A few months ago, I got heirloom furniture from my grandmother, and now that I am moving, I discovered that antique is not as simple to move. Many people love antiques and are proud owners but when they need to consider moving, there is a lot to think about:

Beyond the fact that these are usually expensive items, they are old, and might have a bigger risk to break. My conclusion is, that you have to go with professional movers that you chose carefully to be able to make sure that your furniture will get to destination safely.

1.      Have someone from the moving company come over and see the item.

2.     Don’t hesitate to ask how they are going to secure and wrap it. Is a double carton protection needed? Bubble wrap? Special paper? Blankets? Make sure that you know.

3.     If you have breakable pieces, point it out to the moving company representative. He will make sure to note it to the movers on their work orders.

4.     Take a photo of your furniture so you can show in what condition it was in case of damage.

5.     If it’s valuable, ask about additional insurance that you can purchase.

After reaching to destination, take the time to clean your furniture. Here are a few tips as to how to take care of your antiques:

Clean the wood on your antique furniture, by using a damp cloth or chamois leather that has been wrung out very well. For tougher cleaning, a weak solution of vinegar and water can work wonders. Wipe again immediately with a cloth dampened in clean water and then dry with absorbent paper towels.

You should also wax every few months with a high quality polish that has a beeswax base. This will protect the wood while bringing out the richest colors. Apply by placing a small amount of polish on a soft cloth and rubbing it gently into the wood. It is best if you can do this, allow the wood to rest overnight to nourish the wood, then follow up by burnishing with a clean cloth the next day. If you do not have time to wait, you should still polish a second time with the clean cloth.

Also, if you use an aerosol wax, do not spray directly onto the wood as this will damage the wood over time. Instead, spray the cloth you will use and apply as directed above