Everyone has something really valuable. Mind you, valuable doesn’t always mean expensive. It could be something that your parents gave you. It could be a gift from your spouse. It could be a memento from a trip or a toy from your childhood. And that makes it irreplaceable. Sometimes though, it actually is worth a lot of money. In any case, these are usually your most cherished possessions and when Moving Day comes, you will want to know how to go about moving something irreplaceable.
Know Its Value
If you’re moving something irreplaceable like antique furniture, a painting, or a collectible, you will want to have it appraised. Once you have an idea of the price other people put on your item, you will take better care of it and make sure it doesn’t get damaged or lost. Make the appraisal official. Have the item certified so that the identification and appraisal of the item is documented and official.
Before packing the item, take numerous photos of the item from different angles. If you notice chips, scratches, or dents, you can refer to the pictures and prove that the damage was a result of the move.
Double Everything
If you’re moving something irreplaceable that is breakable like jars, plates, vases, or ceramic pottery, you will want to buy twice the packing materials to protect them in. Wrap it in twice the amount of paper that you would normally use for other items, put it in a box filled with packing peanuts, and then put that box in a bigger box. Believe me, I would rather shell out a few more bucks for extra wrapping and packing paper, boxes, and packing peanuts instead of paying hundreds if not thousands of dollars if my precious item gets broken or damaged.
Keep It Close
In the process of moving something irreplaceable, you’ve already taken pains to protect it, why then would you lump it in the back of the moving truck, van or trailer with all your other “disposable” stuff? If you’re moving alone, place it on the floor of the passenger’s seat or on the seat itself and put the seat belt around it. If you’re towing your car, place it inside your car where it will be snug and secure and not move around during the drive. If you absolutely need to place it in the back, make sure it is surrounded by soft items like pillows, mattresses or bags with clothes in them. Also, place them near the door so that it’s the first thing you take out. First to pack, last to load.
The Right Stack
When moving something irreplaceable, packing and moving is half the battle. In the event that you need to put the items in storage, you will want them stacked properly. Always put them on top but if possible, don’t stack them with anything else. You want them standing alone. If it’s a painting or a photo frame, don’t lay them flat on its back. Prop them upright against the wall or other items. When you do, you might consider putting furniture pads under them just for good measure.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I promise you, it will be more expensive to repair or replace your item in the event that it gets damaged. Worst case, you won’t find anything like it again. Don’t wait or allow for that to happen. Take extra care in protecting, packing, and moving something irreplaceable and you just might hold on to it long enough for the next generation to appreciate it.
Have you moved something irreplaceable? Share your tips in the comment section below!
