When it comes to packing your most fragile and valuable possessions, the best way to avoid damage is by letting professional packers handle the task. Read on for a list of delicate, valuable or irreplaceable items you should consider letting the movers pack for your relocation.
China. Often a treasured family heirloom or wedding gift, china is valuable and fragile. While you can pack it yourself with ample padding and sturdy cardboard containers, you should consider hiring professionals to properly wrap your precious china plates, cups and saucers. Skilled packers know the correct methods to prevent damage to your delicate items during transit.
Crystal. Crystal is valuable, fragile, and often holds sentimental importance. Avoid a box of shattered glass at your new home by letting professionals handle the packing. The best way to transport stemware is with a cell box--a cardboard carton that contains dividers between individuals "cells" to keep the glasses separated during transit.
Electronics. If you still have the original packaging, that's the safest way to pack your flat-screen TV, computer or stereo for a move. If not, you should opt to let your movers pack your electronics in special containers to prevent shifting during the trip. Your electronics are comprised of many delicate mechanisms that can easily be damaged.
Artwork. Valuable paintings and sculptures can be difficult to pack and move. Some items, especially those of extreme value, will need to be professionally crated for shipping by experienced artwork movers.
Antiques. Not only should you allow movers to pack and ship your antiques, but you should also get your items appraised and insured. Since antiques are so old, they may be more susceptible to damage, especially if they are not handled properly.
Pool table. Pool tables are heavy and difficult to move. They must first be disassembled, which is an arduous process that can ruin the table if done improperly. You may require specialty movers with expertise in moving pool tables to ensure the job is done properly.
Grandfather clock. The clock's delicate mechanisms rely on gravity and balance to operate correctly, and there are strategic steps necessary to disassemble, pack, and reassemble your clock to ensure that it will continue to work effectively. You never lift a grandfather clock without taking it apart, and specialty movers are most qualified for this task.
Piano. Pianos are cumbersome and difficult to move, as well as fragile and valuable. They may need to be partially disassembled, which can be challenging for a non-professional. Specialty piano movers have the proper tools, materials, and expertise to safely transport and protect your piano.
China cabinet. Made of finished wood and delicate glass, a china cabinet houses fragile china, glassware and other treasured possessions. Both heavy and frail, it requires movers' assistance to safely take it apart, wrap it for protection, and carefully carry it out to the truck. The glass doors should be removed and wrapped, and the entire cabinet wrapped in blankets to protect the wood's delicate finish.
Glass-topped coffee table. Coffee tables with heavy glass tops must be disassembled and properly protected for a move. The glass requires several strong movers to carry, and must be effectively wrapped with paper, bubble wrap and moving blankets to protect it from scratches, cracks, or shattering.
Photo by: Ambro (Freedigitalphotos.net)