Moving Antiques and Fragile Items
Some items in your home are irreplaceable. Whether it’s a grandfather clock passed down through generations or a collection of mid-century modern glass, moving antiques and fragile items requires a level of care far beyond tossing things into a box. It demands patience, specialized materials, and a gentle touch. This guide details the expert strategies used to transport Ottawa’s most delicate treasures safely.
The Assessment: Identify High-Risk Items
Start by creating a dedicated inventory of your fragile items. "High risk" doesn't just mean glass; it includes oil paintings sensitive to temperature, antique wood furniture prone to scratching, and complex mechanisms like clocks. Photograph each item from multiple angles before the move. This documents their condition for insurance purposes and serves as a reference for reassembly if needed.
Custom Crating vs. Standard Boxing
For truly valuable or oddly shaped items—like a crystal chandelier or a large marble sculpture—cardboard boxes are insufficient. Professional movers often build custom wooden crates lined with high-density foam. This exoskeleton protects the item from crushing forces and vibration. While custom crating adds to the cost, it is often cheaper than repairing or replacing a one-of-a-kind antique.
Wrapping Techniques for Furniture
Antiques often feature delicate veneers or original finishes that tape can ruin. Never apply packing tape directly to the surface of wood or leather. Instead, wrap the item entirely in "moving blankets" and secure the blankets with large rubber bands or stretch wrap. For legs and corners, use cardboard guards or "edge protectors" to prevent dings when maneuvering through doorways.
Controlling the Climate
A major enemy of antiques is environmental fluctuation. Old wood expands and contracts with humidity. If you are moving items into storage in Ottawa, ensure the unit is climate-controlled. extreme cold in winter or high humidity in summer can cause wood to crack, veneer to peel, or canvas paintings to slacken. During the move itself, try to minimize the time these items spend on the truck if the weather is extreme.
Securing the Load
Packing the box is only half the battle; the truck ride is the other. Fragile boxes should never be at the bottom of a stack. They should be placed in the "mom's attic" (the shelf above the cab) or secured with straps to the side walls of the truck to prevent shifting. Use mattresses or sofa cushions as barriers to create a soft buffer zone around your most delicate crates.
Local Expertise Section
Why This Matters for Ottawa and Gatineau Residents
Ottawa boasts many historic homes with antiques to match, but it also has notoriously bumpy roads (pothole season is real!). The vibration from a truck hitting a pothole on Carling Avenue can be enough to shatter poorly packed glass. Additionally, many local "heritage conservation district" homes have narrow, winding staircases that make moving large antique armoires a geometric puzzle. Hiring movers who know how to navigate these specific local architectural quirks is essential for the safety of your furniture.
If your collection includes a piano, the stakes are even higher; read our specific guide on how to move a piano safely in Ottawa. For seniors who often possess a lifetime of accumulated treasures, our senior moving services guide provides compassionate advice on downsizing. And remember, successful packing starts with a purge—use our decluttering guide to make space for the things that truly matter.
FAQ
Q: Should I insure my antiques separately?
A: Yes. Standard moving protection (Released Value) pays by weight, which is useless for a lightweight but valuable vase. Ask your insurer about a "rider" for valuables during transit.
Q: How do move a grandfather clock?
A: You must remove the pendulum and weights first. These should be packed separately in soft padding. The chains or cables should be secured so they don’t tangle inside the case.
Q: Can I use bubble wrap on oil paintings?
A: Never directly on the canvas. The plastic can trap moisture or stick to the paint. Use glassine paper first, then cardboard corner protectors, and then bubble wrap.
Q: What about moving plants?
A: Plants are fragile living things. Most movers won't insure them. It’s best to transport them in your personal vehicle, especially in winter, as they will freeze effectively instantly in the back of a moving truck.
Q: Is it safe to move antiques in winter?
A: Yes, provided they are properly wrapped to slow down temperature changes. Allow wood furniture to acclimatize for 24 hours in the new home before polishing or cleaning it.
Moving antiques is an art form that preserves history. By treating your antique and fragile items with the respect they deserve, you ensure their story continues in your new home. Whether it's custom crating or white-glove delivery, UpMove can connect you with specialized movers who understand that some things are simply priceless.
