Protecting Fragile Items During Interstate Relocations
When relocating to a different state, a distinct plan must be made when compared to moving to a location in the same city. The longer the drive, the higher the chances of items getting damaged due to constant jostling and the weather. Moving fine items like antiques and family heirlooms require additional planning in advance of the move.
The consequences of bad packing can lead to a mover’s worst nightmare, but there are many other important aspects that come with packing that can help avoid the bad consequences, like organization and proper storage.
Preparing Artwork, Antiques, and Collectibles
When packing fine and fragile items, they need to be separated from the general household items. Some items may require specialized packing materials for wrapping when moving.
When planning a long distance move, many people compare services of a movers Boston to a New York mover, and consider how valuable the household items will be when they are finally moved. The long distances of interstate moves require careful packing and loading when compared to short local moves.
Artwork is best transported vertically rather than horizontal. Framed art is best transported in custom, art sized boxes. Glass corners are great for protective framing, as they eliminate sharp edge risk.
Humidity and temperature will also affect deal materials. Older paintings are also affected by temperature and humidity, as are older antique instruments and wooden furniture.
Creating an Accurate Inventory
Monitoring valuables is easier with an accurate inventory, especially when moving. Many homeowners document imperfections and marks and capture multiple angles of the item before beginning packing.
An organized inventory may include:
- Item descriptions.
- Photographs.
- Estimated dimensions.
- Box numbers.
- Destination room.
- Special handling instructions.
Keeping digital copies of this information allows quick access if questions arise during delivery or unpacking.
Choosing Packing Materials Carefully
Different belongings require different styles of protection. Bubble wrap, foam sheets, packing paper, and reinforced cartons each serve their own purpose. Often, the right material can provide better protection than just adding more layers of wrapping.
However, there should be as little empty space as possible in packaging. Leaving empty spaces in a box can cause more movement, even small empty spaces in a box can allow items to shift over hundreds of miles. For the most fragile items, double-boxing can protect an item from vibrations in transit.
Temporary Storage Between Cities
Interstate moves do not often occur according to an exact schedule. Closing dates can change, renovations can take longer than expected, and homeowners can arrive prior to the arrival of their belongings. In situations like these, temporary storage is a good solution.
Also recommended for storage, especially short-term storage, of climate-sensitive items like artwork, antiques and musical instruments, are climate-controlled storage units. Not only do climate-controlled storage units allow for the proper maintenance of sensitive items, they also allow homeowners the convenience of unpacking at a more manageable pace instead of an all hands on deck one time unpacking.
Today, many licensed moving companies provide residential, commercial, interstate, international moving, professional packing, unpacking, storage facilities, and trucks of different sizes. Depending on the complexity of the relocation, combining these services can simplify planning and reduce the need to coordinate multiple providers.
