How to move handmade items

When planning a move, special attention is needed for handmade items since they are cherished for their sentimental value and often fragile nature. These unique pieces, crafted with care and personal touch, are more than just objects. They are tangible memories and expressions of creativity. While you’re familiar with the delicate characteristics of your handmade treasures, ensuring their safety during a move is crucial. Opting for professional assistance can make a significant difference. Therefore, consider enlisting the help of expert movers like Miami Movers. Their expertise lies in recognizing the value and fragility of your handmade belongings, ensuring they are transported with the utmost care. Choosing professionals for this task brings peace of mind, knowing that your sentimental items are in capable hands and safeguarded throughout the moving process. Our professional movers will help you move handmade items as safely as possible.

traditional handmade items
It is possible to move handmade items safely.

Types of handmade items and how to move them safely

Handmade items vary widely in material, size, and fragility, necessitating specific packing and moving strategies. To ensure their safe transportation, it’s important to consider the type of item and the best practices for its protection. Here’s a brief guide:

  • Ceramics and pottery: Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, securing the wrap with tape. Place them in a sturdy box cushioned with packing peanuts or crumpled paper.
  • Textiles and quilts: Fold textiles carefully, avoiding sharp creases. Wrap in acid-free tissue paper and place in a plastic bin or a cardboard box lined with clean packing paper.
  • Wooden crafts: If small, wrap in bubble wrap; if large, use moving blankets. Secure them with tape and ensure they are snugly fitted in the moving box.
  • Glass art: Use bubble wrap for each piece, adding extra layers for delicate parts. Use a box with dividers for smaller pieces, and fill gaps with packing peanuts.
  • Handmade jewelry: The pieces for handmade jewelry are usually tiny. Therefore, you should have a story container for those in order not to lose them.
  • Embroidery: Such items are of high sentimental value and must be treated with utmost care and precision.

Opting for moving services Miami companies offer is the best possible solution to move handmade items safely.

How to move ceramics and pottery

Moving ceramics and pottery requires a careful approach to prevent damage. First, gather the necessary materials: sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, and strong tape. Next, wrap each ceramic or pottery piece in bubble wrap, ensuring complete coverage, especially around handles or delicate features. It’s a must to secure the bubble wrap with tape. For added protection, wrap each piece again in packing paper. Then, place the wrapped items in a box lined with a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled paper, creating a cushioned base. Lastly, arrange the items in the box, leaving no space for movement. If there’s any empty space, fill it with more packing peanuts or crumpled paper. Seal the box securely with tape and label it “Fragile.”

a woman about to pack and move handmade items
Ceramics and pottery are the most fragile handmade items to move.

For those who prefer a professional touch, considering packing services Miami companies provide can be a wise decision. These services offer the expertise and materials needed to ensure your ceramics and pottery are packed meticulously and moved safely, providing peace of mind during the relocation process.

Move handmade items: Textiles and quilts

The first step to moving handmade items such as textiles and quilts is to clean these items, as dirt and dust can cause damage over time. Next, fold them carefully to avoid sharp creases, which could stress the fabric. For added protection, wrap each textile or quilt in acid-free tissue paper. This step prevents discoloration and fabric damage. Once wrapped, place the items in a plastic bin or cardboard box lined with clean packing paper. This lining acts as a buffer against bumps and jostles during the move. If stacking multiple textiles or quilts, place a sheet of acid-free paper between each layer to maintain their condition. Finally, seal the box or bin securely. Label it clearly with “Fragile” and “Top Load” to ensure movers understand the need for careful handling.

a woman drawing a dress
Plan your textile relocation as you draft your clothes

How to move wooden crafts

Moving wooden crafts safely involves several key steps. Firstly, clean each piece to remove dust and debris. This prevents scratches or damage during the move. For smaller crafts, wrap them in bubble wrap, covering all surfaces and edges. Secure the bubble wrap with tape, ensuring it stays in place. For larger wooden items, use moving blankets or furniture pads. Wrap the items completely, and secure the blankets with packing tape or stretch wrap.

Next, prepare a sturdy box or crate for smaller crafts. Line the bottom with a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled paper for cushioning. Place the wrapped items inside, ensuring they fit snugly. If there’s extra space, fill it with more packing material to prevent movement. For larger wooden crafts, consider using furniture dollies or hand trucks for easier and safer transportation.

Moving glass art

Moving glass art requires precision and the utmost care, making white glove movers an ideal choice. They will carefully wrap each piece in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to any protruding or fragile parts. Once each piece is securely taped, they will place it in a sturdy box. If the glass art is small, they will use a box with dividers to keep each piece separated and stable. For added cushioning, white glove movers fill any remaining gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper. This prevents movement and potential damage during transit.

How to safely pack and relocate handmade jewelry

Packing and relocating handmade jewelry requires meticulous care to ensure each piece remains secure and undamaged. Here’s a guide to packing different types of handmade jewelry:

  1. Necklaces: Prevent tangling by threading them through straws or laying them flat on a piece of bubble wrap, folding them over, and securing them with tape.
  2. Bracelets: Wrap each bracelet in tissue paper or bubble wrap. For bangles, stacking them and wrapping them as a bundle works well.
  3. Earrings: Use a small cardboard piece. Poke holes to insert earrings and secure the backs, then wrap in bubble wrap.
    Rings: Place rings in a small cushioned jewelry box or roll them in a soft cloth, ensuring each ring is individually wrapped.
  4. Brooches and pins: Secure these on a piece of foam or bubble wrap, then cover with another layer for protection.

After wrapping each type of jewelry, place them in a sturdy box with compartments or soft pouches. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement.

a woman packing pieces for handmade jewelry
Secure all the small pieces in order not to lose them.

Packing and relocating embroidery

Packing and relocating embroidery, often laden with sentimental value, demands special attention to preserve its delicate nature. Therefore, gently roll the embroidery onto a clean, acid-free tube, which helps avoid creases and maintains its shape. Wrap the rolled piece in a soft, clean cloth or acid-free tissue paper to protect against dust, scratching, or ripping. Then, encase it in waterproof packing materials like plastic wrap or a sealable plastic bag. This layer shields the embroidery from moisture and potential water damage during the move. Carefully place the protected embroidery in a sturdy box, ensuring it’s securely cushioned to prevent any movement. This thoughtful approach ensures your cherished embroidery remains intact and treasured for years to come.

How to move antique handmade items

Moving antique handmade items, each with their unique fragility and history, demands expert care. This is where professional antique movers take over the relocation process with their specialized skills and understanding of such valuable items. They know how to handle different types of antiques since an endless number of such items went through their capable hands. For example, vintage paintings need protection with glassine paper and bubble wrap, followed by placement in a custom-sized picture box to prevent any damage. For antique porcelain, each piece should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap and nestled in a cushioned box. Vintage textiles, on the other hand, require rolling them onto a tube wrapped in acid-free tissue. It is the key to prevent folding and creasing. Therefore, entrusting such items to antique movers ensures they are handled with the utmost care, using appropriate packing materials and techniques, guaranteeing their safe arrival and preservation.

a sculpture in a box
All handmade items require special wrapping supplies.

Tips for moving handmade artwork

  • For paintings, it’s crucial to wrap them in acid-free paper or bubble wrap, adding cardboard corners for additional protection.
  • Sculptures, depending on their material, should be enveloped in bubble wrap or foam, and larger ones might even need custom crating.
  • Ceramics require individual wrapping in bubble wrap, followed by placement in well-cushioned boxes.
  • Textile art should be rolled onto a sturdy tube, covered with fabric or acid-free paper, and then placed in a waterproof bag.

In all these cases, it’s wise to consider seeking out professional help. Searching for “art movers near me” can connect you with specialists who have the right expertise and materials to handle and transport different forms of artwork. Their knowledge ensures that your unique and often irreplaceable handmade pieces are transported safely, giving you peace of mind during the move.

a woman holding pottery
To move handmade items safely, obtaining the necessary packing supplies suitable for such items is important.

Have a handmade business? Hire commercial movers

Relocating a handmade business is a significant undertaking that can disrupt your creative flow and business operations. It’s essential to minimize this interruption, as it can deeply impact your creativity and productivity. Handmade businesses, particularly, thrive on the continuity of artistic processes. Any prolonged break can lead to a loss of momentum and possibly affect the quality of your creations. To avoid these pitfalls, hiring commercial movers Miami artists love is a smart move. They are equipped to handle the unique challenges that come with relocating a handmade business, ensuring a smooth transition.

Furthermore, commercial movers take charge of every aspect of the relocation, allowing you to concentrate on your art. With their help, you don’t have to juggle between creating and managing the daunting moving process. They understand the importance of keeping your business operational and will work to meet all your specific requirements. This includes safe packing of delicate materials, careful transportation, and timely setup at the new location. By entrusting the moving process to professionals, you can focus on what you do best – creating beautiful, handmade art, while leaving the logistics and heavy lifting to those who specialize in it. This partnership ensures your business doesn’t suffer during the transition and continues to flourish in its new home.

Use storage when moving handmade items

Almost every relocation requires storage, whether it is about the transition period between packing and moving day, the lack of space, or simply downsizing. However, different types of items require specific storage conditions. For instance, when you want to move handmade items such as textiles and quilts, you’ll need a climate-controlled storage environment to prevent moisture damage. Ceramics and pottery, on the other hand, are best stored in sturdy, padded boxes to protect against breakage. For paintings and other delicate art pieces, a storage unit with stable temperature and humidity levels is essential to prevent warping or fading.

a man in storage
Use storage before or after you move handmade items

Once prepared, organize your items thoughtfully in the storage unit. Place heavier boxes on the bottom and stack lighter ones on top. Always leave a clear path for easy access to all items. And you don’t have to worry about where to put your valuable handmade items. Miami storage facilities offer a range of options to cater to these diverse needs. They provide secure, climate-controlled units that are ideal for keeping your handmade treasures safe. All in all, choosing the right storage and preparing your items properly ensures their longevity and protection during the moving process.

Choose Pro Movers Miami to move handmade items

If you are a handmade artist, you already know how important it is to move handmade items safely. These items are not only of monetary value. They are unique pieces holding sentimental value and, therefore, require the utmost dedication when relocating. Thus, rely on moving professionals and ensure a safe transition to a final destination. And who better to entrust the relocation than to our movers Miami residents trust completely? So, wait no more. Contact us and use our moving services for a complete relocation experience. Have a safe and sound move.