11 Tips on How to Pack Antiques and Collectibles

Posted on by Belinda Polglase

There is no reason why your antiques and collectibles should be damaged or destroyed during a move. A little common sense and a few basic preparations can keep your beloved possessions as good as new; whether you move across town, or all the way to Australia.

Before you start, make sure you have these four essential items to pack your fragile items.

list of items you need when packing. packing box, packing tape, padding material such as bubble wrap and care labels.

Here are eleven great tips for keeping antiques and collectibles safe during moving day.

  1. Find yourself some good quality boxes: You’ve got a few options when it comes to finding boxes. You can buy them new, second-hand off Gumtree or borrow from a friend or relative who may have recently moved.
  2. Reinforce the Boxes: Reinforce the bottoms of the boxes with extra packing tape if they are going to hold heavy or very fragile items. You can do this quickly and easily with just two extra strips of packing tape.
  3. Pad And Protect: Always pack fragile items or ‘breakables’ with padded or cushioned materials such as Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap or crunched newspaper. You can also use old shirts, towels or linen to protect the items. Just make sure that whatever material you use is clean!Always pack fragile items or ‘breakables’ with padded or cushioned materials such as Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap or crunched newspaper. You can also use old shirts, towels or linen to protect the items. Just make sure that whatever material you use is clean!
  4. Special Boxes: Use special boxes for packing large flat items, such as mirrors and paintings. These can be ordered online or purchased from your professional removalist. Ask for some corner protectors to provide an extra layer of protection for larger items.
  5. Label Everything: Label every box that contains fragile or breakable items with the word ‘FRAGILE’ in several places. It is often best to write the word on the box with a permanent marker, but you can also use a label. Buy high quality labels so they don’t peel off during the move. Make the letters as large as possible so that even the most exhausted removalist will be able to clearly see it.
  6. Warn Your Removalists: Even the very best removalists do not have psychic abilities. So make sure you tell them exactly what’s breakable and what needs extra care and handling. Do this verbally, and make sure that each box is clearly marked with the word ‘FRAGILE’. You can also use labels.
  7. Packing Books, Comics And Magazines: Pack paper items such as paperback books, comics and magazines in strong plastic sheets (also known as Mylar bags). This will protect them from moisture and insects, as well as general wear and tear.You can buy cheap Mylar bags on eBay and other online retailers.
  8. Use As Extra Layer Of Bubble Wrap: Placing an extra layer of bubble wrap on the bottom of a reinforced box will add an extra layer of protection for particularly heavy items. Simply cut off an extra 2-3 squares and place them even on the bottom of the box.
  9. Protecting Metal Items: Some items made of metal including tin toys, silverware, and brass lamps can be easily damaged or scratched during removal. These items can be easily protected by wrapping them in bubble wrap or by placing them in a box filled with Styrofoam peanuts. It would be also be a good idea to wrap them in old clothing or linen.
  10. Hollow Items: If your antiques have a hollow inside (such as vases, glasses, ceramic objects, and so on) it is highly recommended that you fill in their hollow centre. Simply stuff the inside with crunched newspapers or bubble wrap and place them in the boxes surrounded by foam peanuts or bubble-wrap.
  11. Pack Away The Valuables Before Everything Else: It is best to set aside one day for packing only the antiques and collectibles. This way you can make sure your precious family treasures are properly packed before you move on to all of the other items in your house that need to be packed away.With all this being said, it’s important to always use a professional removalist company with a good reputation to move your antiques, collectibles and valuables. Spending a few extra dollars now can help safeguard your heirlooms and collectibles for future generations.If you’ve got a move coming up, be sure to check out our 12 tips for moving day.