shipping antiques Not as easy as shipping non-fragile items. Antiques are fragile and delicate by nature and are often worth a fortune. Follow these steps to ensure your antique items arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
Evaluate your antiques
Chances are you haven’t inspected your antique carefully. However, when you have to ship them, you should inspect them thoroughly. Inspect your antique for damage or wear. Take photos of existing defects before shipping. In fact, I would even recommend making a complete book – PDF or any other format – documenting all the projects.
Also determine the potential value of each project. one The appraiser should help youbecause for insurance purposes you need appropriate information.
Choose the right shipping method
If you are shipping a bric-a-brac, you may be able to handle the shipping process yourself. However, you must use correct packaging and handling methods to prevent damage.
If you want to ship large or high-value items, hiring a shipping company is a piece of cake. Ideally, you want to hire a company that has experience working with antiques and delicate items.
You may also consider hiring a white-glove serviceman for your antiques. These companies often provide door-to-door services, including packing, unboxing, and installation.
Pack up your antiques
Don’t skimp on cardboard boxes or crates for storing antiques. Get sturdy containers, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. Never use second-hand or worn-out boxes or crates.
If you can disassemble the antique, do so. This will make transporting bulky items much easier. Be sure to use bubble wrap or foam pads to secure fragile parts.
If you have very valuable items, you may need a custom crate. this will help Protect against unavoidable shock and vibration During shipping.
Don’t forget to label your boxes or crates with handling instructions and destination information.
Get insurance
Protecting your antiques during shipping is crucial. You can do this with homeowners or renters insurance. If your policy does not cover antiques, choose a shipping company that offers insurance options.
You can also purchase a specialized policy that covers high-value property.
Choose a reliable shipping company
Look for a shipping company with a proven track record of handling delicate items. Also, choose a moving company that offers insurance, but also consider your shipping budget. That said, the cheapest option is not necessarily the best option.
Remember to read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of ​​the shipping company's service and reputation.
Other factors to consider
Communicate the value and fragility of your items to the shipping company. This is why you should take photos of all antiques before packaging and shipping.
Additionally, if your item is temperature and humidity sensitive, please ask the shipping company If they could provide climate controlled transportation.
Ship your antiques with confidence
Shipping antiques doesn’t have to be a stressful process. If you choose a good shipping company with adequate insurance to assist you, you can ship your antiques with confidence.
