A grandfather clock handed down from generation to generation, an antique writing desk, porcelain heirlooms. These are the treasures that make a house feel like a home of some standing. But these items are also among the hardest things to move when you go from one house or flat to another. Fortunately, there is essential care you can consider when transporting antiques for a successful move, even with objects that are difficult to pack. With the right techniques and a few special materials, you will be packing antiques like a professional.
01 Make an inventory of your antiques
As soon as you decide to move, make an inventory of every item in your collection of antiques. It is best to start with the largest pieces, such as wardrobes and dining tables. Photograph each piece for your records. Measure every side of each item. You will need those measurements to have bespoke crates built, and to make sure your oversized antiques will fit through the doors of your new home.
02 Get professional valuations
If you have not had recent valuations of your antiques, ask for them. Get in touch with a source of information on valuations and for references to certified valuers in your area.
03 Consider your options for insuring your antiques
Are your antiques insured for the move? Check whether the cover extends to transport and unpacking at your new home during a move. With your valuations in hand, contact your broker or insurer before the move to go through your options.
04 Move the way a museum would
Of course you want your antiques to reach your new house undamaged, and to achieve that, it is all about packing properly. To find out the best methods for packing antiques, it is best to consult the experts. They will advise you on important details such as the ones we set out below:
05 Protective wrapping
You must use the right wrapping. The first layer will keep the object clean and safe. For porous items such as works of art, antique books and textiles, a thin protective layer is what is recommended. For glass or wood, use a stretch wrap or a foam wrap to cover the items completely, making sure to take the wrap around the corners and edges.
06 Protection against knocks and vibration
The purpose of this layer is to protect against the small knocks that happen in transit. Use a combination of blankets, foam and bubble wrap, and secure each object firmly. The outermost layer protects your valuable antiques from the more abrupt effects of movement. An ideal protective layer is a wooden crate built to measure. The team of professionals you get in touch with can help you with this. In Madrid you will find the best company to help you move your antiques. Contact WPAS and stop worrying about the details of caring for your most valuable objects: expert professionals will do it for you.