Ensure The Safe Arrival Of Your Delicate Items During The Move
When you think about moving, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are, it’s two things. On one hand, the excitement of heading to a new place, with all the opportunities and fresh experiences that come with it. On the other hand, the stress or challenge of transporting your belongings, especially delicate items like artwork, antiques, or other valuables.
But that second thought doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right precautions, you can ensure that everything arrives safely and in perfect condition. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with key tips to help protect your most treasured possessions during the moving process.
Challenges When Relocating Fragile & Valuable Belongings
Art and antiques are fragile, yes. But they’re also irreplaceable. Not just because some items can’t be replicated, but also because there’s a sentimental value involved. That vase your grandmother gave you, which broke, can’t simply be replaced by another, even if it looks identical. This is what raises the stakes when it comes to moving.
When considering a move, it’s important to categorize your belongings based on fragility and worth. This allows you to prioritize which items require the most attention, specialized packing materials, or professional moving support. For many homeowners, hiring experienced moving contractors in Minneapolis can significantly reduce the risk of damage while providing peace of mind.
After all, we’re not the only ones saying this. According to a study published by Talker Research, one in four Americans considers moving to be one of life’s most stressful experiences, mainly because they hadn’t considered the professional support solutions available to prevent the loss or breakage of fragile and valuable items.
Packing Artwork & Mirrors For Moving
Moving art, framed prints, and mirrors demands a methodical approach. Proper packing materials are essential to prevent scratches, chips, or other damage. To make sure each piece is fully protected, follow these key steps:
- Choose the right box: Large, heavy-duty picture boxes or telescope boxes are ideal. Telescope boxes are two-part boxes that can be adjusted to fit large, flat items like mirrors or canvases. If the original packaging is available, it often provides the best protection.
- Protect the surface: Wrap each item in Glassine paper, a smooth, water- and grease-resistant material, to safeguard the surface from blemishes. Avoid using typical plastic wrap directly on artwork, as it can trap moisture.
- Add cushioning: Layer the item with bubble wrap at least twice around its surface. Corners are particularly vulnerable, so include corner protectors made of cardboard or styrofoam. For added security, a moving blanket can be wrapped around the item for an extra layer of protection.
- Position carefully in the truck: Always store artwork upright, preferably arranged face-to-back to avoid hanging hardware from damaging other pieces. Place boxes in spots where they won’t be squashed by heavier furniture or jostled during transport.
Following these precautions will help ensure your framed art and mirrors reach your new home in the same perfect condition as when you packed them, especially when handled with the care provided by professional packing services in Minneapolis.
Handling Antiques & Fragile Furniture
Antiques are among the most valuable household items, not only financially but often sentimentally. Here’s how you can protect these delicate pieces:
- Inventory and insurance: Before moving, document every antique with photos and notes. Check whether your home insurance covers these items, or consider purchasing specialized coverage for antiques and collectibles.
- Gather appropriate supplies: For safe transport, you’ll need multiple rolls of bubble wrap, moving blankets, packing tape, and sturdy crates or boxes. Heavy furniture may require disassembly for safer handling.
- Wrap and protect: Begin by securing fragile surfaces with bubble wrap, followed by a layer of moving blankets. For maximum protection, place the item in a wooden crate or a sturdy cardboard box. This outer layer absorbs shocks and prevents damage from rough roads or accidental bumps.
- Team lifting: Large, heavy antiques should never be moved alone. Enlist several helpers to lift and maneuver the furniture safely. Dropping or bumping an antique could cause costly damage, so extra hands are essential.
If handling antiques feels overwhelming, professional movers with experience in specialty items can take the stress off your shoulders. For instance, hiring movers in Minneapolis familiar with fragile and valuable items ensures that each piece is transported safely and efficiently.
Packing Tips For Smaller Valuables & Collectibles
Not all valuable items are large furniture or artwork. Collectibles, jewelry, family photos, and small heirlooms also require careful packing to ensure they arrive safely at your new home.
Use Small, Sturdy Boxes
Select boxes that are the right size for your items and line them with bubble wrap or foam. This prevents movement inside the box during transport, reducing the risk of scratches, chips, or other damage.
Wrap Each Item Individually
Even small items should be wrapped separately. Use soft tissue, bubble wrap, or foam sheets to protect surfaces from rubbing against each other. This extra step is especially important for delicate collectibles and heirlooms with sentimental value.
Seal & Label Boxes Clearly
Secure each box with strong packing tape and clearly mark it as “Fragile.” Clear labeling alerts movers to handle these boxes with extra care and ensures that your valuables are placed in safe positions within the moving truck.
Keep Valuables Separate
For added peace of mind, storing these smaller but precious belongings with storage services in St Paul, for example, can provide secure, monitored, and climate-controlled storage, ensuring they remain protected during your move.
Long-Distance Moves & Professional Assistance
Long-distance moves add complexity due to extended travel times and multiple handling points. Items that may withstand a short local move could face higher risks on a longer journey.
Professional moving companies with expertise in transporting fine art and antiques address these challenges in several ways. They often use climate-controlled trucks to protect sensitive items from extreme temperatures or humidity fluctuations, which can otherwise cause warping, cracking, or other damage to artwork, antiques, and wooden furniture.
Employing long distance movers in Minnesota ensures your valuables are protected throughout the journey. Their experience can prevent costly mistakes and provide peace of mind!
Storage Solutions For Protecting Your Valuable Items
Sometimes, a move may involve temporary storage. Whether you’re downsizing, waiting for your new home, or in between moves, proper storage is essential.
- Choose secure, monitored storage units for valuable items like paintings, wooden furniture, and antiques. These facilities provide extra security and regular oversight, ensuring your possessions remain safe throughout the transition.
- Store boxes upright and avoid stacking excessively heavy items on top of fragile boxes. This prevents crushing and minimizes the risk of accidental breakage.
- Clearly label each box or crate to indicate fragility and content type. Proper labeling allows anyone handling the items to treat them with the necessary care.
For example, storage services in St Paul offer secure, clean, and climate-controlled units specifically designed for sensitive and valuable belongings, providing another layer of protection during a transition.
Let Us Help You Move Stress-Free Your Art & Antiques
Moving inevitably involves changes in your life. But it doesn’t have to mean total chaos and stress. By using the right packing materials, careful planning, and professional expertise, you can ensure that your art, antiques, and cherished keepsakes arrive safely in your new home.
If you want a worry-free relocation in the Minneapolis area, let Minnesota Moving Company take care of it. Our team of experienced Minnesota movers provides professional packing, moving, and storage solutions to handle your most treasured belongings with care. Contact us today!
