Shipping Antiques: Preservation & Protection Guide

Antiques require special care during shipping to preserve their value and condition. Here's how to ship valuable antiques safely.

Antique Shipping Challenges

Key concerns:

Age fragility: Weakened materials
Irreplaceable: Can't be remade
Climate sensitivity: Wood, fabric, paper
Size/weight: Often heavy or awkward
Value determination: Accurate for insurance

Types of Antiques

Material Considerations

Material	Concerns
Wood furniture	Joints, veneer, warping
Porcelain/ceramics	Breakage, chipping
Glass	Shattering, scratching
Metal	Denting, tarnishing
Textiles	Moisture, tearing
Paper/books	Moisture, folding
Leather	Cracking, moisture

Climate Considerations

Temperature

Concern	Impact
Heat	Glue fails, warping
Cold	Brittleness, cracking
Fluctuation	Expansion/contraction

Humidity

Concern	Impact
Too high	Mold, swelling, rust
Too low	Cracking, brittleness
Fluctuation	Joint stress

Climate Protection

Climate-controlled transport (if available)
Insulated packaging
Moisture barriers
Silica gel packets
Avoid extreme weather shipping

Packaging by Type

Antique Furniture

Large Pieces (dressers, tables):

Remove or secure drawers

Wrap legs individually

Protect corners with foam

Blanket wrap entire piece

Secure in truck or crate

Chairs:

Wrap legs and arms

Protect seat and back

Consider disassembly

Blanket wrap

Stand upright when possible

Small Furniture:

Blanket wrap

Cardboard protection

Box if possible

Secure in outer packaging

Porcelain & Ceramics

Step	Action
1	Wrap each piece individually
2	Use acid-free tissue first
3	Add bubble wrap layer
4	Box with cushioning
5	Mark "Fragile"
6	Double-box valuable pieces

Glass Items

Step	Action
1	Tissue paper wrap
2	Bubble wrap (bubbles out)
3	Cell-box dividers
4	Tight packing (no movement)
5	"Fragile - Glass" marking

Antique Clocks

Grandfather/Floor Clocks:

Secure or remove pendulum
Secure or remove weights
Stabilize movement
Custom crate recommended
White glove shipping

Mantel/Wall Clocks:

Secure pendulum
Wrap carefully
Box with cushioning
Ship upright

Antique Books & Documents

Element	Protection
Individual wrapping	Acid-free paper
Moisture barrier	Tyvek or plastic
Rigid support	Prevents bending
Climate control	Avoid extremes

Professional Packing vs. DIY

When to Hire Professionals

Factor	Professional Recommended
Value	Over $5,000
Fragility	Very delicate
Size	Large furniture
Complexity	Many pieces
Insurance requirement	Full coverage needed

Professional Services Include

Condition assessment
Custom crating
Climate-controlled packing
Insurance documentation
White glove delivery
Unpacking and placement

Shipping Options

Standard Carriers

Use Case	Carrier Option
Small antiques	USPS, UPS, FedEx
Medium items	UPS Freight, FedEx Freight
Large furniture	Freight or specialty

Freight Services

Service	Best For
LTL Freight	Heavy, palletized items
White glove	Valuable furniture
Specialty movers	High-value antiques

Specialty Antique Shippers

Fine art and antique specialists
Auction house shippers
Museum transport services
Estate sale specialists

Insurance Essentials

Valuation

Method	When to Use
Recent purchase	Just acquired
Appraisal	Valuable pieces
Auction estimate	For sale
Replacement	Rare items

Documentation

Before shipping:

Detailed photographs (all angles)
Condition report
Existing damage noted
Appraisal documentation
Purchase history

Insurance Options

Coverage	Source
Carrier declared value	Limited, often $100
Additional carrier coverage	Up to $50,000 typically
Third-party antique insurance	Comprehensive
Collector's insurance	Ongoing coverage

Condition Documentation

Pre-Shipping Checklist

Document and photograph:

Overall condition
Any existing damage
Maker's marks
Serial numbers
Unique features
All sides and details

Condition Report Template

Item: [Description]
Date: [Date]
Photographer: [Name]
Overall Condition: [Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor]
Existing Damage:
[Location]: [Description]
[Location]: [Description]

Notes:
[Any additional observations]
Photo Index:
Front view
Back view
Top view
Detail of [feature]
Detail of damage at [location]

Receiving Antiques

Upon Delivery

Inspect packaging before accepting

Note any external damage

Unpack carefully (save materials)

Compare to condition report

Photograph any new damage

Report issues immediately

Damage Claims

Timing	Action
At delivery	Note on delivery receipt
Within 24 hours	Contact carrier
Within 7 days	File formal claim
Documentation	Photos, condition report

atoship Antique Shipping

Ship antiques safely:

Carrier options: Standard and freight

Insurance: Declared value options

Freight quotes: For large items

Tracking: Full visibility

Rate comparison: Find best value

For valuable antiques: Consider specialty antique movers with comprehensive insurance and white glove handling.

Conclusion

Shipping antiques safely requires understanding material sensitivities, proper packaging, climate protection, and adequate insurance. Document everything before shipping, and don't hesitate to use professional services for valuable or fragile pieces. atoship helps compare standard carrier options while recommending specialty services for museum-quality antiques.