The Moving Planner Blog

Properly storing family heirlooms and antiques can be a daunting task filled with anxiety. Often antiques are oversized and difficult to move without the help of a professional movers and just storing your irreplaceable items in-doors doesn’t ensure that they will be protected from the elements. Spending a little extra time to research experienced movers and well maintained storage facilities can save your antiques from being damaged and your sanity.

Protecting antiques from dust, mold, and extreme temperatures is critical in ensuring the preservation of antiques. When researching storage facilities, be sure to ask about environmental conditions, and inform the facility manager that you are storing antiques. Do not assume there is climate control in all their vicinities, often climate and humidity control will cost extra.

To ensure your antiques arrive safely into storage, find a facility with a successful track record of handling antiques, which also offers moving services. The mover should utilize special crating, packaging, and padding methods; like anchoring crates to prevent motion and air controlled hydraulics to ensure a smooth ride for your possessions.

Finally, you may need to provide the storage facility with proof of insurance, before they will agree to store valuable objects. Do not just rely on the mover’s free insurance because it is based on weight, ask about a better insurance plan and consider third party insurance. Before purchasing coverage, inform the insurance company about your objects of value. Be prepared that some insurers insist on a formal valuation of antiques by an accredited appraisal expert.