The antiques in your home don’t just have monetary value; they also mean something to you and your family. That’s why it’s so important to know how to move antique furniture correctly, so that you can prevent damage to the treasured items in your home. Even when you are working with professional movers, you will want to make sure to protect your fragile items against harm, preparing them for loading and transport on a moving van. Here, Firefighter’s Finest Moving and Storage offers tips on how to move an antique grandfather clock and other valuable antiques.
How to Move Antiques
Before we delve into the details of moving a grandfather clock, let’s take a general overview of moving antiques and antique furniture. Anything fragile should be wrapped in bubble wrap, then in packing paper, to keep it secure and unharmed. If you are wrapping small items, use brightly colored tissue, to keep them from getting lost amidst the packing paper in the box. Pack fragile items together, padding well between them with crumpled packing paper, secure the box with packing tape, and label it fragile.
Moving High-Value Items
If you are moving antiques of significant value, particularly antique furniture, you will need to take some extra steps to prepare for the move.
- Start with an appraisal. Having a qualified person determine the value of your items may be necessary to properly insure them. As for recommendations for appraisers from your insurance agent, attorney, or a bank official, or look for an appraiser online, seeking one with membership in the American Society of Appraisers. Ask in advance whether the appraiser charges a flat rate or hourly, and make sure to take clear photographs to accompany the appraisal in your records. When you are negotiating with a moving company, be sure to note any high-value, fragile items like an antique grandfather clock or a china set. Your movers may need to bring special crates to protect items with a high risk of breakage.
- Make sure an adequate moving protection plan is in place. In the event of loss or damage, you will want to make sure that your valuable items are well insured. Make sure to fully document the condition of your antiques and other high value items, and keep a careful inventory, in case you need to file a claim.
- Do some prep work before the movers arrive. Do any special cleaning that might be required, taking care to use only recommended cleaning products, and never oil or wax on wood furniture that you are about to move. If you are uncertain of the care your items need before moving, talk to an antique dealer and ask for advice.
- Supervise carefully on moving day. You or your appointed representative must be present to identify high-value items and make sure they are properly packed and protected. Typically, large pieces of furniture will be wrapped in thick pads for protection during transit.
- Carefully inspect upon delivery. Check the inventory of your household goods and check the condition of your furniture and antiques before signing your receipt. If anything must be serviced or reassembled, arrange for this in advance with your movers. IF you find any damage, contact the moving company immediately for assistance in filing a claim.
Packing an Antique Grandfather Clock
Grandfather clocks are extremely fragile, so preparing and transporting them requires careful attention. Follow these steps to keep your grandfather clock safe in a move.
- Gather supplies, including moving blankets, padding, and bubble wrap, as well as moving boxes, wrapping plastic, elastic bands, and packing paper.
- Examine your clock carefully, familiarizing yourself with all of its working parts, including the pendulum, hanging weights, chains, cables, and panels.
- Working with a partner, remove the hood by sliding it forward, removing screws first if necessary.
- Reach through the side panel, crank the weights almost to the top, then secure the cables or chains with packing tape or a twist tie to prevent tangling in transit.
- Remove the weights, one by one, then wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper and label each one with its corresponding location in the clock, for easy reassembly.
- Remove the pendulum, gently unhooking it from the pendulum guide, then wrapping it carefully without twisting it. During transit, the pendulum should be moved horizontally.
- Lift the workings of the clock off the top of the clock frame, securing the chains or pulleys to the back of the workings with an elastic band, then place this into a box, with padding underneath it.
- Once all the individual parts are packed, you can wrap the grandfather clock in padding, moving blankets, or bubble wrap, and move it to the van.
How Packing Services Can Ease Your Mind
While you can use these helpful tips to effectively protect your precious antiques, hiring professional packers is often a better idea. When you hire professionals, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that someone well-versed in packing is handling your valuable items. What’s more, many moving services are more likely to accept liability if something goes wrong when the items were packed by their staff, rather than the homeowner.
Choosing the Best Professional Movers in Texas
If you are looking for movers who will treat your valuable antiques and collectibles with care, call Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage. We are dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and professional commercial and home moving services, as the reliable moving partner you can trust. Founded in 2001 by two off-duty firefighters, we’ve grown to serve not only the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but also Houston and Austin as well. A locally-owned-and-operated business, we exceed all state and federal requirements for a moving company and can handle all of your moving needs. Call 844-715-6625 or visit our website for an estimate.
