3 minute read

Whether it’s the good silver, Grandma’s engagement ring, or your mother’s grand piano, heirlooms are more than their financial value; they’re prized possessions that carry immense sentimental (and sometimes historical) value. 

Sadly, they’re also the items most likely to be damaged during a move. Artwork, mirrors, vases, jewelry, and musical instruments often don’t survive the journey between homes intact. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can never move. You just need to take the necessary measures so that even your beloved 100-year-old piano makes it to the new location without a scratch. Here are three important factors you don’t want to ignore when moving fragile prized possessions. 

Valuation vs. Insurance

If you’re moving states, it’s important to know that, under federal law, your belongings are covered by valuation protection. But this isn’t insurance per se; it’s a legally required liability framework that assigns a value to your goods if they’re lost or damaged. However, it has limitations and is often laughably insufficient, especially for high-end goods.

Then there’s the issue of one-of-a-kind heirlooms. The Full Value Protection check doesn’t help here because there is no market equivalent to buy. So, if your collection of watches includes a timepiece that’s no longer in production or on the market, there’s no way to replace it if something happens during the move. 

Similarly, if your move happens within the bounds of the same state, valuation protection still applies, but the minimum liability is determined by your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT). 

For high-value heirlooms, choose a mover that offers Full Value Protection and requires proper documentation. You may also need a separate insurance policy to cover ‘acts of God’ like floods or tornadoes, which standard valuation typically excludes.

Specialized Movers

Standard movers are great at making sure your Ikea furniture, clothes, and appliances get to the new location relatively unharmed. But you don’t want them handling your vintage paintings or Ming ceramics collection.

The chance of something breaking grows exponentially with the distance these objects have to travel. If you’re moving halfway across the country, from, let’s say, Denver to New York, you shouldn’t trust your precious Steinway & Sons grand piano to just any movers.

This is where specialized movers come in and save the day. In the example above, it’s best to choose a team of specialized Denver piano movers who know how to keep your oddly-shaped, sensitive musical instrument safe regardless of the distance and road conditions. 

For art pieces and sensitive wood musical instruments, you want a team that offers art conservator-approved packing and white-glove handling in climate-controlled trailers.

Your Heirloms’ Safety Comes First

Yes, specialized movers, Full Valuation protection, and third-party insurance will add up to a hefty moving bill. But these objects aren’t just difficult to transport. They carry the memories of those who came before you and, hopefully, will become part of your family’s legacy for generations to come.

It’s worth the additional financial effort to keep them safe and sound. If you’re on a tight budget, plan at least a year ahead of the moving day to make sure you have sufficient funds.