How to Ship Antiques
Shipping and Packing Antiques
Whether it’s a treasured gem you found at a garage sale or a unique family heirloom, antiques typically have both monetary and sentimental value. This is precisely why you need proper packing when you move your antique furniture and collectibles.
Antiques are a minimum of 100 years old, and most have survived being passed down for several generations. They are not as sturdy as they used to be, and it is common to hear of families losing valued items because they didn’t pack them well. If you will be shipping antique furniture, you must take extra care. The objective is to maintain the quality and avoid breakage.
If you are worried about losing, breaking, or damaging the value of your antique, consider calling Alliance Relocation Services for a free quote on crating your items. Plus, read on for our expert tips to protect your antiques when shipping them.
Tips for Shipping Antique Furniture
It’s safest to hire professionals to pack and ship your antiques. However, you may want to do-it-yourself. For instance, you may encounter bumpy roads that cause damage to your items. Or you may be moving to a humid climate and run the risk of exposure to moisture.
Start by listing all the potential pitfalls that could damage your items during transit and make plans to avoid them. Be prepared for the unexpected, and put extra effort into packing your antique items, even more than you put towards shipping, although both are important. Here are the steps you need to follow while shipping your antiques:
Communication
Your first step is to communicate with the shippers and give them accurate information on the dimensions, condition, and value of your antique furniture. This includes:
Taking photos: This is an effective method of collecting and sending information on your antiques. Photos provide proof on the condition of your valuables prior to shipping for comparison once they’re delivered to their destination.
Labeling: If your antique is to be disassembled, you must label each part. Be very precise, accurate, and neat with your labeling.
Point out fragile items: Antiques are delicate items by default—but some require extra care. Informing the shippers about some of the more fragile antiques can help reduce the risk of damages.
Packing
Once you have taken photos, labeled, and communicated with the moving team, then start packing your antiques. The packing technique depends on the antique. These are generally the best practices for packing antique furniture:
Avoid furniture taping: Tape is not for securing your antique furniture. In fact, it will likely damage it. The stickum will leave behind residue. This is another reason to hire a professional. They have the proper materials and equipment.
Use crating services: This is the best way to protect your valuables. If you are doing the shipping on your own, you can order crates from shipping companies. If you decide to hire professional antique shippers such as Alliance Relocation Services, your crating needs are handled efficiently.
Use boxes: If you cannot afford the crates, boxes are a good idea to pack your antiques. But take caution in choosing the box size. You will have to find a slightly bigger size than your furniture to allow for padding. Measure your furniture first and add a couple of inches to the sides.
Shipping Your Antique Furniture
Once you are done with packing, it’s time to ship. You have a variety of options for shipping them.
- Consolidated freight: Also known as a multi-stop truckload. Your items share the same mode of transport with other movers. This method is good for people shipping fewer items. It is also a very affordable method to use since you only pay for the space your antique occupies. However, consolidated freight may be a bit time consuming since there are several other stops and items to be delivered on the way.
- Ship yourself (DIY Style): You pack your antiques, rent a truck, and ship them yourself. Wondering why you should do this? Well, some people love being in control of their environment. But there can be many disadvantages to using this mode of shipping, including having full responsibility for any damage incurred either to your antiques or even the rental truck. It can also be very expensive for long-distance moves.
- Hire professional movers: This is the safest and most convenient way of shipping antiques. Your antiques are handled by professionals who have experience in shipping. From packing to shipping, they do it with expert-level care. The only downside to this method is its relatively high cost, especially for long moves. But you can never compromise on the safety of your antiques, right?
Use Alliance Relocation Services for Proper Packing
Now that you’re fully equipped on how to ship antique furniture, partner with a shipper that has your best interest in mind. Take time to find the best shipping companies for antiques. The company should come with the best recommendations and reputation for packing antiques. Alliance Relocation Services has decades of experience. We provide the best care to your antiques including packing and crating. Contact us today for a free estimate.