Whether moving across town or across the country, it can be challenging to safeguard such fragile items as antiques and artwork.  The key to arriving with all your precious pieces in one piece is to take your time in packaging your possessions and to use the correct materials.

Most definitely, you will need sturdy boxes; mirror pack boxes are a great choice.  These types of boxes are found at most moving companies or storage companies and are reasonably priced.  Also be sure to gather bubble wrap, packing peanuts, bed sheets or large sheets of tissue/newsprint paper, packing tape and a marker to label your boxes.

Before packing, prepare large pieces. Remove loose shelves and any knobs or handles that stick out.  They can be screwed back in on the inside of the piece so as not to be lost or misplaced.   Wrap each piece in blankets and secure with packing tape. As you wrap the tape around the piece, be sure to keep the tape taut.

Next, secure all mirrors.  Begin by placing tape across the front of the mirror in an X.  Should the glass break or crack, this will keep the glass in place.  Prepare a mirror box by putting wadded newsprint paper on the bottom of the box.  Wrap the mirror with newsprint or bubble wrap. Don’t be stingy with the bubble wrap.  Put the mirror in the box and fill in the spaces with lightly wadded newsprint paper.  Tape the box shut and mark it “Fragile-Mirror”.

Packing artwork is similar to mirrors.  Begin by wrapping the framed artwork in a sheet or cover it with tissue paper/newsprint paper. This will protect any glass or canvas from the sticky substance of bubble wrap, which should be applied next.  Wrap the bubble wrap completely around the material or packing paper making sure to cover all corners. If the box gets jostled during the move, the corners of the frame will be points of impact and must be protected. Create a cushion for the artwork by placing some packing peanuts or additional bubble wrap inside the bottom, top and sides of the mirror box. Place the bubble wrapped piece on top of a layer of packing material inside the mirror box.  Then stuff the sides and top with additional packing material. A snug fit will ensure the artwork does not slide around in the box. Secure the box  by taping completely around the edges and mark it "Fragile-Art Work".

Two final pieces of information to consider.  Although it is so easy to grab a stack of newspaper to use as packing material for your antiques and artwork, it is never a good idea to use newspaper as wrapping material. Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on items it touches and it very difficult to remove it from items such as fine china.  Instead, use newsprint or tissue paper as cushioning material.  Secondly, be sure to get antiques and artwork appraised. Before packing or moving it is important to take inventory and get every piece of value appraised. All items in your shipment, which are considered to be of extraordinary value, must be identified. If using professional moving line, you must advise your van line agent in writing that they are in your shipment. These items are defined as items having a value greater than $ 100.00 per pound per article.  

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