Moving Antiques
How to Move Antiques
Most of us have at least one precious, very old item that is considered an antique — maybe passed down through the generations — and that holds immense value and sentiment. It could be a large, ornate and heavily scrolled armoire with beautiful glass doors or a small brooch. Now, consider what it would be like to move that antique to another location.
When it comes to caring for antiques, wrapping and exporting them to a new destination, it's wise to leave the challenging job up to the professionals like a Gainesville moving company. Amateurs should not handle precious antiques, and they lack the precise technique and attention that experts have the knowledge to provide.
Wrap Fragile Items
Cherished heirlooms are extremely personal to an individual, and when you think about it, anyone who picks up an antique is actually handling history. Therefore, great care must be given in how each antique is handled and packaged for shipment. For instance, bubble wrap, dolphin foam, shrink wrap, cardboard and mover's blankets are common materials used in wrapping antiques of any size.
Preserving the patina of an old, cherished piece is key when moving the object, as any professional Gainesville movers would tell you. Antique dealers describe the patina as everything that occurs to an object over the course of time. In other words, the loss of moisture in the paint, the crackling of glaze in ceramic pieces, the gentle wear patterns on the edge of a dinner plate, and so forth. All these unique features and subtle, natural flaws add up to create a softer look that lends character to a true antique.
Don’t Rush the Move
Antique moving boils down to time and safety. There is no rush in the delicate process and the real moving experts realize this.
Thoroughly padding an antique prior to shipment is advised, so that unwanted bruises or gouges don't occur. In addition, a well-taped, padded antique gives the movers a better grip on the valuable object. Even the ornate legs of antique furniture are well-padded to protect these sometimes irreplaceable features.
There are times when an extremely bulky antique piece must be carefully taken apart for the move and then re-assembled following its arrival. The hardware should be secured in a separate package and taped inside the piece or under it, so it is not lost.
When it comes to handling antiques, it's better safe than sorry. Our professional movers take their time, do it right and are always careful with your precious cargo. Let us show you how easy Gainesville moving with antiques can be.
