Tell us about the fragile frame, the loose cabinet joint or the table you have kept for years. Milvus can plan packing and access around the individual piece, with its condition and handling needs discussed before pickup.
Your estimate depends on the items, access and services you need.
Prefer to talk? 857-895-8955
An antique cabinet may have loose shelves, old glass, decorative feet or a repair that changes how it should be supported. A painting may have a delicate frame, vulnerable surface or instructions from a conservator. Those details matter more than a broad label such as ‘valuable item.’
Send a full view and close-ups of fragile areas, existing marks and moving parts. Add the height, width and depth, along with the pickup location and final room. If the item is being collected from a seller, ask for photographs before arranging the moving date.
Keep any existing appraisal, condition report, assembly information or conservation advice with your records. We can use handling instructions to discuss the move; valuation and restoration remain separate professional services.
List the frame dimensions and whether the piece has glass. Describe an ornate frame, loose backing or vulnerable surface. The packing plan should support the object and protect its edges without placing inappropriate material or adhesive against the finish.
Include cabinets, chests, tables and chairs individually. Note removable shelves, marble or glass tops, keys, drawers and delicate trim. Discuss any proposed disassembly before moving day, especially if the piece has old joints or has been restored.
Photograph each substantial piece and identify projections, separate bases and delicate components. Small objects still need an inventory and suitable packing. Ask about the arrangements for an unusually shaped or particularly fragile item before it is included in the load.
Some pieces need a protective carton and internal cushioning; others need a different support or enclosure. Tell us if an artist, maker, seller or conservator has specified a method. A general household packing package should not be assumed to cover every artwork or antique.
Discuss who will prepare each item, which materials are included and whether a specialist packing or crating arrangement is needed. If custom work is required, its availability, price and timing should be confirmed before collection. Leave enough time to resolve those details while the piece is still accessible.
Keep labels and identifying records consistent with the inventory. If a shelf, key or component is packed separately, make its connection to the original item clear. That small step makes delivery and reassembly easier to check.
For a private home, identify who can show the crew the pieces and discuss existing condition. For a dealer or other seller, obtain the collection instructions, release requirements and available appointment window.
Measure relevant openings and photograph stairs, landings and narrow turns. Include the route between the building and the truck. A large frame or rigid cabinet may fit the room but still have a difficult exit.
Choose the receiving room and clear the route to it. Coordinate building access, elevator reservations and any required insurance paperwork with management. Confirm these arrangements for both properties.
Have the inventory and agreed placement instructions available. Check the delivered pieces and retain the moving paperwork. Raise a condition concern promptly using the process stated in the moving agreement.
Ask for a quote that describes the items and requested work. The distance alone cannot explain the cost of a move involving delicate materials, additional packing or constrained access.
| Part of the job | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Inventory and condition | The specific pieces, dimensions, fragile features and existing issues discussed during the review. |
| Packing and preparation | Who packs, which materials or enclosures are included, and any separate specialist work. |
| Handling and transport | The pickup and delivery access, building appointments and requested service. |
| Storage between properties | The proposed conditions, duration, handling, access and delivery arrangements for the actual items. |
| Valuation and responsibility | The applicable protection options, declared-value requirements, exclusions and claims procedure in the written agreement. |
Do not use a general description such as ‘fully insured’ as a substitute for the terms covering your move. Discuss high-value pieces before booking and retain the relevant written documents.
You do not need to be moving an entire collection to ask for extra planning. A single antique chest, oversized mirror or painting can be reviewed alongside a local household move. Keep that item visible in the inventory so its preparation is included in the agreed scope.
If the destination is not ready, discuss storage early. An item’s needs may differ from those of ordinary boxed belongings. Ask about the actual arrangement rather than assuming a general storage description covers temperature, humidity, access or protection for a particular collection.
For installation, art hanging, conservation or repair, identify the required specialist separately. Moving a piece into its receiving room and fixing it permanently to a wall are different tasks.
Have a different situation? Call 857-895-8955 and talk it through with Milvus.
Yes, you can request a quote for an individual piece. Send photographs, dimensions and the two addresses, including stairs and the final room. The item and access will determine the preparation and moving arrangements.
It is useful to share photographs and handling instructions while the piece is visible. Discuss the packing method before enclosing a fragile or valuable item, particularly when it has a delicate surface or unusual shape.
Crating is not automatically included in a general moving quote. If the item needs it, ask about the proposed arrangement, availability, cost and lead time before collection.
Share the seller’s address, item details, release instructions and collection window. Milvus can review the transport request and coordinate the agreed pickup with the person releasing the piece.
Point out loose parts, cracks, repairs, surface marks or other known issues before handling. Clear photographs and any existing condition report help everyone understand the starting condition.
Those are separate services. Confirm the agreed delivery and placement work with Milvus, and arrange installation, conservation or restoration with the appropriate specialist.
Send the inventory, photographs and addresses. We’ll help define the packing and moving work before you choose a date.
