Tips for Packing, Moving Antiques and Art Work
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When moving antique furniture or art work you should weigh the benefits of packing yourself or hiring professionals. Doing you own packing will save you money, and can make unpacking easier because you’ll know what’s in each box. However, hiring professionals to pack and unpack your most valued possessions can help to ensure they arrive intact.
Below are some tips for packing your valuable belongings.
1.) Get antiques and artwork appraised. Before packing or moving it is important to take inventory and get every piece of value appraised. You can visit the American Society of Appraisers to find a qualified appraiser.
2.) Purchase appropriate packing supplies. Don’t skimp on professional moving supplies, such as sturdy boxes of varying sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing paper, padding, and dark water-resistant markers.
3.) Wrap each item individually. Wrap small items with non-printed newspaper. The benefit of unprinted paper is there is no ink to mar the finish. Then use bubble wrap. This will prevent the plasticizer in the bubble wrap from reacting to the paint. Then wrap a second layer of paper before taping.
4.) Prepare large pieces for the move. Remove loose shelves. Remove knobs or handles that stick out, and screw them back in on the inside of the piece. Wrap each piece in blankets and secure with packing tape. Keep the tape taught as you wrap it around.
5.) Framed artwork should be placed in boxes. After individually wrapping each framed print in non-printed newspaper and/or bubble wrap, tape cardboard around them and place in flat fitted picture boxes.
6.) Mirrors or glass need to be protected. Put packing tape across the front of the mirror like an “X” to keep the pieces in place in case the glass breaks. Wrap in bubble wrap or non-printed newsprint with cardboard taped around them. Fill loose spaces with lightly wadded paper or cardboard. Put in a flat picture box.
5.) Clearly mark each piece. Make sure to label each piece and box with the words fragile or glass.
6.) Load pieces carefully. Whether you hire a third party to load your portable storage unit or if you do it yourself, make sure to be extra careful when lifting and placing your valuable antiques and artwork.
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