Unlike mass-produced items, antique furniture is hand-crafted with care. Every ornate detail, intricate etching, and hand-stitched element was created with intention and purpose. The careful, lifelong work of maintaining these pieces is a way to keep the spirit of the original craftsman or furniture owner alive.
No matter how large, fragile, or delicate a piece is, our team of Gainesville movers at UF Mover Guys is here to help you continue the work of preserving a loved one’s legacy. Our fully licensed and insured moving company delivers dependable, quality service, so you can rest assured that your antiques are in good hands. Contact us today to request your free service estimate, or to learn more about our professional antique moving services.
Take A Detailed Inventory
Before packing each item, it is wise to take a detailed inventory of all your heirlooms, vintage treasures, and priceless memorabilia. If you are an avid collector with an impressive collection, a comprehensive list documenting each of your pieces can help you keep track of how many items you have, their current condition before the move, and which box they will be located in. Make sure to write down the name of each piece, its estimated value, and if it already has signs of damage, including scuffs, scratches, weak spots, and dents.
While a physical, handwritten account of your collection alone will suffice, it is also wise to maintain a virtual spreadsheet as a backup. An online inventory can include attached images and is easily updated. Additionally, when you upload your spreadsheet, you can conveniently access it from whatever device you have on hand, whether that be your tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone.
Thoroughly Clean All Furnishings
Microscopic flecks of dust, dirt, and debris can cause monumental damage. As vintage furnishings are tightly wrapped for travel, leftover grime on its surfaces can act as an abrasive, rubbing against the antique’s exterior as the moving truck is jostled. In extreme cases, this friction can lead to permanent scratches and scuffs.
However, before you immediately jump into a cleaning routine, be sure to evaluate each piece carefully. Most modern household cleaners are too corrosive for the delicate, age-worn surfaces of thrifted or inherited furniture. For best results and minimal damage, evaluate each furnishing and its constructive material on a case-by-case basis. Some materials may be able to withstand a more thorough cleaning than others.
Generally, it is safe to take a dry cloth to most antiques. Rub gently to pick up any dust or debris. Never oil or wax your furniture before a move. Not only can this make the surface slippery and difficult for movers to hold onto, but it may also reveal imprints of the packing material draped across the furniture.
Disassemble If Possible
Moving many small pieces of furniture is a lot simpler than moving one large, bulky statement piece. Check to see if your antique tables, chairs, or dressers can be taken apart or disassembled. This allows you to wrap the most fragile aspects of the furniture, such as mirrors or legs, individually. Extra cushion or bulk can then be placed around the furniture’s weakest points, protecting it from possible damage.
When disassembling complex pieces with many moving parts, be sure to label each item as it is wrapped. Mark fragile items, like glass, as such and use arrows to show which position is upright. For extra convenience, draw a diagram, which shows how many components are included and how they fit back together. This personal reference can save you time and stress when you are reassembling.
Pack Using Non-Abrasive Materials
Valuable collectibles and one-of-a-kind heirlooms require more than a cardboard box and some bubble wrap. Instead, acid-free paper, foam padding, and moving blankets should be used to protect surfaces. The acid-free paper works to preserve and protect the item from discoloration, while the blankets serve as an extra layer of cushion.
At UF Mover Guys, our professional movers have 19 years of experience in moving antique furniture. We use certified techniques, modern equipment, and proven methods to safely transport your favorite items into your new home. For additional safety, we even offer crating to secure high-value, fragile, or oversized pieces, including artwork, collectibles, and electronics. You can trust our team to deliver your most treasured items in its original condition.
Invest In Climate-Controlled Storage
If you are not immediately moving your antiques into your new home, we highly recommend inquiring about our climate-controlled storage services. For in-state moves especially, Florida locals are all too familiar with the region’s high temperatures and even higher humidity. As your precious investments are unloaded from the dry, cool sanctuary of the truck and introduced to the external elements of Florida’s subtropical climate, this drastic change can produce irreversible changes. Wooden furniture may begin to swell, warp, crack, or split in response to the sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fortunately, our Florida moving company offers professional, climate-controlled storage services for your peace of mind. Our local, customer-backed storage helps maintain consistent conditions, thus protecting your irreplaceable possessions from devastating damages. Contact UF Mover Guys today for more information on our moving services!