What to Know About Moving Special Items Like Artwork and Antiques

Moving your belongings to a new home can be a daunting task, but when it comes to special items like artwork and antiques, the level of care required skyrockets. These fragile, valuable, and often irreplaceable possessions require special attention to ensure they arrive at their destination safely. Whether you’re moving a priceless painting, a family heirloom, or a delicate sculpture, it’s crucial to know how to handle and pack these items to avoid any damage.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and tips to take when moving artwork and antiques. From choosing the right packing materials to finding a professional Flyttfirma Malmö experienced in handling these types of items, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your special possessions during the moving process.

1. Understand the Value of Your Items

Before you even begin the packing process, it’s important to assess the value of your artwork and antiques. Many people overlook the true value of their belongings, both financially and sentimentally, which can lead to poor packing decisions and unnecessary damage during transit. Here’s how to evaluate your items:

• Appraisal: If your artwork or antiques are particularly valuable, it’s advisable to have them appraised by a professional. This will give you an accurate idea of their worth and help you decide whether it’s worth insuring them for the move.
  
• Sentimental Value: Even if your items don’t have a high monetary value, they may have great sentimental significance. In this case, it’s worth taking extra precautions to ensure they arrive safely, even if that means spending a little more on packing or hiring professional movers.
  

2. Choosing the Right Packaging Materials

Packing artwork and antiques properly is essential for their protection during a move. Here’s a breakdown of the materials you’ll need:

• Bubble Wrap: This is a must-have for wrapping delicate items like sculptures, glass frames, and fragile vases. Bubble wrap offers cushioning and helps prevent any scratches or chips that can occur during handling or transit.
  
• Acid-Free Tissue Paper: For delicate artwork or antiques that could be damaged by acids or dyes, using acid-free tissue paper is essential. This type of paper will protect the surface of the item while also preventing any discoloration over time.
  
• Custom Crates and Boxes: If you have large paintings or valuable sculptures, consider having custom crates or boxes made. These will offer the most protection, as they are designed to fit your item precisely and prevent movement inside the crate. You can get these crates from professional moving companies or packing specialists.
  
• Packing Peanuts or Foam: These are ideal for filling empty spaces inside boxes to ensure that the items do not shift during transit. Make sure to use biodegradable or eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact.
  
• Furniture Blankets: Heavy and bulky items like antique furniture can be wrapped in thick furniture blankets to keep them safe from nicks, scratches, and dust. Be sure to secure the blankets with packing tape or stretch wrap.
  

3. How to Pack Different Types of Artwork and Antiques

Each type of artwork or antique requires a different approach to packing, depending on the material, size, and fragility. Cheap movers and packers can provide specialized techniques to ensure these valuables are handled with care. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to pack these items:

Packing Paintings

Paintings, especially those framed in glass, require the utmost care. Here’s the proper method to pack them:

1. Wrap the Frame: Use bubble wrap to carefully cover the frame, securing the wrap with tape. Be sure to add extra layers of protection around the corners, which are the most vulnerable areas.
   
2. Cover the Glass: To prevent glass from breaking, cover it with a layer of cardboard or foam sheets. You can also apply painter’s tape in an “X” shape across the glass to keep it from shattering if it gets impacted.
   
3. Use a Picture Box: Place the wrapped painting inside a specialized picture box or crate. Ensure there is enough padding on all sides to prevent any shifting. You can also fill the box with packing peanuts to fill any gaps.
   

Packing Sculptures and Antiques

For fragile sculptures, ceramics, and other delicate antiques, the following packing techniques should be followed:

1. Wrap the Item: Wrap the sculpture or antique with several layers of bubble wrap, making sure that every surface is covered. For especially fragile pieces, consider adding a layer of foam or soft cloth underneath the bubble wrap for additional protection.
   
2. Use a Sturdy Box or Custom Crate: Place the wrapped item inside a sturdy cardboard box or custom crate. For valuable sculptures, custom crates are often the best option, as they provide tailored protection. Secure the item with foam peanuts or crumpled paper to ensure it does not move around inside the box.
   
3. Fill Any Empty Space: Add foam padding or crumpled paper around the item to fill any voids in the box. This will prevent it from shifting during the move.
   

Packing Antiques Furniture

Antique furniture is often large, heavy, and difficult to pack. Here’s how to protect it:

1. Disassemble Pieces: If possible, disassemble larger furniture pieces like beds, tables, or bookshelves to make them easier to move and reduce the risk of damage. Keep all hardware in labeled bags.
   
2. Wrap the Furniture: Use moving blankets or padding to wrap the furniture securely. Pay special attention to corners, legs, and other protruding parts, which are vulnerable to damage.
   
3. Use Corner Protectors: For items with sharp corners or delicate carvings, use corner protectors or additional bubble wrap to safeguard these areas.
   
4. Load Carefully: When loading antique furniture into the moving truck, ensure that it’s securely placed and that there is no chance of it shifting or getting scratched. Secure it with ropes or straps.
   

4. Hiring Professional Movers for Artwork and Antiques

While packing your special items carefully is crucial, it’s often a good idea to hire a professional moving company with experience in handling artwork and antiques. Here’s why:

• Expertise: Professional movers have experience handling delicate, valuable items and understand the best practices for packing and transporting artwork and antiques.
  
• Proper Equipment: Movers specializing in artwork and antiques will have access to custom crates, climate-controlled trucks, and the right tools to ensure your items are transported safely.
  
• Insurance Coverage: Most professional moving companies offer moving insurance that can protect valuable items like artwork and antiques in the event of an accident. Be sure to check the company’s insurance policy and ask for additional coverage if needed.
  

5. Moving Art and Antiques Long Distance

Moving artwork and antiques over long distances requires extra planning and caution. Here are some things to consider:

• Climate Control: Some artwork, such as paintings, can be sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. If you’re moving long distance, look for a moving company that offers climate-controlled storage and transport.
  
• Time Sensitivity: Long-distance moves can take days, and artwork or antiques left in storage for too long could be at risk. Arrange for your items to be delivered as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to temperature changes.
  
• Transport Insurance: If you’re moving valuable items long-distance, make sure to arrange for adequate insurance coverage. Ask the moving company about its coverage policies and ensure your items are fully protected.
  

6. Unpacking and Settling in Your New Home

Once your artwork and antiques arrive at your new home, it’s important to unpack them carefully:

1. Inspect Each Item: Before unpacking, check for any signs of damage. If any damage is found, document it immediately for insurance purposes.
   
2. Careful Unpacking: Unwrap your items carefully, ensuring you do not damage the packing material. Take your time with each item, as rushing can lead to accidents.
   
3. Display or Store Properly: Once your artwork and antiques are unpacked, find a suitable spot to display or store them. If necessary, consider using a professional framing or restoration service for any items that need special attention.
   

Conclusion

Moving special items like artwork and antiques requires careful planning, proper packing materials, and sometimes the assistance of a professional moving company. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your valuable possessions arrive at their destination safely, with minimal risk of damage. Remember, the key to a successful move is preparation, so take the time to protect your special items and give them the attention they deserve during your relocation.