Moving antique furniture poses many challenges because of the value of the pieces and how frail they might be. Antique hutches add another dimension due to their size. To make moving antique hutches easier for you and the mover here are five tips to use before, during, and after the relocation.
1. Insure the Hutch
Have the hutch professionally appraised. Use the appraisal to insure the piece for an adequate amount. Ask the moving company about their different levels of liability insurance and couple that information with your insurance company’s coverage so your antique hutch will have maximum protection at the best rate. Additional information and insights can be found at the Matco moving solutions website.
2. Cleaning
Empty the hutch out and properly clean it. Take photos of the front, back, and sides along with the doors, shelves, and interior spaces. If there are any compromised hinges or knobs make notes of those conditions, you will want to tell the mover about those extra delicate areas.
3. Measure It
You will need to know how big each piece of the hutch is and then add several inches for the padding and crate. Measure the doorways and hallways of the new location. If the parts do not fit through the doors, the moving company may need to lift it through a window. Discuss with the movers well before the move the measurements. They may have some other ideas on how to get the antique hutch into the home in the safest way possible.
4. Prepare the New Location
If you are going to have the carpets cleaned, make sure to give the fibers enough time to dry completely. If you are going to be placing a rug underneath it, have it set up at the new home or readily accessible when you get there on moving day. Arrange to have the power on so you can have the house at the optimum temperature and humidity levels.
5. Moving Day
The movers will remove any drawers and begin to wrap the pieces. Each part will be first wrapped for basic protection. A second layer will offer a shock absorbing barrier, and lastly, a hard, rigid exterior will give the packing job its final layer of strength.
6. Unpacking
Let the movers know which room you want the hutch in and what other pieces will be in that room. They may opt to move it in first or some of the other furniture before the antique. Another option may be to get it into the room first, and leave it wrapped until all the other pieces are in place. After they unwrap and reassemble the hutch, inspect it and make sure it is in good condition, and it has been assembled correctly.
