Antiques hold a particular sentimental value, so shipping them requires extra care and attention to detail. It’s traditionally best to hire professional antique furniture movers as they are familiar and experienced in providing the right care for fragile pieces.
Shipping high-value items like antiques can wear on the nerves as you worry about damages or delays. Likely, you haven’t even thought about how to ship antiques, but don’t worry! We’ll show you everything you need to know to ensure a successful antique furniture delivery.
How to Ship Antique Furniture
- First, have the piece appraised. An appraisal will allow for proper coverage and be helpful in case you need to open a protection case.
- Next, photograph the furniture from all angles. ‘Before’ images help when opening a case for damage that may occur in transit.
- If there are loose shelves or interior pieces, secure them and let the movers know about them. Also, inform them of delicate areas or parts of furniture.
- Empty the furniture drawers and cabinets. Additional weight and items may damage the antique piece during transport. You might even find some loose change!
- Avoid taping drawers and doors shut or using tape to secure other parts of the furniture, as this can damage the finish. Most antique furniture movers will shrink wrap the piece, negating the need for tape, but if they don’t, use string or a rubber bungee to secure loose objects or remove the components altogether.
- On that note, moving blankets and protective wrapping are a must for long transport in the back of a box truck. Smaller carriers may offer more personal attention to delicate pieces of furniture, but for optimal protection without crating, furniture should be wrapped appropriately.
- If your piece is extremely valuable, ornate or you want the absolute best protection: crate or box the item. Unless you know what you are doing, it’s best to leave this to the pros. Many moving companies will provide this service.
- Also, consider the type of wood when shipping, as temperature extremes and moisture might damage certain wood pieces. Ask your antique dealer or shipping company for advice about shipping and storing wood pieces.
Best Way to Ship Antiques Cross Country
With estate sales, vintage retailers, auction houses, and consignment stores moving to online platforms, it is easier than ever to find the perfect antique or vintage furniture for your home. So, how do you get it to you?
Some of these organizations will provide a specialized antique shipping service. As this is a newer platform for second-hand shopping, some businesses don’t have shipping solutions in place yet. If this is the case, it may be easier than you think to find antique delivery services on your own.
The best way to ship antiques cross country is to work with an independent carrier who specializes in special care delivery. Look for “white glove delivery” or “in-home delivery” services, rather than freight services. uShip’s In-Home Delivery solution offers added care with blanket-wrap services and carriers will bring your antique furniture into your home and in your room of choice.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Antique Furniture
On average, the cost to ship antique furniture is $2.00 per mile for local, or city-to-city delivery and $0.50 per mile for cross country delivery. Of course, the cost to ship vintage furniture depends on the distance traveled, the size of the piece, and the amount of care required for safe delivery.
Find out how much it will cost to ship your antique furniture. Take a look at uShip’s cost to ship antique furniture index to get an idea of what your shipment will cost. You could also create a shipment listing on uShip, and get quotes directly from expert antique shipping companies today.
