Knowing how to handle your stuff properly is important. Fancy things like art, glassware, and old stuff need extra care, especially when moving them around. Whether it's delicate china or old photos, making sure they're stored and handled right is key. Here are some tips to keep your valuables safe when you're moving.
Prepare in Advance
Before you move, it's crucial to list all delicate or valuable items. This inventory is vital if anything gets damaged or lost, aiding in insurance claims. Also, snap photos of each item for added documentation.
Fine China
When packing fine china or dishes, organize similar items together, such as plates with plates and bowls with bowls. Wrap each piece neatly in tissue paper, securing it with scotch tape to avoid ripping. Afterward, wrap each item with bubble paper to fully protect it. When stacking china plates, be cautious not to exceed 5 heavy plates or 6 light ones, using discretion based on the item's weight and size.
Glassware
Wrap glasses individually using packing paper, plain newsprint, or bubble wrap, securing with a strip of scotch tape to keep the wrapping in place. For optimal protection, pack them in boxes with individual cells. Store everyday glassware in a clean, dry, and pest-free space. Avoid overcrowding cabinets during unpacking to prevent scratches and accidental breakage, allowing room for ventilation.
Silver
Exposure to air can lead to silverware tarnishing, hence the need to wrap all pieces – flatware, coffee sets, dishes – thoroughly in clean, unprinted packing or tissue paper. Loose silverware should be bundled together with clear plastic, tissue, or packing paper. Even if stored in a chest, consider individually wrapping and rearranging the pieces. Fill any gaps in the chest with tissue paper or clean towels and cover the chest with a blanket or towel for added safeguarding.
Vintage Photographs
Extended exposure to direct sunlight can result in fading and deterioration of photo quality. To maintain the pristine condition of your old photographs during relocation, shield them from light as effectively as possible. If they're unframed, store them in archival materials or a dark container like a Solander Box. When acquiring storage items such as scrapbooks or filing cabinets, ensure they are labeled as "acid-free" to prevent damage to the photos.
Fine Art
Minimize handling of artwork to avoid potential damage from finger oils, which can leave smudges and residue. When handling prints or works on paper, reduce the risk of creases or smudges by holding the paper at the corners or supporting it from underneath rather than pinching it. When leaning canvases, ensure they are only placed against a flat surface. Avoid leaning them against sharp or pointed objects, as this could cause irreparable dents. If leaning artwork against anything, ensure it rests on the wood of its stretcher bars to prevent pressure on the canvas.
Label your boxes
After properly packing your boxes, remember to label each one with your name, the contents, and a vertical arrow pointing upwards to signify it shouldn't be loaded on its side. Additionally, prominently display "FRAGILE" or "HANDLE WITH CARE" on at least two adjacent sides of each box.
