Moving Antiques - Removals Guide for your Antiques

Bishop’s Move share expert advice in moving antiques

You can also download and print this guide as a PDF document

Steve Littler of Bishop’s Move has over 17 years experience in the removals and storage industry. He, along with colleague Geoff Constable, a porter with over 30 years experience in the field, discuss the removals industry and its involvement with the auction house regarding antiques.

Although this generation is more mobile and affluent than any previous generations, we probably deal with antiques less now. However, we do tend to deal with a lot more family heirlooms which have a higher sentimental value to our clients and are consequently more valuable to them. In terms of importance, the items of a more sentimental value to do tend to out weigh the items that have actually cost the owner more in price.

We do often get involved with the packing of items that are required for auction houses. Whether the item is unwanted or not, we still treat it with the same amount of care and respect. It may be part of someone’s past but it may now also be part of someone’s future.

The relationships we build with our clients has always been something we are immensely proud of. If they have a specific demand, we have to listen and always respect it. If they instruct us to collect and hold these items due for the auction house then we will do in our secure storage system where it will be safe until they wish for it to be finally delivered.

As items that tend to be of great value to families in any which way, we ensure that antiques are packed in a specific and specialised manner. According to what is required for a particular piece, items should wrapped to export standard. This way they will be protected thoroughly. Sometimes though, it is easier to crate them in a specialist wooden crate. Working closely with our clients is important to us, imperative in fact. We explain how we intend to treat each piece and how this will protect it for the move.

Clearly and concisely, each step of the move is planned out. When the item is collected, our staff are given accurate and precise instructions so that they have the correct materials to carry out the protection. In regards to auction houses, we treat our relationship with them with the same respect we would our clients. We have a good working relationship with many auction houses in the UK and regularly quote to move items purchased at sales for moves both in the UK and internationally.

There are many different methods of packing antiques as opposed to ordinary everyday effects. Moving china and glass would take a thorough assessment and if necessary, these items would be packed in a specialist wooden crate containing flow pack (poly chips) which will protect them from possible dangers.

With furniture a full export wrap would be the minimum ensuring that all weak points are protected, if the item is large and unwieldy this could be crated, as this is a more stable way of moving delicate items.

Paintings can be wrapped but the best way to protect is to crate, this way they are more secure and avoid the risk of possibly falling on something, maybe a stone on the floor which could damage it.

The key with books is to pack them so that they do not move. For antique books and those of a great value, we can adapt other techniques to provide protection. This could include extra wrapping.

Silverware will be protected in acid free paper. This can also be used to prevent tarnishing and if required these items would be crated.

Our customers, on occasions, do have their own special collections of antiques. If this is the case, they should call us out and we can provide a comprehensive protection and packing service detailed as above. As one of the few removal companies that are authorised to sell insurance by the FSA we can provide comprehensive cover.