Are you a collector of anything? What are your favorite items to collect? Several people have collections ranging from vintage video games to antique cars and everything in between. And there is one thing that all collectors have in common, though; they need to pack their collectibles. Unfortunately, that can be a surprisingly difficult task! You want to make sure your items are safe while also ensuring they don’t take up too much space. How do you pack your collection to arrive safely at its destination? Follow these tips to ensure that your items are well-protected.
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Before you even start packing, you need to ensure you have the right supplies. Collectors often use specialized boxes and materials to pack their items, but these can be expensive, and not everyone has access to them. Luckily, there are some alternatives that will work just as well.
For small items, a sturdy cardboard box is perfect. Make sure it is big enough to fit all of your items and that the lid closes securely. If you’re packing something fragile, add some extra padding in bubble wrap or crumpled newspaper.
For larger items, try using a plastic storage container. These are airtight and watertight, ideal for protecting your items from the elements. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that is just the right size for your needs.
See Also: Where to Buy Moving Boxes
Gathering the right size of boxes is not enough; you would also need the packing tape. Use tapes that can make your boxes sturdy so that even if it falls off from a high place, your stuff inside the box will be safe.
Shipping tape and storage (moving) tape are not the same things. Shipping tapes are made from the acrylic adhesive that is UV-resistant and can endure a variety of temperatures, making them ideal for long-term storage. If you’re moving your collectibles from one place to another and intend on opening the boxes afterward, use shipping tape. You’ll need heavyweight shipping tape since storage tape is generally 20 times weaker than this tape.
Unlike most of the things you’ll transport, your collectibles will need to be protected by materials designed to cushion them from bounces and shocks. The best way to pack collectibles is to use packing peanuts or bubble wrap. This will help to keep them from being damaged in transit. If you are packing a particularly fragile item, you may consider using a glass box or a wood crate. These materials will help protect your items from being crushed or broken during shipping.
Adding an extra layer of bubble wrap to the bottom of a reinforced box will give heavier things even more protection. Simply cut out two to three additional squares and place them on the box’s bottom before adding your items.
See Also: How to Start Packing to Move
Pack your collectible boxes to keep them from being squished, as this can cause irreparable damage. After you’ve covered your things in protective material, ensure the boxes are tightly packed to prevent the items from shifting around. Fill space in the box with crumpled newspaper, towels, or linens if necessary. You should be unable to feel any movement of objects within the box when you pick it up.
Now that you’ve packed your collectibles safely and securely, it’s time to label the boxes. It is good to label your boxes with the contents and any special instructions. This will help the person unpacking your items know which box contains which collectible. It will also help them if there are any problems with the shipment and they need to contact you.
If you are moving any fragile items, label the box with “Fragile” so that the movers will know to take extra care with it. If you have a valuable or sentimental item in your collection, you may want to move it yourself instead of risking its loss when handled by the moving company.
When you’re ready to ship your collectibles, choosing the right shipping service is important. The type of service you use will depend on the value of your items and how quickly you need them to arrive.
If you’re shipping valuable or fragile items, it’s best to use a service that offers insurance. That way, if your items are lost or damaged in transit, you’ll be able to file a claim and receive compensation. FedEx and UPS are two popular shipping services that offer this type of coverage.
For items that need to arrive quickly, you may consider using an expedited shipping service. These services are more expensive, but they will guarantee that your items arrive on time. If you’re not in a rush, you can save money by using a standard shipping service. USPS is a popular option for this, and they offer a variety of shipping options to choose from.
Packing your collectibles will require the same basic supplies as packing any other item: new boxes, wrapping tape, air pillows, bubble wrap, old towels, and a marker. However, you may expect to add a few more items to your pack of goods.
When packing collectibles, you need to consider that different product require different packaging. For example, if you’re packing a collection of china dinnerware, you’ll need to use specialized boxes designed to protect dishes. These boxes will have dividers and inserts to keep the dinnerware from being damaged in transit. Similarly, a few of them are given below:
Use a sturdy cardboard tube with at least two inches of space on each side. If you don’t have a tube, use a box that’s just big enough to fit the painting with two inches of space on each side. Wrap the painting in acid-free paper and then bubble wrap before putting it in the box.
Due to the delicate, costly, and one-of-a-kind nature of antiques, you should transport them along. Antique goods are prohibited from shipping, so talk to a moving consultant if you have many objects to move. They can assist you in developing a strategy for those goods.
Statues are difficult to move, and you don’t want them to be damaged in the process. Hence, wrap the statue in bubble wrap, and then place it in a box that’s just big enough to fit it. Fill empty space in the box with crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts. If you cannot pack it in the box, consult with a professional mover.
Pack coins in a box with dividers to keep them from moving around. You can buy special coin tubes to store your coins or use small plastic bags. Similarly, to protect your stamps during a move, use a stockbroker or album to store your stamps. If you don’t have an album, you can use a box with dividers and fill the empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper.
If you have a valuable or fragile clock, it’s best to take it with you when you move. If that’s not possible, wrap it in bubble wrap and place it in a small box. Fill any extra space in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. Or you can also consult a professional clock repairman to disassemble the clock and pack it properly for shipping. Don’t forget to mark the box as “Fragile” so the movers will know to handle it with care.
For China, use a special box that’s designed to protect dishes. If you don’t have a China box, use a small box with at least two inches of space on each side. Wrap each piece of china in acid-free paper and then bubble wrap before placing it in the box.
For glassware, use a box that’s just big enough to fit the glasses. Wrap each glass in bubble wrap and place it in the box. Fill empty space in the box with crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts.
To protect large and small sculptures, wrap them in bubble wrap, secure them with tape, and place them in a heavy-duty box. For packing small sculptures, use an air pillow to protect them from damage, then place them in a small box.
Vinyl record storage boxes or tiny moving boxes are also required. Begin by ordering enough acid-free inner and outer sleeves for the entire collection. If not available, use a sturdy box with dividers to keep them from being scratched, or place each record in its own paper sleeve. If you don’t have enough sleeves, you can also use bubble wrap to protect them.
If you’re moving wine, it’s essential to pack it properly to avoid damage. Begin by wrapping each bottle in bubble wrap, and then place it in a small box. Fill any empty space in the box with crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts. You can also use special wine boxes designed to protect bottles during a move.
If you don’t want to move your collection, you can do a few things. You can sell it, donate it, or leave it behind.
If you have a valuable collection, you may be able to sell it and use the money to buy new items at your new home. There are a few ways to sell your collection. You can list it in an online auction or take it to a local collectibles dealer. Typically, selling items one at a time is preferable, but you may also group similar goods and anticipate that someone will want everything.
Consider donating your goods to a charity that might use or sell them, or give them to a museum where they can be exhibited. If you don’t want to sell your collection, you may be able to donate it to a museum or other organization. This is a great way to give your collection new life and to help out a good cause. This is a valid option because donations are tax-deductible.
The trade show will draw buyers interested in your goods. You could come across individuals interested in particular pieces or other merchants who want the entire collection. This option can be time-consuming and costly if you’re not prepared.
If you don’t want to sell or donate your collection, you can always leave it behind. This may not be the best option if the collection is valuable, but it’s an option if you don’t have any other choice. If you choose to leave your collection behind, be sure to let the new homeowner know so they can take care of it.
Conclusion
Collectibles are a big investment, both monetarily and emotionally. If you’re thinking of moving, it’s important to pack them properly, so they don’t get damaged in transit. In this article, we’ve outlined the best ways to pack different types of collectibles. Use our tips to ensure your collection arrives safely at your new home.
How do you pack fragile collectibles?
Smaller, more fragile goods need a few extra precautions: Wrap each box or item individually in packing paper. Take care not to tape the collectibles due to the risk of causing damage to the finish or paint. Please pay particular attention to the corners and edges of boxes when wrapping them in Bubble Wrap. Please place them in a second box filled with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or other shock-absorbing material for added security.
Can you put heavy collectibles in the same box as light ones?
By packing heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top, you evenly distribute the weight. This will help to keep your collectibles safe during transport. It is not advisable to do this as it increases the risk of breakages during transit.
Can you use newspaper as packing material?
Newspaper can be used as cheap and effective packing material, but it is not advisable for fragile items. If you use newspaper, be sure to wrap each item individually in packing paper first. The ink from the newspaper can seep through and stain your collectibles.
Is it better to pack collectibles in boxes or bags?
It is better to pack collectibles in boxes as they offer more protection than bags. Bags are more likely to rip and tear, exposing your items to the risk of damage. Boxes also stack better, which is important if you use a professional moving company.
How do you pack precious moments? Wrap everything in bubble wrap or several sheets of packing paper. It’s critical not to apply any tape to the actual goods since it might remove paint or cause harm. Fill in the gaps between items with paper or peanuts and cushion the box’s base with paper. Keep things upright.
Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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