6 Reasons You Need an Expert for Moving Antiques in Orleans!

Moving antiques to Orleans?

Stop right there before you call your buddies with a truck. Those precious pieces deserve better than a DIY disaster waiting to happen. Let’s cut to the chase – there’s a reason why Orleans movers, who specialize in antiques, charge what they do. 

After seeing too many heartbroken owners with damaged heirlooms, we’ve put together the real reasons you shouldn’t skimp when moving your antique collection.

1. They Know Old Stuff Inside and Out

Regular movers treat everything like IKEA furniture – grab it, move it, done. Big mistake with antiques.

Pros who handle moving antiques in Orleans know that the old secretary desk isn’t held together with modern screws and glue. They spot the difference between true dovetail joints and modern reproductions. They can tell which ornate leg is load-bearing and which will snap if grabbed wrong.

Real talk: Most people grab antique chairs by the back rail – exactly where old joints are weakest. Or they’ll lift a table by its top, not realizing the finish might separate from the base. Professionals instantly recognize these risky spots and adjust on the fly.

Have you ever seen someone try to move a 19th-century armoire without checking whether the crown moulding is attached or just sitting on top? It’s a disaster. Professionals check these things automatically because they’ve seen what happens when you don’t.

2. They Pack Like They’re Handling Fabergé Eggs

Standard moving blankets and bubble wrap? Please. That stuff is fine for your Target bookshelf, but useless for genuine antiques.

Professional movers show up with materials you’ve never seen before: Custom-cut foam inserts, acid-free tissue that won’t damage original finishes, specially designed corner protectors for carved details, and moisture-barrier wrapping for pieces sensitive to humidity changes.

Marble tops need full-surface support to prevent cracks. Brass hardware requires protection from tarnish during transit, and veneer can bubble if wrapped too tightly.

Don’t believe the difference matters? Ask anyone who’s unwrapped an antique mirror to find the silvering damaged from improper packing. Or unwrapped grandma’s dining chairs to find the gilt finish stuck to the moving blankets. Proper materials aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential.

3. Their Insurance Covers What Things Are Worth

Here’s the ugly truth about DIY moves: if something breaks, you’re out of luck. If friends help and drop something, I hope you still like those friends. And standard moving insurance? It typically pays by weight, pennies on the dollar for what antiques are actually worth.

A decent professional moving Company carries specialized coverage for high-value items. Before touching anything, they document existing conditions, note previous repairs, and create detailed inventory lists. This paperwork becomes gold if anything gets damaged.

Without proper coverage, that 30-pound hand-carved side table worth $3,000 might be insured for about $15 under standard weight-based coverage. Think about that for a second.

Most homeowner’s policies have limitations on items damaged during transit or require special riders for antiques. Professional movers understand these insurance complexities and have relationships with providers who actually know how to value period pieces properly.

4. They Bring Equipment You Can’t Rent

Moving antiques through Orleans’ historic properties isn’t like moving a couch into a modern apartment. The tools required simply aren’t available at rental shops.

Professional movers invest in specialized equipment:

• Custom-width ramps for narrow historic doorways
• Stair-climbing dollies that distribute weight across treads
• Air-ride suspension vehicles that minimize vibration
• Specialized lifting straps that won’t damage fragile finishes
• Climate-controlled transport options for sensitive pieces

Orleans has some of the oldest buildings in the region – narrow hallways, tight turns, and uneven floors. Equipment designed for modern spaces simply won’t cut it. The pros bring tools specifically designed for these challenging environments.

Some companies even develop custom solutions just for local architectural quirks. They know exactly which streets in Orleans have homes with those tricky side entrances or unusually steep staircases. When moving antiques in Orleans, this specialized knowledge makes all the difference.

5. They Plan Like They’re Orchestrating a Symphony

Amateur moves tend to involve showing up and winging it. Professional antique movers operate completely differently.

They conduct thorough pre-move assessments, often weeks in advance. Moreover, these movers measure every doorway, hallway, and staircase. This helps them identify critical tight spots and develop specific strategies for each challenging piece. In addition, they check floor load capacities and identify potential structural issues at both the origin and destination.

This planning stage often reveals crucial issues: Doorways too narrow for certain pieces, staircases too steep for safe transport, or floors that can’t support the weight of larger items. Rather than discovering these problems mid-move (with your precious antique dangling precariously), professionals identify solutions beforehand.

Sometimes this means temporarily removing doors or banisters. Other times, it means creating custom support systems or temporary ramps. The point is – they solve problems before they become disasters.

6. They Don’t Just Drop and Dash

The final phase of moving antiques in Orleans is where professionals truly prove their worth. They don’t just dump furniture in rooms and leave.

They provide proper placement and setup, which includes:

• Precisely positioning pieces while protecting both the item and the floor
• Properly reassembling anything that required disassembly
• Levelling furniture on often uneven historic floors
• Securing top-heavy pieces to prevent tipping
• Advising on placement to avoid environmental damage from sunlight or heating vents

Movers know the art of antique relocation in Orleans. This is why they offer additional services like custom shimming for wobbly pieces or installing protective felt on furniture bottoms to prevent floor scratches. Rather than leaving customers with half-assembled antiques and scattered hardware, they complete the entire process with the same care used during packing and transport.

Expert Tips for Moving Antiques Safely

Here are some valuable tips from expert movers that you can follow for moving antiques to your new location:

• Wrap each piece individually
  Never stack or wrap antiques together. Use soft cloth, foam, or acid-free paper to avoid scratches and damage.
• Use sturdy boxes or custom crates
  Lightweight cardboard isn’t enough. Opt for double-walled boxes or ask your mover for custom crates for delicate items.
  
• Disassemble what you can
  If safe to do so, remove legs, drawers, or detachable parts. Wrap and label them separately to prevent strain or breakage.
  

• Avoid taping directly on furniture.
  Tape can strip finishes or leave sticky residue. Always wrap pieces first, then apply tape to the outer layer only.
• Control temperature and humidity
  Antique wood and finishes can warp or crack. Avoid storing them in overly hot, cold, or damp areas, especially during transit.
• Lift from the strongest points
  Never grab antiques by their arms, legs, or trim. Lift from the base or use proper lifting straps to avoid stress on weak joints.
• Place heavy items low in the truck
  Heavier antiques should ride low and centred to prevent tipping or crushing other items.
• Don’t rush the unpacking
  Take your time when unwrapping antiques. Remove packing materials gently to avoid accidental damage.

The Bottom Line: Trust Professionals for Valuable Antiques

Yes, professional antique moving services cost more than renting a truck and bribing friends with pizza. But when you’re dealing with irreplaceable items, cutting corners makes no sense.

These pieces have survived decades or centuries to reach you. Their continued survival shouldn’t be risked over a few hundred dollars. Professional movers don’t just transport your antiques – they preserve their history and ensure they’ll remain intact for future generations.

Orleans has some of the finest antique collections in the region. Their proper care during transitions isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for anyone serious about protecting these historical treasures. When moving day looms, make the call to specialists who understand the true value of what they’re handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider before moving antiques in Orleans?

Before moving antiques, assess their fragility, value, and the specific handling requirements for each piece. It’s essential to choose an experienced mover in moving antiques to ensure they receive the care they require.

How can I protect my antiques during a move?

Protection involves using specialized packing materials such as custom-cut foam inserts and acid-free tissue. Expert movers trained in moving antiques in Orleans will have the right tools to safeguard your items against damage.

Is insurance necessary when moving antiques?

Yes, specialized insurance is crucial when moving antiques. It protects your investment if damage happens during shipping. This gives you peace of mind that your valuable items are safe.

What type of equipment do professional movers use for antique relocation?

Movers specializing in antique relocation often utilize custom-width ramps, stair-climbing dollies, and climate-controlled vehicles. These tools are essential for navigating the unique challenges presented by historic properties in Orleans.

How can I ensure a seamless setup for my antiques after the move?

Communicate with your moving professionals about where you want each piece placed. Skilled movers will place your antiques in the right spots. They will also put them back together if needed. They will make sure they are level on uneven floors.