Antiques are treasured pieces that are more than just furniture or decor. They’re stories, heirlooms, and investments that deserve extra care. Whether you’re relocating across town or the country, making sure your antiques arrive safely takes more than bubble wrap. That’s where professional movers come in.
However, not just any moving company will do. You need experts who understand the delicate balance between precision, protection, and pricing. That’s why we created this guide on the best moving companies for antiques, in which we compare top options and share the ins and outs of antique transport.
Top Antique Moving Companies
JK Moving Services stands out as one of the best movers for antique handling, although it limits its service area for local moves. If you are undergoing a local move and want excellent antique services, then Allied Van Lines is a better choice.
Comparing Top Antique Movers
The table below compares our top antique moving companies based on key factors such as average cost and license type. Each provider specializes in handling antiques and specialty items, offering services such as crating and fragile-only packing. To get accurate pricing, we requested quotes from each provider for two-bedroom move over a distance of 500–800 miles.
| Company | Logo | Our Score | BBB Rating* | Average Price | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JK Moving ServicesRead Our Review |  | A+ | $2,273 | $250 | Carrier | |
Allied Van LinesGet Quote |  | A+ | $3,520 | None | Carrier | |
North American Van LinesGet Quote |  | A+ | $3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker | |
International Van LinesGet Quote | | A+ | $5,250 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | |
Safeway Moving Inc.Get Quote | | B- | $2,944 | Up to 40% | Carrier |
*The Better Business Bureau is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of February 2025.
**We calculated average moving costs based on five quotes for moves ranging between 500 and 800 miles.
All providers on this list offer antique and specialty services, but each offers different additional services. Below, learn about each provider’s additional services.
| Specialty Services Offered | Allied Van Lines | JK Moving | North American Van Lines | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antique/specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Key Moving Terms Explained
Moving high-value antiques comes with its own language, and understanding these basics will help you confidently navigate estimates, coverage, and service options. Here are some important moving terms you need to know:
- Custom crating: This process involves movers building a custom wooden crate to fit and protect delicate items like fine art, mirrors, or antique furniture during transit.
- White-glove service: This premium moving service includes packing, custom crating, climate-controlled trucks, and specialized handling for fragile, priceless items like antiques.
- High-value inventory: Movers often require a special list of any antiques or items with significant value. Providing this leads to proper care, handling, and insurance.
- Carrier: A carrier is the company that physically handles your move—loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings.
- Broker: A broker connects you with moving carriers but doesn’t do the actual moving. While brokers can save you time, always confirm that the carrier they recommend specializes in fragile and antique items.
- Binding estimate: A binding estimate locks in your moving costs based on the inventory assessed. You’ll pay the agreed amount as long as there are no drastic changes in the actual weight or service changes.
- Nonbinding estimate: A nonbinding estimate is a flexible cost that can increase or decrease depending on the final weight and labor. Binding estimates often provide better peace of mind for antiques.
- Full-value protection: If your antiques are damaged, the mover is liable for repair, replacement, or compensation equal to the item’s value (minus your deductible).
- Released value protection: This basic coverage is free but only reimburses you up to 60 cents per pound (not enough for valuable antiques).
- Bill of lading: This is your official moving contract detailing what the mover will transport, the services provided, and the agreed terms. It’s the document you’ll refer to if any issues arise, so review it carefully.
Our Reviews of the Best Antique Moving Companies
We’re confident that all providers on this list can handle your antiques, but moving involves much more than just relocating them. Read through to see which provider best matches your budget and additional moving needs.
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Focuses primarily on white-glove service moves, meaning it has experience with antiques and unique items
- Offers financing options with rates as low as 0%
- Provides a designated moving concierge to personalize your move and provide easy contact
Keep in Mind
- Only operates long-distance moves unless you’re in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
- Features higher-than-average pricing
Our Review
JK Moving Services sets itself apart with a highly personalized approach. While it offers the same comprehensive packing and handling services as other top movers, what really stands out is its dedicated moving concierge. They make sure your items—especially delicate antiques—get the attention they need, check in regularly throughout the process, and customize services to your preferences. For long-distance relocations, this level of coordination, combined with 24/7 customer support, can provide extra peace of mind.
Another notable feature is JK’s financing option. Alongside International Van Lines, JK is one of the few movers that allows qualified customers to finance their moves, with rates as low as 0%. This can be helpful if you need a full-service experience for your antiques but prefer to spread out the cost over time.
However, JK Moving does have some drawbacks. It’s the most expensive company on our list, which may make it out of reach if budget is a primary concern. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, International Van Lines or Allied Van Lines might be better choices. Also, JK Moving focuses exclusively on long-distance moves, so it’s not an option for relocations under 150 miles in states outside of Maryland and Virginia.
JK Moving is worth considering for those who prioritize a highly organized and tailored moving experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Antique Moving Services
One key aspect of JK Moving’s service for antiques is its custom crating option. For delicate or high-value items, such as fine art, mirrors, or antique furniture, JK Moving offers custom-built crates designed specifically for your items. These crates are securely packed and protected during transport, reducing the risk of damage.
JK Moving provides climate-controlled transport for items sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as certain types of wood, artwork, or antique textiles. If your antiques are valuable enough to require extra protection from the elements, JK Moving’s fleet of climate-controlled trucks will keep them at a stable temperature throughout the move.
Customer Experiences
JK Moving Services generally receives positive feedback from customers across various review platforms. On Google Reviews, the company has a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars, while its BBB rating is 3.55 out of 5 stars. Many customers like JK Moving for its professionalism, timely service, and seamless moving experience. The company’s attention to detail and smooth coordination are frequently mentioned as standout aspects of its service.
However, like any moving company, JK has received some mixed feedback. A small number of customers reported issues with damaged or missing items during their moves. To minimize risk and receive added protection, we recommend opting for JK Moving’s Replacement Value Plan for full coverage, especially if you’re moving valuable antiques. This plan offers greater peace of mind by providing compensation based on the full replacement value of your items should anything go wrong.
“Very professional, helpful crew. The move from one house to another in the same day was exhausting for me, and all I had to do was give them room placement instructions. Each crew member had a positive attitude and worked hard. Using JK moving took alot of stress out of what is typically a stressful event. The pre move planning and support part of this process was well organized and methodical. They really know what they’re doing.” —Beth C. via BBB, October 2024
“Recently used JK Moving services and they broke a $1,700 grill during the move and refuse to compensate me for it. Shonna Hynick is the Customer Care representative and she “interviewed” the crew who of course denied any error and gave my account no value. They are refusing my claim, in effect calling the customer a lier, and not taking any form of responsibility.” —Seth Bidder via Google Reviews, August 2024
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Assigns dedicated move coordinators to work closely with customers to tailor the transport experience for antiques
- Offers short-term and long-term storage solutions with climate-controlled units
- Offers enclosed car carrier transport to protect valuable antiques from the elements
Keep in Mind
- Some customers have reported minor dings or damages to their items
- Has slow-moving crews, per some customer reviews
Our Review
With more than 400 agents across the United States—significantly more than the industry average of around 100—Allied Van Lines (USDOT #076235) offers extensive geographical coverage that can be great for complex moves. The breadth of Allied’s network provides practical benefits for antique owners. Its widespread presence means movers are likely to have specific regional knowledge, which can be crucial when navigating different terrains and local moving challenges. This extensive infrastructure allows for greater flexibility in handling unexpected logistical situations.
A notable feature of Allied’s service is the personal move coordinator assignment. This approach means customers have a dedicated contact who can provide focused assistance throughout the moving process, potentially simplifying communication and addressing specific concerns about delicate item transportation.
However, it’s important to recognize some potential limitations. Customer reviews have occasionally pointed out concerns about moving crew efficiency, including reports of slower-than-expected service and scheduling challenges.
Antique Moving Services
Allied uses museum-grade packing materials that differ from standard moving supplies. These include custom-fabricated wooden crates, acid-free tissue paper, climate-controlled padding, and specialized cushioning designed to minimize vibration and movement. Its most experienced technicians, who may have backgrounds in art handling, conservation, or museum logistics, are specifically assigned to oversee antique moves.
These professionals understand the stress points in delicate items. They employ techniques like strategic weight distribution, precision padding, and careful loading sequences to reduce the risk of damage during transportation. Additionally, Allied offers comprehensive insurance options specifically tailored for high-value antiques, providing financial protection that reflects the true replacement complexity of rare or irreplaceable items.
Customer Experiences
On the BBB, Allied holds an A+ rating and accreditation, but its review score is notably low at 1.08 out of 5 stars. Reviews tend to vary significantly by location. For instance, Allied’s Chicago branch has a much stronger rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews, reflecting a more positive customer experience in that area.
Overall, many customers praise Allied for its professionalism and the care its movers take with their belongings. Several reviews highlight the quality of service, with movers making sure items arrive in good condition. That said, feedback about the company’s performance is inconsistent. Some customers reported issues, including concerns about how items were handled during transit.
“We were very pleased with the service that Allied provided for us. They updated us regarding departure and delivery dates. The shipment arrived on time and delivered with great care following the detailed inventory list. We would recommend them to others.” —Roberta Kmiec via Google Reviews, July 2024
“After unpacking everything within a week, we realised that several boxes from the garage had NOT been delivered and we had lost many tools, some sports items, bags etc. …. We followed the process and filed a claim, which was rejected. We asked to elevate and review the claim again, rejected again, because the driver ‘found the items, and there was no notation on the paperwork that items were not received.’ …Many boxes arrived without numbers on, and the inventory descriptions were almost useless to track things. We have lost almost $2000 of our belongings because we trusted the driver – my advice would be to not sign the inventory until you are 100% sure everything has been delivered.” —Mark J. via the BBB, October 2024
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers custom crating options for high-value antiques
- Uses satellite tracking, which is more accurate than standard GPS tracking
- Offers some of the most robust insurance options on this list to protect your antiques
Keep in Mind
- Offers more expensive services compared to standard moving options
- May have limited climate-controlled storage, depending on your location
Our Review
North American Van Lines (USDOT #: 070851) is an interesting option for those moving valuable or delicate items, with some distinctive features that merit careful consideration. The company offers six insurance options, which is notably more comprehensive than the two legally required minimums. This expanded insurance range provides customers with greater flexibility in protecting their belongings.
A notable operational characteristic of North American Van Lines (NAVL) is its dedicated claims department, which uses a structural approach that differs from that of many moving companies. Instead of routing issues through general customer service, NAVL maintains a specialized team focused on resolving transportation-related claims. This separation could potentially speed up a resolution should any complications arise during a move.
The company operates within a complex logistics network, sharing a parent company with Allied Van Lines. However, NAVL’s operational model introduces important considerations. Unlike some moving companies that manage all moves internally, NAVL occasionally acts as a broker, which means it might outsource moves to partner companies. This approach can offer flexibility but also introduces potential variability in service consistency.
Antique Moving Services
NAVL offers specialized services for moving antiques and high-value items as part of its white-glove moving options, which are similar to Allied’s options. Its services include custom crating for high-value antiques, providing extra protection during transit. The company uses state-of-the-art tools and technology to safely transport climate-controlled items, family heirlooms, and other sensitive belongings.
Customer Experiences
On a national level, NAVL has mixed reviews. Its headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana, hold a 3.2 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews, while the company’s BBB review score is notably low at 1.3 out of 5 stars. To better understand what to expect, we recommend reviewing feedback for your local NAVL branch.
Despite this, many customers report positive experiences, praising NAVL for offering competitive pricing and assigning thoughtful move coordinators who provided regular updates and support throughout the process. However, some reviews mention issues with lost boxes or damaged items, highlighting the importance of selecting NAVL’s insurance options for added protection.
“Our move went well. [The moving coordinator] was polite and knowledgeable. We did have one issue in which something was put on the truck that we specifically said should not go. Other than that, all was good.” —Leslie Sciandra via Google Reviews, December 2024
“I had 3 boxes that were broken into, items rifled through, and items that were unwrapped and broken as a result of the moving company opening the bins. I submitted 3 claims … and have not heard from North American claims since any of the claim submissions. So far, I have spoken to 1 person … around my concern of both the theft and the extreme damage caused from the move, and his only recommendation was to go through the claims process with North American. I hope the claims process is smooth and can resolve this extreme damage, but so far I have heard nothing from the claims process from North American in 2 weeks from the original claims submission.” —Lindsay W. via the BBB, November 2024
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Provides climate-controlled trucks, which is ideal for sensitive items like old wooden furniture or artwork
- Yields the lowest average cost of all the movers on our list
- Has experience moving delicate items with a specialized antique service
Keep in Mind
- May have delivery delays, per customer reviews
- Doesn’t use binding estimates upfront, which leads to surprise fees
Our Review
International Van Lines (USDOT #: 2293832) is an excellent option for those moving antiques on a budget. Its integrated service model means most moving processes—including specialized antique services—are handled internally, which can reduce the risks associated with multiple handoffs.
The company provides a straightforward online estimation tool that allows quick initial pricing. However, these estimates are nonbinding, meaning the final cost can vary based on actual move specifics. This requires careful planning for those transporting valuable antiques. While IVL’s pricing is competitive, this flexibility comes with less predictability compared to some premium moving services.
The key for antique owners is thorough preparation. This means a detailed initial consultation about specific handling requirements, understanding the full scope of the moving process, and being prepared for potential price variations. IVL represents a solid middle-ground option—offering comprehensive services at a lower price point but without the white-glove treatment of more expensive providers. It’s worth considering for those prioritizing budget without compromising basic careful handling, particularly for moves that don’t require extremely specialized antique care.
Antique Moving Services
IVL provides specialized services for moving antiques, catering to individuals with valuable or delicate items. It offers custom crating designed to protect fragile antiques and artwork during transport, which is essential for items that may not fit standard packing solutions. This service helps ensure that these precious pieces are safeguarded against damage.
In addition to custom crating, IVL employs trained movers who focus on careful handling throughout the moving process. They utilize climate-controlled trucks, which can be important for protecting sensitive items like antique wooden furniture or artwork from temperature and humidity fluctuations. IVL also offers full-value protection insurance options, allowing you to insure your antiques at their actual worth. It’s worth noting that there may be additional fees associated with moving specialty items like antiques, reflecting the extra care and resources required for their transport.
Customer Experiences
IVL receives a mix of reviews. On the BBB, it holds an average rating of 3.02 out of 5 stars, while its headquarters’ Google Reviews page shows a more favorable score of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Many customers praise IVL for its professional and helpful movers, noting that their moves felt smooth and stress-free. Positive reviews highlight the company’s ability to handle the logistics of complex interstate relocations. However, some customers have raised concerns about communication and scheduling issues, particularly during busy seasons.
“The IVL team was efficient and professional. All of my possessions were perfectly packed. All of the large pieces of furniture were placed where I wanted them, with adjustments made when I changed my mind. I could not have been more pleased. I would totally recommend this company.” —Brooks Z. via the BBB, May 2024
“Several of my items were damaged and one was completely destroyed. My boxes were all beat up and if I had not packed them myself with so much bubble wrap I’m sure there would’ve been quite a bit more of broken items. I’m still going through and unpacking and making a list of everything that was damaged or broken. My nightstand was somehow in total pieces, some unknown liquid all over one of my bookshelves-both in pictures below and both damaged. Boxes marked fragile completely smashed up and all of my storage containers busted.” —Brittany via Google Review, November 2024
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Automatically includes packing services and 30 days of free storage with all interstate moves
- Connects you with movers that match your antiques needs, including custom crating and fragile packing
- Requires all movers to hold a $1,000,000 insurance policy so your antiques are adequately covered
Keep in Mind
- Limits its insurance options to only two plans
- Customers report communication issues like lack of contact during transit
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. (USDOT #: 3756000) offers a flat-rate pricing model that locks in your initial quote, which can provide financial predictability when moving valuable antiques. This approach eliminates the risk of unexpected weight-based cost increases, a common concern for those transporting high-value items.
The company is experienced in handling logistical challenges like moving into condominiums or properties with strict HOA regulations. However, Safeway doesn’t sell specialized packing materials, requiring you to source these independently for fragile or delicate items. While Safeway’s predictable pricing and logistical expertise are appealing, antique owners with particularly fragile or high-value items may prefer companies that offer specialized, white-glove moving services.
Antique Moving Services
Safeway Moving offers specialized services for moving antiques and valuable items. It provides custom crating for fragile or oddly shaped pieces. The company employs trained professionals who handle antiques with care, using specialized equipment and techniques to achieve safe movement.
For antique storage, Safeway offers climate-controlled facilities that help preserve sensitive items from temperature and humidity fluctuations. These storage units are equipped with advanced security features, including 24-hour surveillance and alarm systems for more peace of mind.
Customer Experiences
Safeway Moving Inc. receives generally positive feedback from customers, with a 4.41 out of 5-star rating on the BBB and a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on its headquarters’ Google Reviews page. Many reviewers praise Safeway’s responsive customer support, noting quick and helpful answers to their questions.
However, some customers report issues with miscommunication and missing items, which highlights the importance of clear documentation and communication throughout the moving process. Additionally, several reviewers expressed confusion over Safeway’s role as a broker, with their moves being subcontracted to another provider. To avoid surprises, we recommend confirming with Safeway who will be handling your move and discussing expectations upfront.
“My experience was excellent! The team had a unique way of handling my large wardrobe and used special cloths to wrap each drawer, so nothing shifted. They took care with my framed art, using double layers of protection. I appreciated how they kept me updated on each step. After everything was unpacked, they double-checked with me to ensure nothing was out of place. For anyone seeking movers who respect your home and things, theyre the best.” —Joseph R. via the BBB, November 2024
“The movers were super late to my house, and then had to drive another 6 hours to Las Vegas that night, so they just dumped everything in the living room and didn’t bring it to the rooms as promised. I tried complaining to the company and they just have layers of bureaucracy built in to deflect it. Save yourself the time, money and frustration and go somewhere else.” —Brett Potash via Google Reviews, November 2024
Other Moving Options
If hiring a full-service moving company feels like overkill for your needs—or your budget—there are alternative options to consider, such as portable moving containers and self-truck rentals. While these can save you money, moving antiques and fragile items this way comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s what you should know:
Portable Moving Containers
Companies like 1-800-PACK-RAT or U-Pack deliver a large, weatherproof container to your home. You load it at your own pace, and the container is then picked up and transported to your new location. You can pack according to your schedule and arrange items exactly as you like. Containers tend to be more affordable than full-service movers. You also control the packing process, making sure fragile antiques are handled with care.
However, you’re entirely responsible for securely packing and protecting delicate antiques. Without professional-grade packing techniques, your items could be at risk. Plus, containers are transported like freight, meaning they might experience more movement than a professional moving truck.
Moving Truck Rental
Renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul or Budget gives you full control over the moving process. You load, drive, and unload the truck yourself. This is typically the cheapest way to move, especially for short distances. You also get to manage every aspect of the move, from packing to placement in the truck.
On the other hand, packing, lifting, and driving a truck can be exhausting, especially when dealing with large or fragile antiques. Without professional packing, loading, and driving expertise, the risk of damage to fragile items increases.
How Much Does It Cost To Move Antiques?
Moving antiques and fragile items comes with some added expenses compared to a standard move. On average, a long-distance move costs $4,190–$7,125, depending on the size of your shipment and the distance traveled. This estimate is based on pricing data from reputable moving companies that specialize in handling fragile and high-value items.
Adding additional care for antiques increases these prices. Depending on the level of care you require, the increase can range from $500 to $5,000.
Home Size
The size of your home significantly impacts the cost of moving with antiques, as larger homes typically involve more items, which increases packing time, labor, and transportation needs. For antiques, the cost may rise further if you have large or heavy pieces, such as antique furniture or artwork, that require custom crating or specialized handling. Additionally, larger homes often mean more rooms with fragile items, which translates to higher material and labor costs for careful packing and transport.
| Number of Bedrooms | 1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs) | 2 Bedrooms (4,000–7,000 lbs) | 3 Bedrooms (7,000–10,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Average Cost | Average Cost | Average Cost |
| <1,000 miles | $3,540 | $5,605 | $7,970 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $4,190 | $7,125 | $10,125 |
| >1,500 miles | $4,340 | $7,375 | $10,325 |
How Moving Antiques and Fragile Items Affects Costs
Antiques require extra care, which often means the following:
- Additional labor hours: Professional packers take more time to make sure each item is securely prepared for transport.
- Premium materials: Custom crates, padding, and climate-controlled trucks add to the total cost.
- Specialized expertise: Movers with training in handling antiques charge higher rates due to their skill and experience.
While moving antiques may cost more, the investment is often worth it to make sure these irreplaceable items arrive safely at their destination. If you’re on a tight budget, you can reduce costs by packing smaller, less fragile antiques yourself or consolidating your shipment with other items—but for the most valuable pieces, professional handling is the safest bet.
Single-Day vs. Multiday Moves
Single-day moves are generally less expensive for local relocations as they involve fewer labor hours and no overnight expenses. Multiday moves, common for long-distance relocations, often require additional costs for driver accommodations, fuel, and (possibly) climate-controlled storage for antiques during transit. Additionally, multiday moves may include higher labor fees if specialized handling is needed at multiple points along the journey.
Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves
Full-service moves are more expensive because they include everything from packing and loading to transportation, unloading, and sometimes unpacking—services that require skilled labor and additional time. These are ideal for antiques, as professional movers handle fragile items with care. Partial-service moves, where you handle tasks like packing or loading yourself, are more budget-friendly but shift the responsibility (and risk) for protecting your antiques onto you. While less costly, partial-service moves may not provide the level of care that your high-value or delicate items require.
Tipping
Tipping movers is customary and a great way to show appreciation for their hard work, especially when they’re handling delicate antiques. A common guideline is $5–$10 per mover per hour for local moves or $20–$50 per mover for long-distance moves. If your team went above and beyond, like carefully packing and transporting fragile or high-value antiques, consider tipping on the higher end. Tip in cash and distribute it directly to the movers to make sure they receive it.
How To Get a Good Price
Here are some guidelines to help you secure a good price when hiring a moving company for your antiques:
- Ask about discounts: Many movers offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, and students or for off-season moves (typically from late fall to early spring).
- Avoid peak times: Moving during weekends, holidays, or the summer peak season can increase costs. If possible, opt for a weekday or mid-month move.
- Book early: Schedule your move several weeks or months in advance to lock in lower rates and guarantee availability, especially for specialized antique services.
- Bundle services: Some movers offer discounts if you combine services like packing, storage, and transport.
- Choose partial services for non-antique items: Utilize full-service options only for antiques, and manage the transport of less fragile items yourself to save money.
- Declutter first: Reducing the number of items you move can help lower costs. Consider transporting smaller or less fragile antiques yourself.
- Get multiple quotes: Gather estimates from at least three reputable moving companies to find the best combination of cost and service.
- Negotiate pricing: Don’t hesitate to ask for price matching or adjustments, particularly if you receive a lower quote from a competitor.
- Protect your antiques: While this may not directly save costs, investing in high-quality packing materials and checking for adequate insurance can prevent costly damage.
- Verify the estimate type: A binding estimate guarantees the quoted price, while a non-binding estimate may increase based on actual weight or labor. Always confirm the estimate in writing.
How To Choose the Best Moving Company for Antiques
There are a few specific factors to check that a mover provides to make sure it’s the best option to relocate your antiques.
Insurance
When moving antiques, don’t settle for basic carrier liability coverage. It won’t come close to protecting your valuable pieces. Look for companies that offer full-value protection insurance specifically designed for high-value and fragile items. Ask for a detailed explanation of their valuation coverage and consider purchasing additional third-party moving insurance if needed. Make sure to get everything in writing and understand exactly what is and isn’t covered before signing any contracts.
Services Offered
The best antique movers offer specialized services designed to protect your precious items during every step of the move. Look for companies that provide comprehensive white-glove service from start to finish rather than treating your antiques like standard household goods. Here are the key services to look for:
- Climate-controlled transport: Temperature and humidity-controlled trucks protect wooden furniture, artwork, and other sensitive items from environmental damage during the move.
- Custom crating: Professionally constructed wooden crates built to the exact dimensions of your pieces, with proper interior padding and reinforcement, prevent movement during transit.
- Detailed inventory: Detailed condition reports with photos taken before and after the move document the state of each piece and guarantee accountability.
- Installation services: Professional placement and positioning of heavy items in your new home may include mounting artwork and assembling furniture that needed to be partially disassembled.
- Specialized packing: Expert wrapping and padding uses museum-quality materials like acid-free paper, custom-cut foam, and specialized antique-grade bubble wrap.
Experience With Antique Moves
Look for movers who specialize in handling antiques and fine art rather than companies that only occasionally move valuable items. Ask how many years they’ve been moving antiques and request references from past clients who had similar items moved.
Experienced antique movers will have deep knowledge about proper handling techniques for different materials and periods, relationships with trusted partners for services like crating, and a proven track record of successful high-value moves. Don’t hesitate to quiz them about their experience with pieces similar to yours.
FAQs About Antique Moves
How much does it cost to ship antique furniture?
The cost of shipping antique furniture ranges from $300 to $1,000+ per piece, depending on size, value, distance, and required services. Local moves within the same city might cost less, while cross-country shipments of large items like armoires or grand pianos can exceed $2,000. Since each piece is unique and requires specialized handling, it’s best to get custom quotes from several antique moving specialists.
How can you protect antique furniture when moving?
To protect antique furniture when moving, start by photographing each piece from multiple angles and documenting any existing damage or wear. Wrap furniture in acid-free paper or moving blankets, followed by layers of bubble wrap, securing everything with tape that won’t damage the finish. For extra protection, consider custom wooden crates for particularly valuable or fragile pieces, and always transport antiques in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage from temperature and humidity changes
What is the best way to ship antiques?
The safest way to ship antiques is through a specialized moving company that offers white-glove service and has extensive experience with high-value items. It should provide custom crating, climate-controlled transport, comprehensive insurance, and professional packing with high-quality materials. Using a dedicated antique shipping service might cost more than standard moving companies, but the extra protection and expertise are essential for preserving your valuable pieces.
How We Evaluated Top Antique Moves
To review moving companies, our team analyzed websites, spoke to customer service representatives, requested numerous quotes, and surveyed 1,000 moving customers.
Our Rating System
To rank moving providers, we created a rating system based on six factors that reflect the overall quality and reliability of each company. Here’s what we looked at:
- Item protection (20%): All movers are required to offer two insurance options, but many offer additional options to maximize the protection of your belongings. We scored companies offering three or more options the highest. We also awarded more points to movers offering additional protections such as antique and specialty services, custom crating, and GPS tracking.
- Service offerings (19%): Top providers offer comprehensive moving services, including local and long-distance moves, packing/unpacking, and custom options tailored to specific needs. Poor providers offer limited or restrictive services. The more services a company offers, the higher we scored it.
- Customer service (18%): Companies with high BBB ratings and customer response rates received more points. We also awarded more points to movers who offer easy access to moving calculators, checklists, and contact information on their websites.
- Value (18%): We gathered five quotes from each mover to create an average price for a two-bedroom move between 500 and 800 miles. The lower the price, the higher we rated the company. We also awarded more points to providers that offered binding estimates rather than ballpark quotes, as well as those that offered more financial flexibility through portable storage container moves.
- Reputation (14%): We analyzed a company’s overall industry reputation. We checked each provider’s licensing status and awarded more points to those that operate as carriers—meaning they perform the work themselves—since that yields a more streamlined user experience. We also rewarded providers with transparent background-checking processes, and we compared their inspection rates to the average Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) fail rate.
- Scheduling (11%): The best movers are easy to work with and flexible and accommodate tight schedules, while less reliable companies may overpromise and underdeliver. We gave more points to companies that offer at least two contact options, have a mobile app for tracking, and offer virtual surveys for quotes for added convenience.
