When it comes to moving valuable items like pianos, artworks, and redwood furniture internationally, extra attention is needed to minimize the risks associated with transportation. Apart from purchasing necessary insurance coverage, the proper handling by the moving company's professionals plays a crucial role. Here's how you can pack and transport common valuable items:
Pianos are delicate instruments and require careful handling during the moving process. Avoid dismantling any piano parts. Start by wrapping the piano body with pearl cotton and protecting the corners with corner protectors. Secure it with tape, and then wrap it with thick cardboard customized to the shape of the piano. Finally, place the piano in a customized, fumigated wooden crate at the moving company's warehouse, as this step cannot be performed on-site.
To transport the piano, it typically requires 2-4 workers due to its size. Each person should hold one corner of the piano, applying equal force, and smoothly move it towards the moving truck. When lifting the piano onto the truck, the two workers at the front should lift it onto the truck while the other two workers lift the back, ensuring the piano remains balanced. Finally, push the piano into the truck evenly.
Artworks, such as paintings and calligraphy, require extra protection during transportation. Start by using sturdy packaging boxes or wooden crates for wrapping the artworks. Ensure the external packaging is secure and fill any empty spaces inside the package to prevent movement. Multiple layers of protection can be used, including wrapping the artwork with cotton paper, adding pearl cotton or bubble wrap around the sides, and placing it in a cardboard box. Remember to handle the artworks with gloves, ensuring gentle handling to avoid any damage.
When transporting artworks, it is recommended to directly move and transport them rather than keeping them inside cabinets or containers. Remove the artworks from the packaging, place them securely, and seal the protection again before placing them in a new location.
Note that not all artworks can be carried across borders. Some works by renowned artists like Xu Beihong, Fu Baoshi, Pan Tianshou, and He Xiangning are prohibited from export. Please refer to the guidelines provided by the National Cultural Heritage Administration for the list of restricted artworks.
Redwood furniture is highly valuable and requires professional packing to avoid scratches or other damage during transportation. Reputable moving companies usually have specialized packing tools and trained staff for handling furniture. It is advised to choose a reliable and trustworthy moving company to ensure the safety of your furniture.
The packing process for redwood furniture typically involves:
(1) Wrapping the furniture with soft cotton paper to protect the surface and prevent adhesion with pearl cotton due to high temperatures.
(2) Using foam pearl cotton for shock absorption, providing better protection during transit.
(3) Applying corner protectors to vulnerable edges and corners, ensuring added support.
(4) Creating the final layer of packaging using 5-layer thick cardboard cut to fit the furniture's shape, sealing the seams with tape. This comprehensive packaging not only facilitates transportation but also enhances safety.
These are some important considerations for packing and transporting valuable items during international moving. Given the high value of these items, it is crucial to select a reputable international moving company and not compromise on packaging materials to ensure the protection of your belongings.
