| Your antiques are prized and valuable
possessions. |
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| Naturally, you want to protect them
from any possible damage and take extra care to ensure
their safe transport. Below are some of the steps you
can take to guard fragile items against harm and
properly prepare them for packing and loading on a
moving van. |
Before the Move:
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Any item
you own that is of extraordinary value should be
appraised by a qualified person; you might want to get
more than one appraisal. Obtaining an appraisal also may
be necessary to verify the value of your personal
property for the transfer of your homeowner’s insurance
policy.
The best way to locate an appraiser is through a
recommendation by an insurance agent, attorney or bank
official. Membership in the American Society of
Appraisers can be a sign of an appraiser’s competence.
Look in the Yellow Pages under “appraisers.” Or you can
request the “Directory of Certified Professional
Personal Property Appraisers,” which is a state-by-state
referral list. To receive the most current issue,
contact the American Society of Appraisers by mail at
P.O. Box 17625, Washington, D.C. 20041, by telephone at
800-ASA-VALU (800-272-8258) or visit
www.appraisers.org.
Most appraisers either charge a flat fee or an hourly
rate for services performed. Ask in advance.
In addition to obtaining an appraisal, make sure you
have clear photographs of your antiques. You might also
want to use a video camera to inventory the contents of
each room.
At the time of the moving cost estimate, be sure to
point out to the salesperson all high-value or fragile
items such as grandfather clocks, silver or china sets
so advance arrangement for crating and special packing
can be made. Crates can be specially built to protect
items with ornate trimming or a high risk of breakage.
Special Cleaning
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Before your belongings are
packed, you may want to check antique items for
any special cleaning that might be required. |
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- Check your
local hardware,
furniture store or antiques dealer for
cleaning products
for fine furniture.
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Avoid
the use of any type of
oil or wax
product on
wood furniture immediately before you move
especially if these items will be going into
storage. Some products might soften the
finish, making it vulnerable to imprinting
from furniture pads.
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If you are uncertain about
the care of a particular antique piece, a local
historical society or library might have books
on the subject. An antiques dealer may have
helpful hints as well. |
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Moving Day
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It
is very important that you or an
appointed representative
be present on packing and moving days to identify items
needing special handling and to answer any questions the
packers and van operator might have.
Most large, heavy pieces of furniture will be wrapped in
thick pads and firmly secured inside the van to avoid
shifting while in transit. |
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Upon Delivery
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When you reach your destination,
carefully check the inventory of your household goods
and antiques before signing for receipt. If any
servicing or reassembly is required after you reach your
new home, advise your destination agent who can make any
necessary arrangements. |
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Be sure to consult Right Choice
Moving if you have special questions or concerns.
Proper preparation prior to a move will ensure the enjoyment of
your antiques for many years to come. |
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