Moving can be a challenging adventure for anyone, especially when dealing with treasured antiques and collectibles. Whether it’s a century-old grandfather clock or a precious china set passed down through generations, these items require special care and attention.
Read our simple, step-by-step guides to help you pack your antiques and collectibles confidently, making your move easier and less stressful.
Understand What You’re Dealing With: Make a List
First, make a list and acquaint yourself with your antiques. Identify items that are especially fragile in your collection, like glass, porcelain, or antique furniture (like a piano or hutch).
These fragile items may require additional protection, like covering in bubble wrap or in foam or cardboard to ensure their safety during the move.
Making a list of your antiques and collectibles will ensure that each piece gets the individual attention and specialized care it requires during your move so it arrives at its new home safely. Safety first!
Need help? We can wrap, pack, secure, and pad items (big or small) before moving day. We are a full-service moving company that can do it all.
Related Post: Need Help Unloading U-Hauls or Pods? We Can Do That.
How to Wrap Fine China and Glass Ahead of a Move
Follow these steps when packing fragile items.
Gather Supplies
- Sturdy boxes in various sizes
- Packing paper or bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Dividers or cardboard inserts for boxes
Wrap Each Item
- Wrap each piece individually with packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Pay extra attention to delicate areas like handles and corners.
- Use additional layers for particularly fragile items.
- Use dividers or cardboard inserts for plates to prevent them from touching.
Cushion the Box
- Place a layer of cushioning material at the bottom of the box.
- Pack the wrapped items with enough space between them.
- Fill any gaps with additional packing material to prevent shifting.
Fill Empty Spaces
- Fill any remaining empty spaces in the box with packing material.
- Ensure a snug fit to prevent movement.
Label Each Box
Clearly label the boxes as “Fragile” and indicate which room they belong to.
How to Pack & Wrap a Grandfather Clock Before a Move
If you own a grandfather clock, the goal is to be sure it remains undamaged, safe, and secure during transportation. Here’s a quick guide for handling a grandfather clock.
Gather Your Supplies
- Moving blankets or furniture pads
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Cardboard or mirror boxes
- Foam padding or cushioning material
- Straps or ropes for securing
Remove the Weights and Pendulum
Open the clock case and remove the weights and pendulum. Wrap them individually with bubble wrap or blankets.
Secure the Clock Chimes
If your clock has chimes, secure the chime rods to prevent damage during the move. Use bubble wrap or foam padding for protection.
Secure the Hood and Door
Lock or secure the hood and door of the clock to prevent them from swinging open during transportation. Use packing tape or straps.
Wrap the Clock Case
Wrap the entire clock case with moving blankets or furniture pads. Secure them with packing tape.
Protect the Glass
If your grandfather clock has glass panels, use cardboard or foam padding to protect them. Tape the protective material securely in place.
Use a Custom Box or Crate
If possible, use a custom-built box or crate for the clock. If not, choose a box that is close in size to the clock and add extra padding inside.
Transport with Care
Use a dolly to transport the clock and ensure it is handled with care. Secure it in the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit. Even better, hire professional movers who give a damn!
How to Move a Piano
Moving a piano requires careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of the piano itself and the individuals involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow when moving a piano.
Gather Supplies
- Moving straps or heavy-duty furniture straps
- Four-wheel dolly
- Furniture blankets or padding
- Packing tape
Measure Doorways and Hallways
Measure the dimensions of doorways and hallways to ensure the piano can fit through without any issues. Depending on the type of piano (upright versus grand or baby grand), you may have to turn the piano on its side to move it through your house.
Secure the Piano Lid and Keys
Close and secure the piano lid using packing tape. If it’s a grand piano, you may need to lock the lid in the closed position.
Remove Piano Legs (If Needed)
Some pianos, especially grand pianos, have removable legs. Use a screwdriver to remove the legs and keep screws and small parts in a labeled bag. An upright piano might not have removable legs.
Wrap and Protect
Cover the entire piano with blankets or padding. Secure the padding with packing tape to protect the surface from scratches and damage. For added protection, cover the piano in plastic wrap.
There is another step you might think about here. Place the piano on a piano board, which is essentially a narrow wooden board covered tightly in a blanket. Secure the piano to this board with straps. The purpose of the board is to get better leverage on the piano as you shift it onto a wheeled dolly and to take it off the dolly, which we cover next.
Use a Dolly
Use moving straps or heavy-duty furniture straps to secure the piano to a dolly. This will prevent it from shifting during the move. A normal dolly will not work for a piano because of its weight and bulk. We highly recommend putting the piano on a four-wheeled tote dolly that allows you to roll the piano without having to tip it to the side like on a standard dolly.
Transport with Care
When you get the piano into the moving truck, unstrap it from the four-wheeled dolly and utilize the piano board to slide it onto the floor of the truck. Use straps or tie-downs to secure the piano in place, preventing any movement during transit. Secure it in the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit.
Don’t forget—if you’re feeling overwhelmed, contact us, and we can help move the big stuff for you. Our moving experts are happy to help!
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How to Move Antique Furniture
When you’re handling antique furniture like beds, dressers, dining sets (with glass), or hutches, the goal is to ensure that the items arrive scratch-free and without any damage. Here are some steps to help you move antique furniture safely:
Gather Supplies
- Moving blankets or furniture pads
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Foam padding or cushioning material
- Straps or ropes for securing
Disassemble if Possible
If the antique furniture can be disassembled, carefully take it apart. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled bags.
Wrap and Protect
Wrap the pieces in blankets, securing them with tape or straps. Use bubble wrap for fragile or ornate details. Cover the entire piece of furniture with blankets to protect it from scratches and dings.
Use Padding for Fragile Parts
For delicate components such as glass table tops or dresser mirrors, use additional padding like bubble wrap or foam to provide extra protection.
Secure Drawers and Doors
If the antique furniture has drawers or doors, secure them with tape or furniture straps to prevent them from opening during transit.
Load and Secure
Use straps or tie-downs to secure the furniture in the truck, minimizing the risk of movement during transportation.
How to Handle Small Valuables
What about small valuables like jewelry, coin collections, or family heirlooms?
Valuables and items with sentimental or irreplaceable value should be kept with you during a move rather than being placed in a moving truck.
Small items can be easily misplaced in the shuffle of a move, especially if they are not properly labeled or separated. Ultimately, separating small valuables from larger items can provide peace of mind during the moving process. Consider a fireproof box or small safe you can put in the cargo area of your car or SUV for your small valuables.
Contact the Movers Who Give a Damn When Moving Antique Furniture
Feeling uncertain about moving antique furniture, a huge piano, and special keepsakes yourself? Contact us or give us a call at (417) 501-9128, and we will pack and move everything for you!