Ultimate Guide to Moving High-Value Items

Moving high-value items like art, antiques, and collectibles requires careful planning and professional handling to avoid damage. Here's what you need to know:

• Document Everything: Create an inventory with item details, photos, and videos to record their condition and value.
• Get Professional Appraisals: Hire certified appraisers for accurate valuations, especially for insurance purposes.
• Use Proper Packing Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, foam padding, and custom crates for fragile items.
• Label Clearly: Mark boxes with "FRAGILE" and handling instructions like "THIS SIDE UP."
• Choose Reliable Movers: Verify licenses, insurance, and customer reviews. Platforms like MOD24 can help you compare options.
• Insure Your Items: Opt for full-value protection or third-party insurance for peace of mind.
• Inspect After the Move: Check your items against pre-move records and report any damage immediately.

How To Move Antiques-Advice on Moving Valuable Items

Pre-Move Planning

Start by documenting and evaluating your high-value items to ensure they’re protected and properly insured.

Creating a Detailed Inventory

Use a spreadsheet or inventory app to log your high-value items. For each one, include:

• Item name and description: Add details like the manufacturer, model, and serial numbers.
• Purchase information: Include the purchase date, price, and scanned receipts if available.
• Estimated value: Note the current value, especially if it has changed significantly since purchase.
• Size and weight: This helps determine packing and handling needs.
• Special care instructions: Include any unique handling or maintenance tips.

Documenting Item Condition

Take steps to document the condition of your items before the move:

• Photograph from multiple angles: Focus on any scratches, marks, or imperfections.
• Record videos: Capture electronics or mechanical items in working condition.
• Note wear and damage: Include any distinguishing features.
• Back up your records: Save everything in both cloud and local storage for extra security.

Professional Appraisals

For official valuations, especially for insurance or replacement purposes:

• Hire a certified appraiser: Look for someone who specializes in your item type, such as art, antiques, or jewelry.
• Plan ahead: Schedule appraisals at least four weeks before your move.
• Keep all documentation: Store the appraiser’s report and any related materials safely.

Once your inventory and appraisals are complete, you’ll be ready to choose the appropriate packing materials and methods to protect your items during the move.

Packing Methods and Materials

Once you've completed your inventory and appraisals, it's time to pick packing materials that suit the fragility of each item. Use your condition photos and value estimates as a guide when making these choices.

Packing Supplies You'll Need

• Sturdy, double-walled moving boxes in different sizes
• High-quality bubble wrap and foam padding
• Strong packing tape with dispensers
• Acid-free tissue paper for delicate items
• Corner protectors and foam inserts
• Custom crates for large or irregularly shaped items

How to Pack Specific Items

Art: Take artwork out of frames and wrap it in acid-free tissue paper. Place it between rigid foam boards for added protection. For larger pieces, use custom-built wooden crates with padding inside.

Antiques: If possible, disassemble removable parts and wrap each piece with bubble wrap. Use double-walled boxes, ensuring there’s at least three inches of cushioning around the item.

Electronics: Disconnect all cables and accessories, taking photos to document their setup. Wrap electronics in anti-static bubble wrap. If you have the original box, use it; otherwise, pack them in double-walled boxes with foam inserts for extra protection.

Labeling Boxes

Clearly mark boxes with "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" on all sides using bold red markers. Add details like the room destination, a brief description of the contents, and the tracking number from your inventory on the top and one side of the box. For items that are especially delicate, use "TOP LOAD ONLY" labels to ensure proper handling.

Moving Day Procedures

Choosing Reliable Movers

Make sure to check if the movers have proper licenses, insurance, and positive customer reviews. Gather quotes from different companies and clarify any special equipment or handling needs upfront.

MOD24 simplifies this process by listing only movers that are licensed, verified, and insured. You can easily compare live quotes and customer feedback to find the right fit. After selecting a mover, explore insurance options to protect your belongings.

Understanding Insurance Options

Movers listed on MOD24 provide standard insurance coverage, which includes $100 protection for TVs for members. If you’re moving higher-value items, consider upgrading to full-value protection or purchasing third-party insurance for added peace of mind.

Ensuring Safe Transport

Ask about the truck’s features, planned routes, and how items will be handled during the move. Open and clear communication with your movers is key to avoiding damage to your belongings.

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After the Move

Once your belongings have arrived safely, the next steps involve checking their condition and setting them up properly. Here's how to handle everything after the move.

Checking Your Items

• Remove all packaging and compare items to your pre-move photos.
• Cross-check tracking numbers with your inventory list.
• Test electronics, moving parts, and anything that needs to function right away.
• Take note of any damage or changes in condition.
• Ensure every box and item has been delivered.

Reporting Damage

• Take clear photos of any damage from different angles.
• Note the date, time, and a brief description of what happened.
• Submit a claim through the MOD24 portal, including photos and receipts.
• Use your pre-move appraisals and insurance documents as references.
• Hold onto damaged items and their packaging until the claim is resolved.

Setting Things Up

• Allow items sensitive to temperature changes to sit for 24 hours before use.
• Use the right hardware to hang art or mirrors securely.
• Place electronics on stable surfaces, connect them, and test their functionality.
• Follow any manufacturer instructions for reassembly.
• Save packing materials for future moves or storage.

Up next, learn how MOD24's post-move services can simplify these final steps.

Using MOD24 for Your Move

Once you've completed inspections and claims, turn to MOD24 to find reliable movers for your next step.

MOD24's Mover Network

MOD24 connects you with a network of licensed, insured, and verified movers. Each mover is carefully screened, and the platform boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 370 reviews.

Member Perks

Take advantage of these exclusive benefits designed to protect your belongings and ease your move:

• 1 month of free storage
• $200 off cross-country moves and $49 off future moves
• VIP concierge support and 20% off packing supplies
• $50 off car shipping and priority booking

Simple Booking Process

Booking through MOD24 is quick and easy:

• Enter your move details and ZIP codes
• Compare instant quotes and read live reviews
• Secure your booking online in just a few minutes

Plus, 24/7 customer support is available to assist you every step of the way. Once your movers are booked, you're ready to move on to the Moving Day Procedures.

Conclusion

To safeguard high-value items during transit, make sure to document their condition, pack them carefully, and secure proper insurance. Professional movers bring the right equipment and expertise to reduce potential risks.

MOD24 helps you find licensed, verified movers and offers perks like $100 in TV insurance, 20% off premium packing supplies, VIP concierge service, guaranteed arrival windows, and 24/7 customer support. Book online to make your high-value move easier.

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