Collections of any size can be a bit overwhelming to move. You not only have to decide what pieces to take, but you also have to properly pack the things you’ve spent so much time and money collecting. The good news is that keeping your belongings in good condition is possible with a few steps.
Coins and other currency
It may be best to keep high-value with you during transit or hire an armored transport, like Brinks or Loomis. If you decide to move the collection, check with your homeowner’s insurance company to determine whether it’s covered during transit (and consider adding a policy if not).
To pack currency, wrap items in packing paper and place in boxes. Fill any extra spaces in the boxes with crumpled packing paper, so nothing moves during transit. For heavy items like coins, watch the box weight. Keep boxes under 40 lbs. to make them easier to manage.
Dolls, figurines, ceramics or glass
Fragile items require a few extra precautions:
- Wrap each box or item individually in packing paper (or wrap unboxed figurines in Bubble Wrap®). Take care not to apply any tape to the collectibles, as it could damage the finish or paint.
- Wrap boxes in Bubble Wrap, paying special attention to the corners and edges.
- Prepare a large box by placing a layer of crushed packing paper at the bottom to pad the box.
- Place the wrapped boxes or items in the moving box, keeping them upright. Watch the weight of the box (we recommend 40 lbs. max) to ensure ease of lifting.
- Use crumpled packing paper to fill any gaps inside the box. Make sure there’s no wiggle room.
- Place a layer of crushed packing paper on top. This helps protect items when you cut open the moving box at destination.
- Mark the box “Fragile,” and avoid stacking heavy items on top when loading.
Baseball cards, stamps and documents
These types of items are typically in a frame or album, which should be wrapped in packing paper and placed in a moving box that’s been padded with crumpled packing paper. If items are loose, place them in an album with acid-free pages to protect them. Fill any extra space in the box with additional paper, and place more paper on top to ensure nothing shifts during transit.
For framed items, use a picture or mirror box, or wrap it well in Bubble Wrap. Loose posters can be placed in poster tubes, then packed into boxes.
