Are you planning a move in Canada and need to transport your fine art, collectibles, or antique furniture? Moving these items can be overwhelming and stressful because of their fragile nature. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, it’s possible to ensure your valuables arrive safely at their new destination.
We have compiled this guide to provide you with everything you need to know about relocating heirlooms, priceless pieces, and sentimental items.
Not All Moving Pros Are Equal When Moving High Ticket Items
Let’s discuss the importance of finding a reliable and experienced mover specializing in fine art packing and shipping. Whether you have a collection of high-investment pieces of art or sculptures, or you have your family heirloom dresser from the pre-WWII era, you need to know these items are very carefully packed and moved to their new location.
You may have friends or family who also have precious items they have moved in recent years and can ask for a referral. If you’re collecting estimates from different movers, you’ll want to ask these questions:
- – How long have you been in business?
- – Can you show me your Yelp, Google, and Facebook reviews?
- – What is your experience with moving highly-valuable pieces of furniture/art?
- – Are you certified, licensed, bonded, and insured? (The answer you’re looking for is yes to all of these)
- – Ask how they will pack and move the items you care most about. If you don’t feel good about the answer, they are not the movers for you!
Know What It Is You’re Moving
Create an inventory list of all your valuable items before planning your move. Ideally, this task will be completed before you begin shopping for movers because you will want to give them details of what it is you are expecting to move.
You’ve likely had family items packed away and haven’t seen them for years. Don’t rely on your memory. Unpack and take pictures or have them available for the relocator specialist to look at when getting estimates as the condition of the items you want moved will determine the exact cost to ship.
Ask About Additional Insurance Options
Investigate insurance options for protecting your collectibles during transit. Reputable, professional movers will have a certain amount of insurance for every move. This likely will not be enough to cover your highly-valuable items or cover a repair should the item(s) experience a small mishap.
Check Your Items Right After Your Move
When you reach your new home, inspect each item for any possible damages that may have occurred during shipping. Because you chose a highly reputable professional moving company, you shouldn’t expect to find any issues. Still, heat, traffic accidents, and other problems that are out of the hands of everyone can cause minor issues. If this happens, notify your movers as soon as possible with pictures and documentation. They will walk you through the process of claims and repair.
Pre-Planning and Experienced, Professional Movers Make the Difference
All in all, planning a move that involves fine art & collectibles can be quite daunting. Taking the time to find the right moving company to transport your items is essential to a successful move. Don’t forget, hiring professional movers with ample experience and taking the necessary precautions can save you money, time, and a lot of stress in the long run. Give yourself enough time for research. Safety is paramount when it comes to transporting fragile items – so make sure you have taken every precaution!
Get Help Packing for Storage – From Movers with Many Years of Experience!
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.