You’ve spent years curating a collection that reflects your passions and your past — cherished family heirlooms, vintage estate finds, delicate antiques, and one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art. Whether it’s the Shawnee Corn King pottery your grandmother handed down, or the sculpture you stumbled across at a weekend flea market, these irreplaceable items hold far more than monetary value.

And when it’s time to move? You want every last piece to arrive at your new home exactly as it left your old one — safe, secure, and damage-free.

At Craig Van Lines, we understand that some things simply can’t be replaced. That’s why, for more than 80 years, we’ve helped Northern Virginia families move not just their belongings — but their legacies — with confidence and care. Whether you prefer a hands-off, white-glove packing service or need expert advice for doing it yourself, we’re here to ensure your move goes smoothly, securely, and stress-free.

If you choose to pack yourself, here’s our trusted guide to packing and moving your most valuable items, infused with insider knowledge from our experienced moving professionals.

Expert Packing Tips for Valuable Items

Fine Art (Paintings, Prints, Sculpture)

Proper preparation and materials are key to protecting artwork from environmental damage, vibration, and impact during a move.

Best Practices:

Wrap with Care: Use Dartek or similar archival-quality soft wrap (acid-free and breathable). This material provides a protective barrier while allowing delicate surfaces to breathe.
Avoid Direct Bubble Wrap Contact: Bubble wrap should never touch the surface of paintings or sculpture directly — use it only as an outer layer for added padding.
Use Custom Crates or Foam-Lined Boxes: For high-value or large pieces, consider custom-built wooden crates or high-density foam-lined boxes. Craig Van Lines offers custom crating solutions designed specifically for fragile and valuable artwork.
Label Clearly: Always label artwork with “This Side Up” and “Fragile.” Special attention is required for media like charcoal or pastel, which are prone to smudging and dislodging if turned upside down.

Antiques & Family Heirlooms

Antiques often contain delicate joinery, glass, or intricate components that require careful assessment before packing.

What You Should Do:

Inspect First: Check for loose joints, cracks, or components that could detach during transport. Disassemble when possible.
Secure Loose Parts: Tape fragile elements (e.g., handles, knobs) inside drawers or secure them in labeled plastic bags.
Reinforce Fragile Areas: Stretch wrap and moving blankets provide cushioning and protection against vibrations and shifting.
Double-Walled Boxes for Extra Protection: Use strong, corrugated double-wall boxes for smaller heirlooms, figurines, or collectibles.

China, Crystal, and Collectibles

Your cherished dishware and glassware deserve more than just a quick wrap-and-pack.

Packing Like a Pro:

Wrap Each Piece Individually: Start with tissue paper (non-inked), then use bubble wrap.
Use Dish Packs and Dividers: Compartmentalized boxes are essential for protecting dishes, stemware, and collectibles from impact.
Pack Plates Vertically: Always stand plates on edge rather than stacking them flat. They’re much less likely to break this way.
Use Corrugated Cylinders for Stemware: Each glass should be packed in its own compartment or tube to minimize movement.

Additional Pro Tips for Moving Valuables

Climate Control Matters: For items sensitive to temperature and humidity (like oil paintings or wooden antiques), ask Craig Van Lines about climate-controlled transport and storage options.
Insure Your Valuables: Even with the most careful handling, it’s smart to have full-value protection. We offer comprehensive valuation coverage for your peace of mind.
Take Inventory: Photograph each item and keep a digital inventory with condition notes for your records — helpful for insurance and organization alike.
Let the Pros Handle It: Our professional packers are trained in handling everything from fine china to family heirlooms. Don’t want to lift a finger? Ask about our full-service moving packages, including packing, transport, storage, and unpacking.

Why Choose Craig Van Lines?

Since 1934, Craig Van Lines has been Northern Virginia’s trusted name in professional moving. Family-owned and operated, we combine deep local roots with the capacity and expertise to handle moves of any size — whether down the street or across the country.

What sets us apart:

✅ Over 80 years of experience
✅ Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
✅ Climate-controlled storage options
✅ Custom packing and crating services
✅ Transparent pricing and personalized service
✅ Trained crews who treat your belongings like their own

We believe every move is more than just a logistics job — it’s a transition in your life. Let us help make it a smooth and secure one.

Ready to Move Your Most Treasured Items?

Don’t leave your legacy in just anyone’s hands. Let the experienced team at Craig Van Lines protect what matters most.

📞 Call us today at Craig Van Lines or request a free moving estimate online. Whether you’re moving antiques, artwork, or an entire household, we’re here to make your next move your best one.

How to Safely Pack and Move Your Valuables: Expert Tips from Craig Van Lines