How to Pack and Move Collectibles

Transporting treasured collections to a new home

Whether you’ve spent a lifetime curating prized possessions or are just getting started, you’ll want to keep the items safe when moving long distance. General packing tips are helpful, but some collections require special care to stay in tip-top condition.

Let’s explore the best way to protect your favorite things during transit so you can enjoy them in your new home.

5 steps to protect collectibles while moving

Preparing collectibles for a move means taking extra steps to protect sentimental and sometimes fragile items.

Here’s what to do:

1. Inventory and clean the collection

Gather everything you want to transport and take inventory (if you don’t already have one). Keep your list in a moving notebook or digital file.

Dust or gently clean each item using soft cloths or brushes, avoiding harsh chemicals. Some collections might require archival-safe cleaning products.

2. Use appropriate packing materials

To properly pack your collection, have these supplies on hand:

• acid-free packing paper
• archival quality plastic sleeves and sturdy binders (for comics and unframed documents)
• anti-tarnish strips (for coins or silver)
• Bubble Wrap®
• cardboard or foam corner protectors (for framed items)
• desiccant (silica gel packets or moisture absorbers)
• fragile labels
• packing tape
• permanent marker for labeling
• sturdy boxes (small and medium sizes typically work best)

3. Wrap and pad fragile items

Using Bubble Wrap® or acid-free packing paper, pad fragile items to protect them during transit. Protect any corners with protectors and use extra materials to fill any extra space in boxes. 

Cards, documents and stamps

Collectibles like baseball cards and stamps are especially vulnerable to moisture damage. To protect loose paper items, place them inside archival plastic sleeves. For additional protection, store the sleeves in a sturdy binder. Pack the binders in a box with a desiccant to absorb any excess moisture.

Framed memorabilia will need corner protectors and Bubble Wrap® to protect the glass. Larger framed artwork can be transported in TV boxes. 

Learn more about moving books and packing picture frames.

Coins

Place coins in individual sleeves with an anti-tarnish strip. Store in a binder or padded containers to keep them from rubbing together during transit. Use a desiccant inside boxes.

Dolls and figurines

While similar to packing toys, collectible items need extra padding to keep them safe. Wrap unpackaged items carefully with Bubble Wrap® or packing paper. Packaged items should be wrapped in packing paper after using corner protectors. Take special care to ensure that no packing tape touches the surfaces to avoid damaging the finish.

4. Label everything

Place fragile stickers on all boxes, and indicate which side is the top. Label the box’s content or use a number system corresponding to your inventory list, such as “Collection 1.”

5. Insure the collection and transport it carefully

Check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company to see if your items are covered during a move or if you need a rider added to the policy. Some moving services, like U-Pack®, include standard liability coverage in their rate, while others require you to purchase a separate policy.

Many movers have things like antiques and one-of-a-kind artwork on their Do Not Ship List. It’s also best to keep priceless or rare collectibles with you in a personal vehicle.

Try these tips to protect belongings from heat and humidity.  

Ready to move? U-Pack can help!

If you’re moving out of state, U-Pack can help! We’re a DIY moving service, so we’ll transport your household belongings so you can travel in a personal vehicle with your valuables. 

Get a free quote by calling 844-362-5303844-594-3077 or request one online. If you have questions about U-Pack moving services or how to best transport your collectibles, let us know in the comments.