Moving Specialty Items: How to Safely Transport Art, Antiques, and Musical Instruments

Moving is a significant life event that brings both excitement and challenges. One of the biggest concerns when relocating is ensuring the safe transport of valuable and delicate belongings. While everyday household items are relatively easy to pack, specialty items—such as art, antiques, and musical instruments—require extra care and attention.

At Wolley Movers, we specialize in handling fragile and valuable items, ensuring they arrive at your new home in pristine condition. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to safely move these cherished possessions.

Part 1: How to Safely Move Artwork

Moving artwork, whether it’s valuable paintings, sculptures, or delicate prints, requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to ensure your pieces are well-protected.

1.1 Preparing Artwork for Moving

• Document Your Collection: Before packing, create a detailed inventory of your artwork, including photographs, descriptions, and values. This documentation is crucial in case of loss or damage.
• Get an Appraisal: Have valuable pieces appraised by a professional to determine their worth. This will help you assess if special insurance coverage is needed.
• Select the Right Packing Materials: Use acid-free paper, bubble wrap, and specialized art packing materials for protection. Larger pieces may require custom-built crates.

1.2 Proper Packing Techniques for Artwork

• Protect Framed Art: Use glassine paper for protection against scratches and cardboard corner protectors for frames.
• Provide Cushioning: Wrap artwork in bubble wrap or foam padding to prevent impact damage.
• Use Custom Crates: For high-value pieces, invest in custom-built crates to ensure maximum safety during transport.
• Label Clearly: Mark boxes as “Fragile” and indicate “This Side Up” to help movers handle them with care.

1.3 Climate Control and Transportation

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can cause fading and heat damage. Keep artwork protected during transit.
• Use Climate-Controlled Transport: Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can be harmful to art. A climate-controlled vehicle will help prevent damage.
• Choose Professional Movers: Select a moving company like Wolley Movers, which has experience in handling artwork with specialized equipment and protective materials.

Part 2: Moving Antiques with Care

Antiques often hold both sentimental and financial value, making their protection a top priority during a move. Here’s how to ensure your antiques arrive safely.

2.1 Assessing and Documenting Antiques

• Get an Appraisal: A certified appraiser can help establish the value and condition of your antiques before moving.
• Photograph Each Piece: Take high-resolution photos from multiple angles to document the item’s condition before the move.

2.2 Packing Antiques for Safe Transport

• Use Protective Padding: Wrap antiques in soft blankets, towels, or foam padding to prevent scratches and impact damage.
• Secure Fragile Components: For glass and porcelain elements, use bubble wrap and foam inserts for extra protection.
• Disassemble When Possible: If antique furniture can be taken apart, carefully disassemble and pack components separately. Keep small parts in clearly labeled bags.
• Mark Boxes as Fragile: Label all packages with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” to alert movers.

2.3 Climate Control and Professional Handling

• Protect from Temperature and Humidity Changes: Just like artwork, antiques are vulnerable to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Ensure proper ventilation and climate control during transit.
• Hire Movers with Antique Experience: Select a moving company like Wolley Movers, which has expertise in handling fragile and valuable antiques.

Part 3: How to Move Musical Instruments Safely

Musical instruments, whether pianos, violins, or guitars, require specialized handling due to their delicate construction and sensitivity to environmental changes.

3.1 Preparing Instruments for Moving

• Schedule a Tune-Up: Have your instrument professionally tuned before moving to check for any pre-existing issues.
• Document Your Instruments: Create an inventory with photos, descriptions, and values to ensure accountability.

3.2 Packing and Protection for Instruments

• Use Original Cases: Whenever possible, transport instruments in their original hard cases, designed to protect their shape and structure.
• Add Extra Padding: Place foam or soft cloth padding inside the case to prevent movement during transit.
• Wrap Large Instruments Properly: If moving a piano, secure the keys and pedals, and wrap the body in thick moving blankets.

3.3 Temperature and Humidity Considerations

• Protect Wooden Instruments: Wooden instruments like violins, cellos, and acoustic guitars are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Use climate-controlled transport to prevent damage.
• Avoid Leaving Instruments in a Cold or Hot Truck: Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause cracking, warping, or tuning issues.

3.4 Hiring Experienced Movers

• Choose Movers with Instrument Expertise: Moving a grand piano or fragile string instrument requires specialized skills. Hire professional movers like Wolley Movers, who understand how to handle delicate instruments.

Part 4: Unpacking and Placement

Once your specialty items arrive at your new home, careful unpacking is essential.

4.1 Unpacking with Care

• Remove items from their packaging slowly and carefully, following the same protective steps used during packing.
• If an item was disassembled, reassemble it in a clean, stable area before placing it in its final location.

4.2 Professional Setup for Specialty Items

• Art Installation: Hire professionals to reinstall paintings or sculptures if necessary.
• Antique Placement: Position antiques away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or high-traffic areas to prevent wear and damage.
• Instrument Tuning: If moving a piano, violin, or other string instrument, schedule a professional tuning session after the move.

Why Choose Wolley Movers for Specialty Item Moving?

Moving specialty items—whether it’s art, antiques, or musical instruments—requires expertise and attention to detail. At Wolley Movers, we have the experience, tools, and techniques to ensure your valuables arrive safely.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Expert Handling of Delicate Items: Our team specializes in moving high-value, fragile possessions with extra care.
• Climate-Controlled Transport: We protect art, antiques, and instruments from temperature and humidity changes.
• Custom Packing Solutions: We provide custom crates, padding, and professional wrapping materials for ultimate protection.
• Trusted Reputation: As one of Chicago’s most reliable moving companies, we are committed to delivering exceptional service for every move.

Contact Wolley Movers Today

If you’re relocating to or from the Chicago area, trust Wolley Movers to handle your specialty items with precision and care. Our customer support team is available to answer your questions and ensure a seamless move.