Here are some tips to pack your antiques like a pro
Create an inventory of your antiques
Once you decide to move, create a moving inventory list of each item in your antique collection. Start with the biggest items, such as cabinets and dining tables. Take a picture of each piece for your records. Measure all sides of each item. You will need these measurements to choose boxes and make sure that your large antiques fit in the doors of your new home.
Get professional estimates
If you have not received the latest estimates of your antiques, do that next. The American Society of Appraisers is an excellent source of information on appraisals and referrals to certified appraisers in your area.Consider your insurance options
Are your antiques insured for relocation? Even if they are included in your homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy, check to see if the coverage applies to transportation and unpacking in your new home during the move. With your estimates in hand, contact your broker or insurance company before moving to discuss your options. If you use a professional moving company, you might think that you are insured with company liability insurance. Nevertheless, the policy of many movers is based on the formula of 60 cents per pound. If this is all the coverage you have, and your 100-pound antique statue costing $1,000 is broken along the way, then the moving company can be responsible for as little as $60. For interstate relocations, the federal government requires loaders to offer two options for liability: “Cost released” (60 cents per pound option, described above) and “Full cost protection”. Due to the full cost protection, the loaders are responsible for the repair or replacement of items damaged or lost during the move. However, there are limitations on liability for items, such as antiques, that exceed $100 per pound. For movements within the state, coverage requirements vary. When it comes to moving expensive antiques, you should consider a third-party insurer.Pack your antiques like a pro as in the Smithsonian Institution
Of course, you want your antiques to be delivered to your new home without damage, and to achieve this goal you need to pack your antiques like a pro. The best way to do this is to hire a company that offers packing services San Antonio. To find out the best ways of packing antiques, we turned to experts. What could be better to work with antiques than a place where some of the most sophisticated antiques in the world move? The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute offers detailed instructions for moving antiques and recommends packaging antiques with three levels of protection:1. Protective wrap
The first layer of the protective wrap will keep the object clean and safe. For porous objects, such as works of art, old books, and fabrics, non-acidic archival tissues create an excellent protective layer. For glass or wood, use stretch film or foam film to completely cover objects, necessarily pulling the film at the corners and edges.
2. Protection against shock and vibration
The purpose of this layer is to absorb the small bumps that occur during transportation. Use comforters, foam and bubble wrap and securely fasten, especially if you are moving a chandelier.3. Protective shell
The outer layer protects your valuable antiques from the most dramatic effects of the move. The ideal protective shell is a wooden box.Packing small antique items
The Smithsonian approach can also be used with smaller elements. Since archival paper is smooth and non-acidic, it is ideal as a protective layer for tableware, glassware, and collectibles. These smaller items should be double-packed for extra protection with a layer of packing peanuts or foam between the inner and outer boxes. If you send them, you can combine several small items into a box. If you take small antiques into your car, be sure to fasten them in the trunk - out of sight, in the spare wheel compartment or hide behind luggage. The smallest of your antiquities and perhaps the most valuable are watches and jewelry. Perform the same steps as listed above: inventory items, take photos, get estimates, and provide the necessary amount of insurance. When moving, keep these small items always with you: with your personal items, such as a laptop bag or a handbag, if you are driving, or, if you are flying, in your carry-on baggage with your essentials moving box.Packing antiques in a van
The rule of thumb when loading fragile items, especially antiques, is: “Last on, first off”. The idea is to limit the likelihood that your antiques can be broken during loading and unloading.Check your treasures as you unpack
After moving, take time to unpack antiques. If you notice any damage to the boxes or external boxes, document them with photos or videos. Inspect each item carefully while you unpack it. Do you find a crack or scratch that wasn't there before the move? This is when the photos you took while creating your inventory come in handy. If there is damage, and you need to file a complaint, be sure to check your policy to determine how much time you have, and what types of documentation you will need to initiate your request.