There are a lot of things involved in moving a household. It's hard enough to properly pack all your household goods. However, it gets even more difficult when there are priceless family heirlooms and antiques to worry about. If you have antiques and family heirlooms, you'll need to take extra precautions to protect them during the move. Here are four precautionary steps you'll need to take when packing your antiques and family heirlooms.

Have Your Items Appraised and Insured

Whether you're going to be moving yourself or you are looking into residential moving services, you'll need to have your valuable pieces appraised and insured prior to the move. A current appraisal and insurance coverage will ensure that your pieces can be replaced should they be damaged or destroyed during the move. When moving priceless family heirlooms and antiques, it's important to note that it's safest to hire a professional moving company. They'll have the expertise and the tools necessary to move your pieces safely.

Remove the Movable Pieces

Once you've had your valuable pieces appraised and insured, you'll need to start preparing them for the move. One of the first things you should do is remove any small, movable parts. This will ensure that they don't get lost during the move. Small pieces, such as knobs, should be removed and stored in small, resealable bags. Be sure to do this with all your removable pieces and to label your resealable bags so you know where they go.

Wrap Your Pieces for Maximum Protection

When wrapping family heirlooms or antiques, you should use two separate layers. For small pieces, wrap them first with packing paper, and then add a layer of bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape. For furniture, cover each piece with a protective furniture cover, and then apply a final layer of plastic furniture wrap. For maximum protection, have your moving company place your furniture into shipping crates for the final move.

Provide a Floor Plan for Your Movers

If you're going to be using a moving company, and they'll be arriving at your new home before you do, you'll need to plan for the arrival. One way to do that is to provide your movers with a detailed floor plan of your new home. Label each room with a specific number, and give each of your antiques a corresponding number. When the movers arrive, they'll be able to move your valuables into the proper rooms.