Your antiques, art, and heirlooms are more than just items; they are irreplaceable pieces of your family's history and personal collection. Moving them requires a level of care and expertise that goes beyond standard packing and transport. From fragile porcelain to bulky antique furniture, each piece presents a unique challenge.

When you're researching moving companies, understanding how they handle high-value items is critical. At Atlas Van Lines, we are among the world's most trusted and experienced antique movers. We know that these items demand special attention, and our professional crews are trained to pack, handle, and transport your valuables with the utmost care.

This guide will walk you through the process, whether you choose to pack items yourself or rely on our professional services. We'll cover everything from preparation and packing to valuation coverage, ensuring your treasures arrive safely at your new home.

The First Step: The In-Home Survey

Before your move, a representative from your local Atlas mover will visit your home to survey your belongings. This is a crucial step for a successful antique move. During this walkthrough, be sure to point out any items that require special handling, such as:

• Valuable antiques
• Fragile family heirlooms
• Large or delicate artwork
• Porcelains and crystal collections

This allows us to create a detailed moving plan, schedule the right packing services, and determine which items may need custom crating or specialized handling techniques.

Professional Packing vs. DIY: What's Right for You?

You have two options for packing your antiques: letting our professionals handle it or packing them yourself.

Option 1: Atlas Professional Packing Services

For ultimate peace of mind, we recommend using our professional packing services. Our crews arrive with the right materials and expertise to protect your valuables.

• Custom Crating: For large, delicate, or unusually shaped items like crystal chandeliers, large sculptures, or antique furniture, we can build a custom wooden crate. This ensures a perfect fit and maximum protection.
• Specialized Materials: We use professional-grade, double- and triple-walled cartons, stretch wrap, cushioning, and soft tissue paper.
• Expert Techniques: We know how to pack glassware right from the cabinet, secure furniture, and use decking inside the truck to keep high-value items from shifting during transit.

If you choose Atlas packing services, your mover will schedule a time that fits your schedule, making the process seamless and stress-free.

Option 2: Packing Special Items Yourself

If you prefer to pack your own collectibles, using the right materials is essential. You can purchase the same professional-grade supplies directly from your local Atlas mover at affordable prices.

Here’s how to pack specific types of collectibles:

Remember to label all boxes containing breakables as "FRAGILE" using the labels provided by your Atlas mover.

Your Role: The High-Value Inventory Form

You play an important part in making sure your valuables are protected. Atlas will ask you to complete a "Customer Responsibilities Guide / High Value Inventory" form. This document is critical for two reasons:

1. Declaring Responsibility: It outlines which items Atlas may not be liable for, such as jewelry and important papers that you should transport yourself.
2. Inventorying Valuables: It serves as a checklist for all high-value items we will be moving. We rely on you to list everything of significant value so we can give it the special care it deserves.

The Atlas Professional Van Operator must see each high-value item on this list before loading it onto the truck. This ensures it has been packed correctly. As your items are unloaded, use this form to check them off and note any potential issues immediately.

What You Should Always Move Yourself

Even with the best professional movers, some items are too precious or important to leave in the hands of others. We strongly recommend you transport these items in your personal vehicle.

• Precious Items: Fine jewelry, coin or stamp collections, cash.
• Important Documents: Stock certificates, bonds, deeds, titles, tax forms, insurance policies, bank books.
• Personal Records: Medical and dental records, prescriptions.
• Sentimental Items: Photo albums and other irreplaceable heirlooms.
• Essential Items: Keys to your home, safe, and furniture.

Keeping these items with you provides complete control and eliminates worry.

Understanding Valuation: Protecting Your Investment

Standard homeowner's insurance policies may not cover your belongings while they are in transit or handled by a moving company. It is essential to call your insurance agent to understand the limitations of your policy before you move.

To ensure your antiques are protected, Atlas offers valuation coverage. This refers to the amount of liability we assume in the unlikely event an item is lost or damaged.

Full-Value Protection (FVP)

This is the most comprehensive option and the one we recommend for peace of mind. With FVP, if an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed during your move, Atlas will either:

• Repair the item to its former condition.
• Replace it with a similar item.
• Make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value.

Basic Protection (BP)

This no-cost option provides minimal protection and is not recommended for antiques or high-value goods. It limits our liability to just 60 cents per pound per article. For a 10-pound antique lamp, the maximum reimbursement would be only $6.00, regardless of its actual value.

Your Atlas mover can provide a detailed "Valuation Options" brochure to help you decide what's right for you.

Ready to Move Your Treasures?

Moving antiques and collectibles doesn't have to be a source of stress. With the right planning, materials, and professional partner, you can ensure your most cherished possessions arrive safely.

If you have questions about moving a specific collection or need advice on protecting your valuables, contact your local Atlas mover today. We are here to provide the answers and solutions you need.