How to Move Antiques

Moving is stressful on its own. Add antiques or family heirlooms, and the stakes feel even higher. If you’re worried about hidden costs, choosing the right mover, or the potential for irreplaceable damage, you’re not alone.

Every month, moveBuddha guides thousands of people through the process of moving valuable and sentimental pieces. With the right planning and a few expert tricks, you can protect your antiques and your budget.

Learn how to move your antiques with confidence and choose the best antique moving companies, with expert insights and firsthand experience from moveBuddha readers.

1. Get a professional appraisal and document everything

For antiques with real value—monetary or sentimental—an up-to-date appraisal is a must. This isn’t just about insurance. It’s about peace of mind.

• Photograph thoroughly: Take clear, high-quality photos of each piece from multiple angles.
• Note issues: Document scratches, cracks, or signs of wear. These notes can make a big difference if you need to file a claim.
• Back up your records: Store appraisals and inventory lists in both digital and physical formats.

“We moved lots of antiques and specialty tools. Taking photos and keeping an inventory helped me track everything and spot any issues right away.” — Cindy, Virginia to North Carolina

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2. Check for repairs or restoration needs

Weak joints, loose legs, or existing damage increase the risk during a move. That’s why it’s important to inspect every item you’re moving closely.

• Check for damage: Look for instability, cracks, or loose parts that could lead to damage when your antiques are on the move.
• Tighten hardware gently: You should make sure you don’t have any loose hardware but avoid overtightening, which can split old wood.
• Hire a pro if needed: A quick repair now can prevent major damage later. If you spot any damage, go ahead and contact a pro to fix it before your move.

3. Review your insurance coverage

Standard moving coverage rarely matches the value of antiques. Take the time to discuss these options with your mover:

• Full-value replacement coverage: The highest tier of coverage you can get, this is best for high-value pieces.
• Declared value protection: Declared value protection can help cover unique or irreplaceable items and is worth considering for your antiques.
• Homeowners coverage: Some renters or homeowners policies already include transit protection. Be sure to check your coverage before purchasing additional insurance.

You should also remember that a detailed inventory is essential, especially when you’re insuring antiques. Without it, claims are hard to prove.

“We paid a few thousand dollars more because our antiques ended up in short-term storage. The extra insurance made me feel a lot better, and everything arrived safely.” — Adam, Texas to Massachusetts

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4. Pack your antiques with the right materials and methods

The right packing supplies and techniques can protect even your most delicate pieces.

Use custom crating and specialty packing

Some antiques need more than a cardboard box. For especially fragile, heavy, or oversized pieces—think marble tables, large mirrors, or pianos—custom crates or specialty boxes are essential.

Secure drawers, doors, and moving parts

Tape can ruin wood, veneer, or painted finishes. Here’s a safer approach:

1. Wrap the item in soft packing paper or clean cloth.
2. Use stretch wrap over the padding but never directly on the surface.
3. Secure doors and drawers with twine or moving straps so they don’t move and break in transit.
4. Label and bag all the hardware separately to ensure you can easily reassemble each piece at your new home.

Our recommendation: Photograph the disassembly process or use color-coded stickers to make reassembly easier.

Packing instructions by item type

The best strategy for packing your antiques depends on the type of item. Here are a few tailored strategies for protecting your most priceless belongings.

Paintings and mirrors

• Wrap in glassine paper to protect against moisture.
• Add corner protectors and foam sheets.
• Box in specialty art or mirror cartons.
• Mark as “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”

Clocks and figurines

• Remove pendulums or loose parts.
• Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap and soft paper.
• Cushion with foam or packing peanuts in a sturdy box.

Glassware and china

• Double-wrap each piece in acid-free paper and bubble wrap.
• Pack vertically in dish cartons with dividers.
• Fill gaps to prevent movement.

Pianos and large art

• Hire professionals with piano experience.
• Disassemble what you can (legs, pedals).
• Use heavy-duty blankets, custom crating, and climate-controlled vehicles.
• Never attempt to move these solo or with standard dollies.

“Our grand piano and pool table required specialized disassembly, crating, and a climate-controlled truck. It took three days to load everything, but everything arrived safely—even after 2,300 miles.” — Jose, Utah to Florida

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5. Protect your antiques against temperature and humidity

Temperature swings and moisture are the silent enemies of antiques. Even a few hours in the wrong environment can cause cracking, warping, or mold.

To avoid damages related to extreme temps and high humidity, take these steps:

• Use climate-controlled trucks and storage: Essential for sensitive or high-value pieces.
• Confirm regulation: Temperature and humidity should be monitored from pickup to delivery.
• Plan for longer storage: Anything over a few days should be climate-controlled; no exceptions.

Small fluctuations can cause big damage to wood, canvas, and finishes. Protect your investment by planning ahead for the weather.

6. Be present on moving day

A little extra attention on moving day can prevent headaches later. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as the day of your move approaches to ensure your stuff gets transported safely.

• Check your documentation: Review your inventory, the photos you took of your antiques’ condition, and your appraisals.
• Stay present: Supervise the movers as they wrap and load your antiques to ensure they’re handled with care.
• Label clearly: Use “Fragile,” “Do Not Stack,” and “This Side Up” labels to highlight which items are antique and need extra attention.
• Double-check special requests: Make sure that climate control or handling instructions are followed on the day of your move.

“The movers arrived on time, labeled everything, and used special padding for my clock and vintage arcade game. I appreciated the attention to detail.” — Irena, Ohio to South Carolina

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7. Unpack your antiques carefully

Careful unpacking is just as important as careful packing. Follow these steps to safely unpack and situate your antiques in your new home.

• Acclimate items: Let antiques adjust to the environment before unwrapping them, especially if they’re being stored or moved with climate control.
• Unpack with care: Use a clean, padded surface with plenty of space so you don’t damage your antiques when you take them out.
• Verify their condition: Check your items’ current condition against your inventory and photos to make sure they didn’t suffer any damage.
• Report damage quickly: Document any issues and contact your mover and insurer immediately.
• Wait before polishing: Let wood and upholstered pieces sit 24 hours before reassembly or refinishing.

“My heirloom china and figurines arrived in great condition thanks to careful packing. I took my time unpacking and checked everything against my inventory before signing off.” — Elizabeth, Florida to Colorado

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How much does it cost to move antiques?

Antique moves typically cost more than a standard move, but knowing what drives the price can help you budget.

• Distance: Long-distance moves tend to be more expensive than local ones, especially when you’re moving large antiques.
• Item size and weight: Oversized or heavy antiques (pianos, marble, large art) are pricier to transport.
• Special handling: Custom crating, professional packing, and special handling can add to your bill.
• Insurance: Full-value protection is strongly recommended for high-value items, but it can increase your moving costs.
• Storage: Fees for climate-controlled or long-term storage can add up quickly.

Most antique moves fall between $2,000 and $10,000+ depending on how much you’re moving, the distance, and the level of service required.

Smart ways to save money

• Use clean secondhand materials: Ask movers or local groups for gently used packing supplies.
• Move during the off-season: Winter and fall rates are often cheaper than peak summer months.
• Compare and negotiate: Get quotes from several movers, look into discounts, and ask if they’ll match competitors.
• Downsize: Sell antiques you can part with to offset moving costs.

“I got the best deal by comparing quotes from several companies and negotiating. Two picture frames were damaged, but it wasn’t significant enough to file a claim.” — Kaley, California to Illinois

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How to choose an antique mover

Not every moving company is equipped to handle antiques. Here’s what to check before you book.

• Experience and references: Ask about prior antique moves and look for photos or testimonials from other customers.
• Insurance options: Make sure the company offers full-value coverage or declared value protection.
• Certifications: Look up the company’s licensing and status with the FMCSA.
• Custom services: Do they provide crating, climate control, or specialty handling?
• Accurate estimates: Request a virtual or in-home walkthrough to get an accurate binding quote.

If a mover is vague, lacks references, or won’t put details in writing, keep looking.

DIY vs. professional movers for antiques

Wondering if you should you take the DIY route or trust professionals with your move? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Common mistakes to avoid when moving antiques

We’ve provided lots of tips in this guide for moving antiques like a pro. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of as you prep for your move.

• Using newsprint (it can stain delicate surfaces).
• Skipping insurance or professional appraisals.
• Applying tape directly to wood, veneer, or painted surfaces.
• Underestimating the time needed to safely pack and move antiques.
• Transporting items that won’t fit in your new space. Always measure first.

“Some of my breakables were broken and one box was missing—looking back, I should have used more padding and gotten better insurance.” — Tetiana, Illinois to Texas

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Move your antiques with confidence

Moving antiques doesn’t have to be a gamble. With smart preparation, the right materials, and expert help, you can protect your most treasured pieces—and keep your move stress-free.

Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized moving quotes and start planning your move with confidence.

Frequently asked questions