Antiques aren’t just décor—they carry stories. Maybe it’s the mirror that once hung in your grandparents’ hallway, or a piece you found while traveling. Whatever its background, it deserves more than bubble wrap when it's time to move.

If you’ve found yourself typing “antique movers near me,” you already get it. These aren’t just heavy or fragile—they matter. This guide will help you move your antiques with care, so they arrive just as you remember them, ready to settle into their new space with you.

Step 1: Make a Simple List of the Antiques You’re Moving

The best place to begin is by slowing down and taking stock of what you have. These pieces have a story—maybe even a family story—and giving them a bit of extra care now can make all the difference.

Document Each Piece Before You Pack
Use whatever method works best for you—a notebook, phone app, or spreadsheet. For each piece, jot down:

• A short description (like "ornate gold-framed mirror from Grandma's hallway")
• Size or weight, if you know it
• Where it is in your home
• Anything that stands out—markings, wear, unique details
  
  

This isn’t just logistics—it helps you stay connected to your belongings throughout the
process.

Take a Few Good Photos of Your Antiques
Use your phone to take photos of each piece. Try different angles and close-ups of any distinguishing features or wear. Natural light helps. These photos are useful—not only for your records, but also for insurance or claims, if needed.

Once you’ve got your list and photos, you’ll be ready to gather packing supplies and protect each piece for moving day.

Step 2: Choose the Right Packing Materials to Protect Antiques

Antiques need more than a quick wrap in newspaper. The right supplies make a big difference in preserving finishes, structure, and delicate details. Stock up on materials that are gentle but durable:

• Acid-Free Tissue or Archival Paper: Wraps gently without causing discoloration or reactions over time.
• Foam Padding and Corner Protectors: Essential for carvings, glass, or fragile edges.
• Quilted Moving Blankets or Soft Furniture Pads: Thick and breathable—these guard against scratches and dust without trapping moisture.
• Custom Crates or Structured Boxes: Ideal for oddly shaped or heavy pieces, keeping them stable and protected.

If you’re unsure how to pack something unusual or fragile, professional antique movers will have the right tools—and the experience to use them well.

Step 3: Pack Your Antiques Safely for a Move

Packing antiques is about more than preventing breakage—it’s about preserving what makes them special. A little extra time now can save heartache later, even if you’re only moving nearby.

Take a Good Look Before You Wrap
Give each piece a careful once-over. Check for wobbly joints, fragile corners, or moving parts—like doors or drawers. Use soft ties or painter’s tape to hold things in place, and foam padding or a towel to protect delicate areas.

Clean Antiques Carefully and Disassemble When Possible
Dust everything off with a dry cloth before packing. For deeper cleaning, only use products safe for antiques. If a piece can be disassembled—like table legs—do it slowly, label each part, and store screws or hardware in a bag taped to the underside or back.

Wrap Antiques the Right Way
Different antiques need different packing methods:

• Furniture: Wrap in quilted blankets, pad corners, and remove fragile parts if possible.
• Glass & Porcelain: Use generous padding and double-box breakables.
• Art & Mirrors: Wrap in acid-free paper, back with cardboard, and protect corners well.
• Clocks & Specialty Items: Secure any moving parts and use padding to keep everything in place.

Create a Calm, Safe Packing Zone
Set up a quiet, clean area where you can work without a rush. Once wrapped, label each item: “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” etc. Taping a photo or note to the box helps make unpacking easier.

Even for short moves, care makes all the difference. And if you're unsure about packing a valuable or complex item, antique movers know how to tailor their approach to your piece.

Step 4: Load Your Antiques with Care

A short move doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride. How antiques are loaded matters—a lot. A few thoughtful steps go a long way:

• Load antiques last, unload them first: Minimizes shifting and time spent in the truck.
• Keep items upright and secure: Use padded straps or braces. Avoid stacking or leaning anything on them.
• Don’t overpack the truck: Tight spaces can cause dents, cracks, or warped wood.

Talk to Your Movers Before They Start
Point out which pieces are antiques. Show labels, mention anything fragile, and explain special handling. Most movers appreciate the heads-up—it helps them do their job and gives you peace of mind.

Step 5: Make Sure Your Antiques Are Covered

Even with careful packing, it helps to know your antiques are protected. The right insurance brings peace of mind.

Review Your Insurance Before the Move
Your standard homeowners or renters policy may not cover items in transit. Check with your provider before moving day. If you're working with professional movers, ask what their coverage includes—and if full-value or declared-value options are available for antiques.

Keep Records Organized for Moving Day
Good records make life easier if you ever need to file a claim. Stay organized by:

• Taking clear photos, including close-ups of wear
• Keeping appraisals for valuable items
• Noting how each item was packed
• Saving expert advice or email confirmations

Back everything up—digitally and on paper.

When to Hire Professional Antique Movers

Some antiques are too fragile, heavy, or meaningful to move on your own. That’s when it’s worth calling in the pros. Skilled antique movers don’t rush. They know how to wrap without harming finishes, build custom crates when needed, and navigate tight corners without a scratch. Most importantly, they treat your pieces with the care they deserve.

If something is valuable—or just close to your heart—let someone who truly understands take the lead. Companies like White Glove Moving & Storage offer specialized services for antiques and heirlooms, bringing the right materials, techniques, and attention to detail to every move. With years of experience handling everything from vintage furniture to fine art, White Glove understands exactly what’s required to keep your most treasured items safe.

Moving Antiques Is About More Than the Move

Antiques carry memories. Moving them isn’t just about transportation—it’s about intention. A little planning, the right supplies, and help from professionals can turn a nerve-wracking task into something manageable, even reassuring. Whether you're moving nearby or across the country, taking the time to protect what matters is always worth it.

FAQs: Moving Antiques

1. When should I start getting my antiques ready for a move?
Ideally, give yourself at least 2 to 3 weeks. That gives you enough time to look over each piece, gather the right packing materials, and make arrangements if anything needs special handling.

2. Can movers handle all types of antiques?
Yes, professional antique movers are equipped to handle everything—from fragile glass to oversized pieces. If something needs extra care, they’ll know how to manage it safely.

3. Will movers take apart and reassemble antique furniture?
Many movers can help with that, yes. Just make sure they're experienced with older furniture—things like delicate wood, original fasteners, or handmade joinery can require a gentler touch.

4. Do I need to watch while movers pack my antiques?
You don't have to hover, but it's smart to be around when they're packing and loading your antiques. That way, you can point out fragile areas, explain how something comes apart, or mention any handling instructions.

5. Will movers set up antiques in my new home?
If you've hired a full-service team, they usually will. Just let them know in advance how you'd like things set up, especially if a piece needs to go in a certain spot or requires reassembly.

6. Can antiques be moved separately from everything else?
Yes, and sometimes that's the best option. You can ask your movers to load antiques in a specific section of the truck—or even arrange a separate trip for just those items, if that feels safer.

7. Are vibrations really a concern on short moves?
They can be, especially for older or delicate items. Professional movers know how to strap things down securely, use padded blankets, and place items so they're protected from bumps and shakes—even on a quick drive across town.