Moving is a stressful task. From finding a new residence and cleaning to packing and transporting bulky boxes and furniture, it is easy to see why moving is not a pleasant chore. Unfortunately, the process can become even more challenging when you need to move antique furniture pieces. Considering antiques are difficult and even impossible to replace, ensuring these furniture pieces are stored or transported in a safe, effective manner is essential. With these tips, you can move and store your antique furniture piece safely.

Prepare

You need to prepare your antique furniture for the stress of moving it into storage. To get started, clean out any drawers and cabinets in chests, curio cabinets, dressers, or desks. If you are moving an antique sofa or chair, remove pillows and cushions.

Wipe down all wood surfaces using a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster. Use the cloth to dust inside drawers and shelves, as well. Avoid using harsh cleaning sprays and polishes on antique pieces, since the harsh chemicals in these products will leave behind a residue.

Use a dusting cloth to wipe off any cushions and pillows. If necessary, connect a soft-bristled brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner and use it to gently suction off dirt, dust, and hair from cushions and other upholstered surfaces.

If possible, remove drawers from the furniture and wrap them in bubble wrap. If drawers and shelves are not removable, wrap the entire piece of furniture in plastic wrap. Do not use tape to secure moving pieces. Plastic wrap, wrapped tightly around the furniture, is sufficient for holding drawers and doors in place.

If the antique piece has glass, place a piece of cardboard or Styrofoam in between the glass and plastic wrap. This will add an extra layer of protection, which will be beneficial while moving to storage and to your new residence.

Transport

Consult professional movers if you do not have experience lifting heavy pieces of furniture. Lifting and transporting furniture is dangerous, since excess weight and improper lifting can cause back and neck pain. Also, transporting heavy pieces of antique furniture without experience can lead to expensive accidents.

Storage

You may think you can save money by storing your antique pieces in the attic, garage, basement, or barn of a friend or family member. However, that can ruin wood and upholstered furniture.

Wood that is stored in a space with a high temperature will have an excess amount of humidity. This humidity increases the risk of warping, discoloration, and decay. Repairing this damage can be costly and overwhelming, and restoring an antique piece of furniture with moisture damage might be impossible.

Also, humidity is one of the most common causes of pest infestations. If there is an excess amount of moisture in your storage unit, insects and rodents will be attracted to the space and begin feeding off of your furniture.

For the best protection, place your antique furniture pieces in a climate-controlled furniture storage facility that will ensure humidity levels are at around 50 to 60 percent.

Protect the bottom of your antique pieces by storing the furniture on top of a pallet in your storage unit.

Your furniture should be wrapped in plastic wrap, but the wood and upholstery is at risk of fading and discoloration if it is sitting near the storage unit's door. When moving the furniture, place it in the back of the unit to protect it from the harmful rays of the sun.

Moving and storing your antique furniture does not have make moving day more stressful. With these tips, you can clean, protect, move, and store your antique wood and upholstered pieces safely.

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