5 Steps to Protect Antiques, Heirlooms, and Valuable Items During a Home Move

While moving to a new home is very exciting, it is also very stressful. With so many tasks to juggle, the thought of packing up your most precious items—heirlooms, antiques, and valuables—can feel overwhelming.

According to a recent USA TODAY Homefront survey, while the primary reason for hiring professional movers is the sheer volume of belongings—with 33% of respondents citing they had too much to move without help—25% mentioned fragile and valuable items as their main concern. Whether you're planning to hire movers or go the DIY route, you'll need to take a few extra steps to safeguard your valuables.

Create a Detailed Inventory

The first step in protecting your valuable items is creating a detailed inventory—this will help you keep track of what you’re moving and where each item is placed. Write down descriptions of each item, including any serial numbers, and take photos from different angles. This documentation will be essential if you need to file an insurance claim or if any items go missing during the move.

Invest in High-Quality Packing Supplies

For valuable or fragile items, standard moving boxes and basic bubble wrap may not be enough. Invest in high-quality packing supplies such as heavy-duty boxes, foam padding, and sturdy packing paper. Specialty boxes designed for mirrors, artwork, or dishes can provide additional protection for these delicate items.

Wrap Each Item Individually

Avoid overloading boxes with too many items, as this increases the chances of items knocking into each other. Placing crumpled paper or foam peanuts in any empty spaces inside the box will add extra cushioning.

Label Boxes Clearly as 'Fragile'

Clearly mark boxes as ‘Fragile’ and indicate which side should be kept up. Consider using color-coded labels for different types of items so you can prioritize unpacking them safely once you arrive at your new home. This will also alert movers to handle the boxes with extra care.

Consider Professional Help

In most cases, hiring professional movers, especially those experienced in handling valuables, is the right choice. A little research will help you find competent professionals who know how to pack, transport, and unpack fragile items efficiently, minimizing the risk of damage.

This content is provided in partnership with Above All Moves and is intended for informational purposes only. The views, opinions, and advice expressed in this article are solely those of Above All Moves and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any other individual, organization, or entity.

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