Antique Moving Services
Your grandmother’s china cabinet has survived three generations. That Civil War era desk has weathered 150 years. These aren’t just pieces of furniture – they’re irreplaceable family history.
At B&B Moving & Storage, we understand what antique pieces mean to Connecticut families. We’ve moved everything from colonial furniture original to Fairfield County homes to European pieces brought over generations ago. Each antique gets the specialized care it deserves.
Why Antiques Need Special Handling
Antique furniture wasn’t built like modern pieces. Joints might be loose after decades of use. Wood has aged and become more brittle. Hardware might be original and irreplaceable.
These pieces also carry value that goes beyond money. You can’t just order another 1800s mahogany secretary desk online. If something breaks, it might be gone forever.
That’s why we approach antique moving completely differently than standard furniture. Every piece gets individual assessment, custom protection, and careful handling by crew members trained specifically in antique care.
Common Antique Moving Challenges
Age-related fragility – Wood joints that have held for 100 years might choose moving day to give out. Veneers can lift. Finish can crack from temperature changes or vibration.
Unusual sizes and shapes – Antique furniture predates standard doorway sizes. Victorian pieces were built for different room proportions. Getting them through modern spaces requires planning and patience.
Irreplaceable hardware – Original hinges, handles, and decorative elements can’t be replaced if damaged. We remove and pack hardware separately when needed.
Hidden damage – Previous repairs might not be visible but could fail under the stress of moving. We inspect each piece carefully before handling.
Our Antique Assessment Process
Before moving any antique, we examine it thoroughly. We look for loose joints, previous repairs, fragile elements, and potential weak points.
We photograph valuable pieces from multiple angles, documenting existing condition. This protects both you and us by establishing what the piece looked like before the move.
For extremely valuable antiques, we can arrange for professional appraisal documentation. This helps with insurance coverage and provides detailed condition records.
We also research proper handling techniques for specific furniture styles. Moving a Queen Anne highboy requires different approaches than a Mission-style dining set.
Specialized Protection Methods
Custom padding – We create protective padding that fits each piece exactly. No generic blankets that might shift or leave pressure points.
Climate control – Temperature and humidity changes stress antique wood. Our climate-controlled trucks maintain stable conditions during transport.
Vibration reduction – We use extra securing methods to prevent movement that could stress joints or cause pieces to shift against each other.
Disassembly when necessary – Sometimes antiques need partial disassembly for safe transport. We document the process and use original hardware whenever possible.
Different Antique Categories
Case goods – Dressers, secretaries, and armoires are typically solid and heavy but manageable with proper technique. Drawers and doors often need removal for weight reduction and protection.
Seating – Antique chairs and sofas have delicate upholstery and joints that need special attention. Original horsehair stuffing and hand-tied springs require gentle handling.
Tables – Large dining tables usually need disassembly. Pedestal bases can be top-heavy. Delicate inlay work needs protection from scratching.
Decorative pieces – Mirrors, artwork, sculptures, and ornamental items each need individual approaches based on materials and construction methods.
Connecticut’s Antique Heritage
Connecticut homes often contain pieces with local historical significance. Furniture made by Connecticut craftsmen, pieces original to colonial homes, items connected to local families and businesses.
We’ve moved furniture from some of Fairfield County’s most historic homes. Each piece tells a story, and we treat them with the respect that history deserves.
Many Connecticut antiques have survived multiple moves over centuries. Our job is making sure they survive one more move safely.
Insurance and Documentation
Standard moving insurance might not cover the true value of antique pieces. A 200-year-old table might only be covered for its “weight and space” value under basic coverage.
We help customers understand their options for additional protection. Full replacement value coverage costs more but provides real security for irreplaceable pieces.
Detailed documentation helps with any insurance claims. Our condition reports include photos, measurements, and notes about existing wear or previous repairs.
Preparing Antiques for Moving
Professional cleaning – Clean pieces move more safely than dusty ones. Dirt can hide damage and cause scratching during handling.
Empty everything – Remove all contents from drawers, shelves, and cabinets. The weight of contents plus the piece itself often exceeds safe lifting limits.
Secure loose elements – Point out any wobbly parts, loose trim, or elements that might shift during the move.
Gather documentation – Appraisals, purchase records, and family history help us understand what we’re handling and provide proper insurance coverage.
Storage Considerations
Sometimes antiques need temporary storage during moves. Not all storage is suitable for valuable pieces.
Climate-controlled storage prevents temperature and humidity fluctuations that damage wood and finish. Security features protect against theft. Proper handling during storage placement prevents damage.
We work with storage facilities that understand antique care requirements. Your pieces get the same careful handling whether they’re going to your new home or temporary storage.
Working with Antique Dealers and Appraisers
We regularly work with Connecticut’s antique dealers, appraisers, and restoration specialists. These relationships help when pieces need professional assessment or specialized care.
If we discover issues during our pre-move inspection, we can recommend qualified professionals for restoration or repair advice.
Many antique transactions involve moving pieces between dealers, auction houses, and new owners. We understand the special requirements of these commercial moves.
What to Expect on Moving Day
Our crew arrives prepared specifically for antique moving. Extra padding materials, specialized tools, and additional time built into the schedule.
We handle antiques first when loading and last when unloading to minimize time in the truck. Each piece gets individual attention rather than assembly-line treatment.
You’ll see us move more slowly and deliberately with antique pieces. This isn’t inefficiency – it’s the careful approach these valuable items require.
Ready to Move Your Antiques?
Don’t trust your family heirlooms to movers who treat them like regular furniture. Antique moving requires experience, patience, and respect for the pieces and their history.
Contact B&B Moving & Storage today. We’ve successfully moved thousands of antique pieces throughout Connecticut, from simple family pieces to museum-quality collections. Your antiques will receive the specialized care they’ve earned through decades or centuries of family ownership.
Call 203-740-1224 right away with any questions or to schedule your antique furniture move.