Wood Crate – Art & Antique
You are what we would call a collector. You own valuable, one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art or antique furniture that will add a truly unique look to your new home.
During a move, items like this can become very stressful for you. Their delicate nature and age make them more vulnerable to serious damage and the memories, feelings and sentiment attached simply make them irreplaceable. Their value typically is priceless, which is why iMoving only works with high-quality movers who care about your valuables as if they were their own.
For delicate or high value items, wrapping them in bubble wrap, tissue paper or old clothes and fabric may not be enough. Antiques and artwork deserve special consideration when moving.
What is wood crating?
Wood crating is the process of building and using customized wooden crates to transport items with enhanced safety.
Movers measure the size of the item and then build the crate to the exact dimensions of your item. This method ensures your high-value items are protected.
When is it needed?
While not everyone chooses to crate their items, we have seen customers select wood crating in a number of similar situations.
Fragile Items that cannot be repaired if damage occurs
Even if your items are insured, it doesn’t mean they can be replaced or repaired. There is usually no hope of restoring items made of glass and marble or a punctured canvas.
Some items include:
- Antique Mirrors
- Chandeliers
- Marble Tabletops
- Artwork
- Porcelains
- Taxidermy
- Expensive wine collections
- Oddly shaped items
Items that are capable of causing damage and of being damaged
These are typically heavy, yet fragile items that may collide with other items during transport and cannot be fully secured with cardboard boxes.
- Pool table slates
- Statues
- Motorcycles
Sharp-edged items
Items with sharp edges or corners can easily puncture boxes and cause damage to other items on the road to your new place.
- TVs and large electronics
- Sensitive stereo speakers
Uninsured valuables
Moves don’t always come at the right time. If you cannot afford to insure your valuables, consider crating them if the cost of the crate is less than purchasing insurance or the cost of replacing the items.
Non-elevator buildings or complexes with narrow hallways
Moving into buildings where you must carry furniture up flights of stairs or maneuver around tight spaces can quickly cause damage to the items you care most about. Plan ahead and make sure your furniture can easily fit into your new space.
How much does it cost?
Prices for custom crates vary. In general, custom crating services are relatively expensive because of the labor and materials involved.
The minimum amount for crating usually hovers around $70 - $80. The larger the item is, the more expensive the crate.
To get the best value out of your crate, ask your movers about keeping the crate after your move. This way you can use it again for your next move, and keep it in storage for the next time you’ll need it (or cleverly use it to decorate your new place).
Most movers destroy crates when the move is over, so you’ll want to make sure you let them know you intend to keep it ahead of time.
Why you need wood crating?
Use wood crates for the most valuable and fragile items that you cannot afford to lose and cannot bear to see damaged. They are a good choice overall because they can be reused, repurposed and are environmentally friendly.
Heavy protection
Wooden crates are strong, durable, distribute weight effectively and add more safety when transporting sensitive equipment, fragile items or valuable antiques.
Easier Moving Process
Crates can be stacked high, creating space in small areas which allows you to fit more things in the moving truck. They can handle more force than other materials.
Peace of mind
This is very clearly the number reason to use wood crates. If you have doubts about your prized possessions making it safely through the move, the peace of mind wood crates provide is priceless. Moving is stressful enough without you constantly worrying about items being damaged or broken.
How to take care of arts and antiques during the move?
Preparation is everything. So is bubble wrap.
If you do not choose to use a wood crate for your valuables, the most important thing you can do is give yourself plenty of time to pack things correctly. Moving art, mirrors, antique furniture and family heirlooms can be tricky. When possible, recruit friends and family to help move. Take extra care to keep everything safe and secure.
Whatever you do, please do not attempt to move your art, antique mirrors or chandeliers without the right packing materials at the ready first.
How to choose the right company to handle arts and antiques?
When moving antique furniture and other valuable items, a special approach is required. Hiring professional antique or fine art shippers should be a priority or you risk your items arriving in pieces.
Depending on where you live, there may be an overwhelming amount of options or very few. Follow the recommendation in mind trust your gut – you’ll make the right choice.
Read all the reviews and testimonials
This is no time to be lazy and cut corners. Find reviews from professionals like art dealers, artists and auction houses. They will tell you who the best around are.
Request a free quote
If you see anything suspicious, this is the time to speak up and ask questions. A trustworthy local moving company like you’ll find here at iMoving will be happy to go over any worries you have. If you detect hidden costs or fees, find another company.
Review Their List of Services
Transporting your valuables should not be taken lightly. It’s a process of packing, crating, storing and moving. If you feel you want everything to be done by one company, make sure the movers you settle on can give you everything you ask for.
Crating is the right option in certain circumstances and only you know the value of your items and what you’re willing to take a chance on during your move.
Knowing the kind of services your antiques and art will need for safe transportation makes the process of moving process much easier. iMoving makes it easy to connect to trusted, vetted local movers who talk with you about your options and come up with a game plan for safely transporting your belongings.
It’s easy to let money make decisions for you, but it may not be the best solution in the long run. If the thought of losing an item or having to look at its broken pieces makes your heart stutter, you already have your answer.