Relocation is always a risk. Naturally, you don’t want anything bad to happen to your belongings during a house move, no matter how cheap or expensive they are. However, certain items are harder to replace than others. By that we are mainly referring to luxury items such as artwork, jewelry, and luxury furniture. These home items are not only susceptible to damage, but they also attract thieves, which makes their protection particularly challenging. If you are moving soon and wondering what to do with your luxury home items, we’ve got some tips and tricks.

Different moving solutions for different types of items

Since luxury items come in various forms, shapes and sizes, moving each one of them requires a personalized solution. Each valuable item demands a unique approach to packing and transportation. For example, jewelry and expensive wines are very different items. The only thing they have in common is that they are valuable. Therefore, you won’t be packing and relocating them in the same way.

How to pack and move different luxury home items

Luxury furniture

First, have your luxury furniture appraised by an authorized appraiser before moving it to your new luxury home so as to know its actual value.

Furniture can be sensitive to dust and debris. Therefore, clean it thoroughly before the move using products specifically designed for that type of furniture. Furthermore, keep the weather forecast in mind since furniture can be sensitive to certain weather conditions. Also, plot out the safest route for navigating your bulky items.

Remove all glass components from your furniture before transpiration. Use zip ties, plastic wrap, and other supplies to protect the glass parts in case you cannot remove them. Protect all the edges and corners to avoid damage. Use quality wrapping material and make sure every surface is covered. Remove all drawers and doors or secure them with tape so that they don’t open during transport.

Pianos

Pianos are expensive, bulky, and fragile at the same time. Therefore, they require special care during relocation. The most delicate parts of a piano are its outer shell and the inner workings.

Remember to measure all doorways, staircases, and hallways before moving the piano. Make sure the doors are open and the floors are protected. Remove all obstacles such as furniture. Cover any sharp edges of the doorway with extra towels.

An important rule of moving is to disassemble each item that can be disassembled and later reassembled. In this case, we’re talking about removing the piano’s legs. Whether you’re moving an upright piano or a grand piano, use plenty of moving blankets and/or thick towels for protection. Place the blankets on the front, back, and sides of the instrument. Secure the blankets in place with multiple rolls of tape. A dolly capable of supporting the piano’s weight may also be necessary.

Jewelry

Jewelry is typically made of metal, which makes it tougher than most items. But that doesn’t mean it is indestructible. Transport your jewelry in quality jewelry boxes designed to protect sensitive items such as watches, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. On the outside, the box should be sturdy (made of wood or metal). The inside of the box should be lined with soft padding cloth. To prevent your jewelry from shifting inside the box, use soft packing paper to fill any gaps. Wrap the jewelry box in plastic wrap securing its ends with tape to keep dirt, dust, and moisture away.

Most importantly, keep your jewelry with you during the relocation process. Never hand it over to your movers, even if they have the best reputation.

Artwork

Artwork can be bulky, heavy, sturdy, fragile, etc. Hence, you should consider what each item is made of and its level of fragility to determine the most suitable moving solution.

Paintings

Paintings are sensitive to changes in the environment. Therefore, moving expensive paintings often requires climate-controlled conditions.

To pack paintings, use flat picture boxes designed to keep your paintings safe. The box should be larger than the piece you are packing by about 3-4 inches on each side. If your painting is covered by glass, mark an X across the glass using masking tape. If there isn’t a glass cover, protect the painted surface by wrapping it in several layers of plastic wrap or palette wrap. Buy or make cardboard corner protectors for the frame.

The next step is wrapping the piece using a generous amount of padding material. Cover both horizontal and vertical dimensions and secure with tape. Put wadded newsprint on the bottom of a box, and then place the piece inside the box. Add more padding if needed to prevent shifting. Finally, seal the box and label it ‘fragile’.

Sculptures

Sculptures are luxury home items that might require a reinforced crate capable of holding their weight. Wood crates are the safest way to take care of heavier statues. For lighter statues, use cardboard boxes. You can find quality moving containers on bestcrosscountrymovers.com.

First, cover the sculpture using cling wrap to protect its finish. Then, place plastic wrap around the most fragile parts of the sculpture before wrapping the entire sculpture in plastic wrap. Once you make a sphere or egg shape, place the statue inside a box or crate and add padding material. Pad the box/crate and test it before sealing and labeling.

Luxury drink collections

Luxury drinks require constant monitoring during the relocation process. Different kinds of alcoholic drinks can be sensitive to temperature changes and humidity. Extreme conditions can ruin your entire collection. So, avoid moving during unfavorable weather conditions, if possible. Pack bottles individually and transport them in a climate-controlled environment.

Hiring professional movers is the safest option

Packing and relocating luxury home items by yourself would be a huge risk, to say the least. Many moving companies offer special services to accommodate the moving of luxury items. Professional movers who specialize in relocating luxury household belongings can provide specialized packing supplies, custom-made just for transporting your items, along with additional equipment. In addition, they have experienced personnel, which guarantees a move that is speedy and safe. Movers also offer moving insurance – something you must have when relocating valuable goods.