Antiques are beautiful; they have long and fascinating histories, and many are family heirlooms. They have value, both in a monetary sense and a sentimental one, and you wish to continue passing them down your family line. So, it makes sense to be extra careful when you’re moving antique furniture and observe high safety standards.
The term “antique” is typically used for furniture that’s more than 100 years old, yet it’s more than the passage of time that makes an antique so valuable. Antique furniture is well-crafted and durable enough to have survived for generations. Antiques are typically made of fine materials like rosewood, mahogany, and oak, and they come in popular styles like Queen Anne, Victorian, and Georgian.
Examples of antiques can range from furniture like Chippendale chairs, French provincial tables and Art Deco sideboards. Collectibles can take the form of vintage glassware, porcelain figurines and old clocks or watches, and you may be able to think of many more examples from your own family history.
Many antiques are vulnerable to damage, which can make the already stressful process of moving house feel even more daunting. Whether you’re relocating interstate or staying in the same neighbourhood, antique furniture removalists can safely shift your priceless possessions from your old home to your new one.
Common Issues When Moving Antiques
It’s impossible to predict and plan for everything that can go wrong during the process of moving antique furniture, but planning ahead and following the proper procedures helps a great deal. The most common issues to be wary of include:
Damaged Furniture
Sometimes, furniture will end up damaged even if you pack up all your valuables to the best of your efforts. Packing furniture incorrectly, using the wrong kinds of materials and dropping or knocking furniture can all potentially cause mishaps during the moving process. It’s possible to repair damaged antique furniture, but it involves time, money and effort, all of which you’ll already be investing into your move. As always, prevention is a better approach than cure.
Issues Relocating
Relocating can pose several challenges to the process of antique removals, including time constraints, storage issues and space limitations. The longer the distance, the more potential problems you may have moving antique furniture into a new location. Before you move your furniture, visit the new house with some measuring tape and a notepad to take down important measurements. Take note of where you’ll place your furniture and appliances and how you’ll fit your antiques through doors. If possible, communicate with the prior owner or resident before your move to help get you through the moving day without a hitch.
How to Move Antiques Safely
Many antiques and collectibles are very fragile, and packing fragile items requires special care. Here are some essential steps to take to protect your antiques and collectibles during a move:
Prepare an inventory
Before you move anything, thoroughly inspect every antique, heirloom and collectible you have. Go over each part of your heirloom and take note of any scratches, loose parts or defects. By taking notes of the existing faults and blemishes on each item, you can more easily spot any new ones caused by the move.
Take stock when you pack and unpack
Before the moving date, note down all the fragile items while you pack them and cross them off the list as you unpack.
Pack fragile items first and separately
Packing your most vulnerable antiques before the move and keeping them separate gets them out of the way and reduces the risk of them being involved in any further accidents.
Take lots of photos
Take photographs of your treasured belongings before the move. This will allow you to better assess any damage they’ve sustained in the move and come in handy in the unlikely event you need to make an insurance claim.
Protect your furniture with the right materials
It’s important to cushion both the inside and outside of your valuables with the right materials during the antique moving process. Put packing peanuts or paper inside breakable items like glasses and vases and wrap them in bubble wrap for extra protection. Don’t place antiques in the back of a moving truck without protection— two to three layers of blankets, pads or sturdy foam are best.
Choose the right furniture removalist
With so many moving companies out there, it’s important to choose antique furniture removalists with the proper techniques and materials to handle antiques. There are many tips you can take on board when it comes to finding the right removalist. Read the reviews, research and compare quotes and make sure the moving company sends well-trained professionals who treat your antiques with the care they require. To ensure you get a quality removal company, make sure that their removalists are AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) trained and certified.
Why Insurance May Be a Good Idea
If your antiques are worth money, have them appraised and valued before you move. Antique appraisals determine the selling price of an item, which is useful if you need to make an insurance claim. Factors involved in these valuations include the age, quality, rarity, and condition of the piece as well as the demands of the current market.
The most obvious reason to insure your antiques before a move is that, in a worst-case scenario, it helps to cover the costs of repair or replacement. The peace of mind this brings can free up your time and energy so you can focus more on the move.
Minimise Risk by Hiring a Removalist
Hiring antique furniture removalists can minimise the risks when moving vintage possessions. Professional removalists know how to pack, lift, and transport delicate items in a way that saves time and reduces the chance of damage to the furniture. They come equipped with the right tools and materials, such as straps, dollies, and padded blankets, as well as insurance and liability.
Safely Move Your Antiques with Ready Movers
Moving house is never easy, but Ready Movers can take the stress out of it as much as possible. Our home removalist services are the heart of what we do and will make your transition into your new home seamless.
Whether you need to move an entire house or just one room, our options are flexible and cater to your needs. Our single-item and internal moves are perfect for those needing a single item, such as an antique piano, moved.
Packing is one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of any move, and Ready Movers offers packing services to meet your needs. We can pack or unpack everything from a single room to your entire home.
Ready Movers has all the necessary tools, gear and equipment on hand and can even supply packing materials. Our written no-damage guarantee is there so you can feel completely confident about your antiques throughout the process.
To find out more, contact the Ready Movers team and get your free moving quote.
