Moving Antiques

When thinking about moving any antique you must give the situation of the act of moving grater thought than at other times.  Just like moving your heirlooms or valuable art, you should consider a Professional Moving Service, first.  This option gives you the security of a professional who is licensed to move antiques and it gives a licensed company which can insure your items.  In this case you would have to make sure the company you choose has enough liability insurance to cover your antique.  In this case you would not want any insurance which would only cover a part of the antique’s actual worth. 
When using a professional mover you will want to do the following:

• Hire an appraiser to have your antiques appraised.
• Make sure the moving company can cover its cost if lost or damaged.
• Provide third party insurance coverage if the moving company of your choice insurance coverage less than the full value of your antique.
• Pick up cleaning supplies at your neighborhood furniture company or hardware to make sure that your antique is cleaned before it is packed and placed onto the truck (Do not use oils or wax as my research shows that such cleansers can soften the finish and allow the antique to be marred or scratched easily by the very padding that is supposed to protect it).
• Make sure you are present when the actual packing and loading as well as unloading procedures are taking place

However, if you are moving the antique yourself you would do the following;

• Get the antique appraised
• Provide insurance coverage through you home owner’s insurance or some other third party insurer.
• Give the antique a through cleaning.
• Make sure you have enough moving pads as well as heavy duty moving belts
• A heavy duty dolly
• Several strong friends to help you if the antiques are either large pieces or heavy pieces
• Use the truck lift to load the antique onto the truck and to unload it once you get to your destination.

You can request to be sent the latest directory with lists of appraisers at:  www.appraisers.org
You can also write to: The American Society of Appraisers P.O. Box 17625 Washington, DC 20041, or call the following telephone number: (800-272-8258).  

Appraisers do charge for their services and thus this extra cost will increase you moving budget allowances. This is an unavoidable expense when it comes to moving Antiques.