When I think of antiques, I think of flip phones, pagers, cassettes and phone books. But those aren’t the kind of antiques that most people are interested in nowadays. Repurposing and collecting trends are giving new life to old goods. But once you get your hands on that one-in-a-million find, how do you get it home safely?
Well, it all depends on the sizes and types of antiques you’re transporting.
Cynthia “the Picker Chick” Eastwood uses open utility trailers to transport her antiques home.
Tall or Outdoor Antiques
If your antique is a tall statue, outdoor furniture or even a really old gas pump, you may have issues fitting the item in an enclosed trailer or moving truck. An open trailer would be your best option. You’d want this trailer to have high sides and ample places to tie down and secure your load.
Delicate or Indoor Antiques
When transporting antiques like home furnishings or art, you’re going to want an enclosed, water-resistant truck or trailer. Depending on the size of your antique, you may be able to fit it in a cargo van. Again, you’re going to want equipment that has places to tie down your load to prevent it from shifting during transport.
You may want to look for a truck that has a gentle ride as well as load-protecting features like interior rub rails. And, depending on the weight of your antique, you’ll want to look for a truck with the lowest deck height and a loading ramp.
Antique Paintings or Sculptures
Some pieces of art can’t be subjected to extreme temperatures. For this reason, a cargo van would be your best choice. The air conditioning and heating for passenger use should extend throughout the cargo area keeping the interior temperature relatively moderate. However, if your antiques or pieces of art need more precise temperature control, you may want to look for a refrigerated or climate-controlled truck. Securing paintings with cushion foam inside a picture box will prevent any unnecessary exposure to outdoor conditions
Small, Fragile Antiques
Bubble wrap, packing peanuts and cell boxes are your best friend when transporting figurines, toys or other fragile antiques. Though packing can be time-consuming, you’ll be thankful when you arrive at your destination and your collectibles are all in one piece.
What was your latest antique find? How did you get it home? Share your story below.
