Things to consider when moving antique things

Everyone knows that moving house is stressful. There is so much to organise and remember, that many people end up leaving their packing to the last minute. This is only going to cause you more stress before and after your move, as you will forget where things are.

If you own a lot of antiques, then it is advisable you take extra care when packaging up your belongings. But before you do anything, you need to make sure you have the right packing materials. Strong packing boxes are a must and it is always best to get far more than you think you will need, as you will likely end up using them all. Always reinforce the bottom of each box with packing tape and separate all items with paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratches. Wrapping your fragile items in towels and bed linen is also a good way to prevent breakages.

Consider whether the item is breakable and if the answer is yes, wrap the item in bubble wrap and place it in a box, padding it out with more bubble wrap or newspaper. It is worth bearing in mind that it is not just glassware and ceramic objects that can break. Items made from plastic, tin and wood can all be badly damaged in transit if not packaged up correctly.

If the item you are packing is hollow, then it is wise to stuff the inside with scrunched up newspaper or bubble wrap. This helps prevent your item from being crushed from the outside in. Once you have done that, put it inside a box and tightly fill it with crumpled paper or Styrofoam peanuts. Then put that box inside another, padding out the sides with more protection.

When packing up large paintings or mirrors, you should use special boxes, which are large, flat and adjustable. Using corner protectors on your items will also help cushion them inside the boxes and prevent them from damaging anything else too.

On moving day, let your removal men know which boxes contain the fragile, antique objects and label each box with the words “fragile” and “this way up”, so there is no confusion.

Moving house is a physical and exhausting job, so using a professional company, such as All Purpose Removals, will help relieve that pressure. Their experienced removal men understand the importance of getting your valuables from one location to another in one piece and will take great care of all your belongings, no matter how heavy or awkward!