumer protection and certification program.
* Credentials: Verify the company is licensed and insured, and has a USDOT number for interstate moves.
* Experience: Ask if they have experience moving antiques and how they will pack and load your items. Read reviews carefully to assess their abilities.
* Customized Solutions: Inquire about their ability to provide customized solutions, such as custom crating and trucks with air-ride suspension.
* Onsite Inspection: A reputable company should agree to an onsite inspection to provide an accurate moving quote.
If you are thinking of renting a truck and moving the antique furniture yourself, take note of the following:
* Proper Packing: It is imperative to pack antiques well before loading them into a moving truck because poor packing is the most common cause of damage.
* Loading Advice: Load furniture with fragile legs, feet, or casters upside down. Keep antique items separate from other items in the truck, and never stack boxes on top of furniture.
* Necessary Tools: Use dollies or hand trucks to move antique furniture, and do not try to lift and carry them to the moving vehicle.
There are also some alternative shipping options you may want to consider:
* Parcel Shipping: If your antique items weigh less than 70 pounds and measure less than 108 inches in length, you may be able to ship them using parcel services. However, these items will be handled multiple times during shipping, so proper packing is critical.
* Peer-to-Peer Shipping: You may also consider rideshare or peer-to-peer shipping, where you pay someone traveling in the direction you need with extra space to transport your items. However, you must vet their experience and expertise carefully.
* Consolidated Freight: For long distance moves, consolidated freight can be a cost-effective option, as your items share space on a truck with other items heading in the same direction. This option is provided by licensed and insured shipping companies.
Packing Antique Furniture Like a Pro
The right packing materials and techniques can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
* Essential Packing Materials: Invest in high-quality materials, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, furniture blankets, and packing peanuts.
* Avoid Direct Contact with Plastic: Do not use bubble wrap or plastic wrap directly on wood, as it can be damaging.
Here are some essential wrapping techniques:
* Layering: Wrap each piece of antique furniture individually in soft materials like packing foam, furniture blankets, or bubble wrap. Use two to three layers to ensure ample protection.
* Corner Protection: Use cardboard corner protectors to safeguard vulnerable edges.
* Securing Parts: Secure delicate parts like handles and trim with soft padding and tape.
For extra protection, you may want to use custom crates:
* Custom Crates: Custom crates provide superior protection, especially for high-value or fragile items.
* Oddly Shaped Items: Custom crates can be built for oddly shaped items that do not fit standard boxes.
Labeling boxes and crates is also critical for organization and to ensure proper handling.
* Clear Instructions: Label boxes with clear handling instructions, such as “This side up”.
* Fragile Warnings: Label boxes containing breakable items as “Fragile”.
Safely Loading and Transporting Antique Furniture
Loading and transporting antiques requires careful attention to detail.
* Gentle Handling: Handle each piece of furniture gently and carefully.
* Teamwork: Use a team of people to assist with lifting, and always lift with your legs, not your back.
During transport, take these factors into consideration:
* Securing Furniture: Use straps, ropes, or ratchet tie-downs to secure each piece in the truck. This will prevent the items from shifting during transit.
* Weight Distribution: Place the heaviest items on the truck’s floor between the axles to maintain proper weight distribution.
* Safe Driving: Drive cautiously, obey speed limits, and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns.
* Temperature and Humidity: Monitor temperature and humidity levels inside the vehicle, as antiques are sensitive to extreme fluctuations.
* Regular Checks: Check the furniture periodically during the transit, especially during long-distance moves.
Unpacking and Post-Move Care
Unpacking antique furniture requires the same level of care and attention as packing.
* Gentle Removal: Remove all packing materials gently to avoid scratching furniture.
* Inventory Check: Compare unpacked items against your inventory list, making sure that nothing has gone missing.
When reassembling the furniture, take your time and refer to your documentation and photos.
* Careful Reassembly: Make sure to follow photos and documentation to properly reassemble furniture, taking extra care with fragile components.
Conduct a post-move inspection as soon as possible.
* Thorough Examination: Carefully examine each item for damage immediately after unpacking.
* Documentation: If you find any damage, document it with photos and contact your moving company or insurance provider immediately.
After the move, consider these factors for proper placement:
* Proper Placement: Keep your antique furniture away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or areas with fluctuating humidity levels, as these can all negatively affect their condition.
* Climate Control: If you need to store your antiques, ensure you select a climate-controlled storage facility to minimize the risk of damage.
Finally, you should clean and maintain your furniture after a move.
* Gentle Cleaning: Use appropriate cleaning products and techniques for each type of material, being gentle and avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
* Insurance Review: It is a good idea to update your insurance coverage and documentation as needed.
Specific Tips for Different Types of Antiques
Different types of antique furniture have their own unique needs. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
* Upholstered Furniture: Wrap in plastic to shield from dirt, then use blankets or bubble wrap for padding.
* Tables and Desks: Disassemble if possible, carefully wrapping legs and table tops.
* Cabinets and Armoires: Empty all contents before moving, and secure doors with straps or padding.
* Mirrors and Artwork: Remove mirrors from frames when possible and transport in a special box.
* Chairs and Seating: Antique chairs can be fragile and require special handling.
* Fragile Items: Provide corner protectors for vulnerable edges and secure delicate components with soft padding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Antiques
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your antiques remain protected:
* Rushing: Carelessness and haste is a common cause of damage to antique furniture.
* Improper Lifting: Never push or drag antiques across the floor, no matter how well they are packed.
* Neglecting Preparation: Failing to take photos, clean or wrap furniture can lead to damage.
* Improper Packing: Inadequate wrapping can lead to damage.
* Not Using Proper Equipment: Do not move antiques without a dolly or hand truck.
* Not Checking for Damage: Never sign a delivery without inspecting for damage first, and never sign “free and clear” if an item is damaged.
* Ignoring Environmental Factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity can damage antiques.
Conclusion
Moving antique furniture safely requires meticulous planning, careful packing, and gentle handling. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure your valuable pieces arrive safely at their new destination. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire professional movers, remember that the key to success lies in preparation, patience, and a thorough understanding of how to handle your antique furniture. Preserving these items is not just about their monetary value but also about preserving their historical and sentimental significance.
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