How to transport antique items safely

When dealing with antiques the last thing you want is a blemished or damaged item. Besides their sentimental value, damage decreases the antiques worth and repair can be costly. Whether you’re taking your antiques to Dickinson, selling them on or moving house, simply follow this guide to put your mind at rest whilst your (hopefully) valuable antiques are safely transported.

Preparation

With fragile goods of this nature, whether through Shiply or elsewhere it is important to describe your antiques to your chosen transport provider. You should tell them how large and heavy the items are and how you intend them to be packaged. You should also mention if you have any special requirements such as a need to handle with gloves. Always mark your boxes as fragile as well as writing down your name, in case any confusion or complications arise. It could also prove beneficial to photograph your antiquities from all angles to prove whether any damages occurred during transit. When dealing with the transport of multiple antiques, create an inventory of your items which you can then tick off upon arrival.

Ask your antique couriers as many questions as possible. Have they had experience moving antique goods? Do they have adequate insurance? Do they have the right equipment to move and load/unload fragile goods? These are the types of questions you should ask before committing yourself to a transport provider. Check a transport provider’s feedback to make sure they have not got a history of damaging goods.

In some cases it may be best to hire a professional antiques courier to keep peace of mind when moving specialty goods and items.

Packaging

Newspaper and bubble wrap will be your best friend when it comes to packaging your antiquities. Glass and porcelain especially should always be wrapped and double wrapped to prevent cracks or shattering. Scrunch up the newspaper as much as possible and place in around your glass or porcelain items. For more delicate or higher valued items bubble wrap and foam sheets are essential. Blankets are also essential when moving your antiques. As a general rule, the larger the item, the thicker the blankets need to be. Use softer material when working with scratchable surfaces.

Try not to group multiple items within the same box and certainly do not put mismatched items in the same packaging. You don’t want something heavy placed alongside something fragile for example. All space inside boxes should be used with newspaper or packaging filler like styro-foam “popcorn.”

If the item is light or small, it makes sense that it transported on top of heavier goods. Make sure you see where your courier puts your item and if you feel unsure let it be known to them and they will almost certainly try to accommodate you as best they can.