Moving your antique and specialty items is a delicate process. To avoid delays and protect your valuable pieces, thoroughly plan how to ship antiques internationally by requesting appraisals, researching customs requirements and exercising care during the packing, loading, unloading and transportation process. Learn more about this delicate process, including how to create a hassle-free moving experience with Corrigan Moving Systems while maintaining the worth and beauty of your antiques.
Preparing to Move Antiques Abroad
Learning how to move antiques internationally begins with thorough planning. Preparation helps you to pinpoint ways to keep your items safe during every step of the moving process.
First, consider how you will physically protect your antiques:
- Careful packing: Inadequate packing processes or materials can result in antiques shifting and facing damage. Evaluate your packing needs in advance to reduce these risks.
- Proper handling: Gentle handling during transit, loading or unloading processes helps prevent scratches, dents or breakage. Identify items that require special handling to ensure they receive the care they need.
- Expert advice: Even the smallest vibrations or bumps can result in antique damage, depending on the item’s condition and material quality. An experienced shipping company can recommend specialized, quality packing materials to reduce these impacts.
Once you have a plan to prevent damage to your valuables during transport, you can take additional steps to ensure their financial and legal protection.
Assessing the Value and Sensitivity of Antiques
Before moving day, you should take several steps to protect your antiques and prevent delays. Moving an antique abroad requires you to:
- Conduct expert appraisals: Have a licensed appraiser provide a detailed analysis of each item’s condition, historical significance, authenticity and worth before your move. You can use this information to secure coverage and estimate customs duties. An appraisal can also help you prioritize your most valuable or delicate pieces during packing and transportation.
- Research import regulations: Every country has varying antique restrictions and regulations. Research these regulations to ensure a seamless clearance process. You may need to acquire permits or documentation for some antiques, so do this research early to avoid delays.
- Document antique condition: Assessing an antique’s condition is critical to ensure the item receives the care it needs throughout the moving process. Your appraiser can give you a detailed overview of the item’s condition, but you can also take photographs of any visual damage you notice. For example, note any discoloration, loose parts or cracks you spot. If you find any damage, consult with restoration experts about possible repairs.
Understanding Customs Regulations
Every country has unique customs regulations. It’s important to understand relevant information about the country you’re leaving and your destination. Critical elements to understand are:
- Import and export restrictions: In many countries, an item is considered an antique if it is more than 100 years old, but definitions can vary. Some countries may restrict the export of cultural heritage items and require you to obtain certifications or permits. You may also receive exemptions or reduced import duty rates for antiques that preserve cultural heritage.
- Antique shipping documentation: Antique documentation will generally need to provide proof of origin, authenticity and age of the item. You will also often need to present bills of sale or exhibition history documentation.
Specialized Packing Techniques for Antiques
The packing process is critical. This step is your first line of defense against potential damage during loading, unloading and transit. Implement these tips for packing your antiques:
- Make sure your hands are clean: Always handle specialty items with clean hands, especially artwork and pieces with sensitive materials. The natural oils on your skin can impact quality or cause smudges.
- Use specialty packing materials: High-quality packing materials help protect your items. Consider using reinforced boxes or specialty containers.
- Wrap items with Bubble Wrap: Bubble Wrap can cushion your items, protecting them from jostling or vibrations during transit. Use at least two layers for comprehensive protection.
- Request custom boxes: You can request custom boxes in the size and shape you need to accommodate your item. This will reduce the need to stuff the box with tissue paper and save space.
- Reinforce corners and edges: Use corner protectors to reinforce your containers without causing item damage. These tools can help stabilize your antique and prevent handling damage.
- Label and organize for international transit: Label containers with “fragile” stickers or notices to indicate which direction a container should face. This tip can reduce risks in handling.
To ensure the necessary care and specialized techniques to protect your antiques, consider delegating this task to a professional moving company with antique experience. At Corrigan Moving Systems, you can find packing solutions to protect your fragile or high-value possessions. We use high-quality materials, implement best practices and offer customized packing solutions to secure your items for safe transport.
Planning for International Antique Shipping
The shipping process is essential for timely arrivals and handling care. Here’s what you need to know about how to ship antiques abroad:
- Detailed inventory management: You will need comprehensive inventory management. You must maintain detailed records of your items and categorize antiques by factors like value, fragility, size and weight. Note whether your items have specific storage requirements.
- Risk and damage control: There are several ways to reduce risks during the shipping process. For physical security, elements like custom crating, professional packing and fragile labeling can ensure items receive the care they need. You should also consider shipping insurance, item valuation and condition reports to ensure you can recoup losses if something goes wrong.
- Shipping timeline coordination: While you may not have much control over shipping timelines, there are ways to stay informed and set realistic expectations. For example, when you work with Corrigan Moving Systems, you can expect a reliable point of contact to relay updates and maintain more control over your moving experience. We offer global relocation services, allowing you to choose from air, full container load, auto and less-than-container load shipment options for enhanced efficiency.
Selecting the Right International Moving Company
The right moving company can significantly impact your relocation experience. Moving professionals can streamline the process and offer expert insight to help you avoid delays. Additionally, a reputable company can inform you of the best practices, customs regulations and additional information to ensure peace of mind and item safety.
Look for a company with:
- Extensive experience: Your moving company should have plenty of experience with the moving process and understand the unique requirements of moving antiques. Look at testimonials to evaluate others’ experiences with the company to determine the value of the service.
- Specialized antique shipping services: Specialized services indicate the level of care a company will give your items. Ask about white-glove handling, custom crating options and similar services to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Valuation coverage: Valuation protects your items in case they break, get lost or succumb to other damages. There are several types of valuation with ranges of coverage options, so be sure to ask about the limitations and special requirements for high-value items.
Corrigan Moving Systems has more than 95 years of experience helping people move all over the world. We operate with global network locations, making us a superior choice for international moves. We provide specialized and tailored solutions to our customers, ensuring we meet your unique needs. With our team, you can expect a stress-free moving experience that upholds the historical importance, value and appearance of your most beloved items.
Contact Corrigan Moving Systems for Antique Relocation
Corrigan Moving Systems is your reliable international relocation company. Our commitment to craftsmanship and client satisfaction ensures we provide comprehensive services that simplify your experience and instill confidence. With more than nine decades of experience and personalized solutions, you can trust us to safely move your treasures. Request a quote for your international move now.
