Best Practices for Packing and Moving with Collectibles

If you have an extensive or valuable collection, you’re already acutely aware of how the condition of these items affects value. An afterthought like not considering UV protection has been known to destroy entire collections after all, so a move certainly can as well. 

Let’s take a look at different types of collectibles and some best practices for safely packing and moving these items—in addition to how a specialized mover like IMS Relocation can help.

Types of Collectibles to Move Carefully

Collections are more than a hobby for many of us. We often spend our whole lives tracking down rare items that either have significant monetary value or sentimental value. When something happens to an item we’re passionate about, it can be devastating. This is why it’s so important to ensure everything arrives in one piece if you’re moving it.

Some examples of collectibles that should be moved carefully include:

• Vintage toys, dolls and action figures
• Pottery, ceramics, glass and other fragile materials
• Sports or trading cards and memorabilia
• Rare books, signs and posters
• Stamps and coins
• Old or foreign currency
• Fine art, antiques and jewelry
• Important documents and records
• Musical instruments and devices
• Bakeware and kitchen equipment
• Board games, magazines and unopened products

The list goes on, but the point is, if it carries a lot of value for you, it’s important to both pack it and move it carefully. Read on for tips on how to do just that.

Tips for Packing Collectibles

You must be strategic, careful and thorough when it comes to packing collectibles. Also, make sure you clearly communicate with the movers or whoever is packing belongings the importance of these collectibles—marking boxes with them as “fragile” is a good place to start. But how you pack collectibles often depends on the type of collectible. Here are some general tips for packing collectibles in general, as well as how to pack certain types of collectibles:

• Sort your collection ahead of time, separating by type.
• Minimize your collection if possible, selling or donating as needed.
• Keep the most valuable and rare collectibles with you in a separate box.
• Buy enough packing supplies for all of your collectibles ahead of time.
• Make sure items are facing the right direction (e.g., books should be upright).
• Pack from heaviest items at the bottom to lightest items at the top.
• Wrap books, documents and sensitive materials with acid-free paper.
• Add a protective layer of paper or cloth between collectibles.
• Wrap items still in the box individually and cover them with bubble wrap.
• Include extra cushioning for breakable materials like pottery and ceramics.
• Don’t put tape on the actual collectible; put it on the box or other material.
• Clearly label and note items as “fragile” on the outside of the box.
• Don’t pack too tight, too loose or too heavy.

Tips for Moving with Collectibles

In addition to packing collectibles appropriately, you should take precautions with relocating them. If you are hiring a mover, the team should be aware of the collectibles they’re moving and that they should load and unload them with more care than the average box. Here are some other tips for moving with collectibles:

• Get insurance and/or an appraisal for your collectibles before the move.
• Add colorful labels to boxes, especially noting the boxes that have fragile items.
• Avoid moving boxes in foul weather or when they can get wet.
• Limit stacking items or boxes on top of boxes with collectibles.
• Consider placing crates around collectible boxes for extra protection.
• Secure nearby furniture doors or parts that may open or dislodge during the move.
• Use specialized equipment for bigger or heavier collectibles.
• Utilize anchor points and other devices that prevent shifting and movement.
• Ask the mover for any other advice they may have about the move.

How a Specialized Mover Can Help

One final way you can help ensure collectibles remain intact and undamaged during your move is to hire a mover with specialized experience. A general mover who hasn’t moved collectible or valuable items before might not know the right packing or moving techniques to avoid damage. A specialized moving company, on the other hand, not only has the expertise to move special items like collectibles, but will also have the right procedures and equipment in place to handle them with superior care. IMS Relocation provides specialized transportation services for Dallas-Fort Worth, whether you’re moving fine art, trade show and exhibit displays, hospital or lab equipment and collectibles. We’ll also consult with you to ensure you have peace of mind about the moving—and, if desired, packing—services we provide.

If you’re looking for a specialized mover who will help relocate your collectible collection and other belongings with care, consider IMS Relocation. Contact us today for a consultation or no-obligation quote.