How to Pack Collectibles

Collections present unique challenges during a move. Depending on the collection, elements like heat and humidity can damage or ruin them, and you may need special packing materials to keep them in premium condition. Additionally, assuming has some monetary value, you’ll want to have your collection appraised to make sure you have enough insurance to cover it against loss or damage during the move.

You can hire a professional to pack your collection, but given its sentimental and monetary value, you may want to do it yourself. We chose four popular collections—comic books, vinyl records, action figures and wine—and detailed how to pack each one. Even if you collect something different, many of the techniques used here can be applied to packing your collection.

Before you get started

No matter what type of collection you have, your first step is to take an inventory. You can create your own spreadsheet in Excel, use an online template, or download a specialized app, like Vinfolio’s inventory tracker for wine enthusiasts, to inventory your collection. Having a list of all the items in your collection helps ensure you don’t lose track of items during the move and you unpack and stay organized when you arrive at your new home.

If your collection is substantial enough or has valuable pieces, you’ll want to have it appraised before you start packing. Take your collection to someone who specializes in the items you have. Comic book collectors should seek out someone who is an expert in comic books. Don’t try to estimate its worth on your own as an expert can give you a more accurate valuation.

Finally, check your insurance. Even if your collectibles are listed on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, the coverage may not extend to a move. Call your insurance broker to determine how much your policy will cover. And, don’t rely on your moving company’s liability insurance which may offer as little as 60 cents per pound of damaged items. That’s nothing compared to the value of your collectibles!

Moving supplies for collectibles

You will need the same basic materials for packing your collectibles that you would for packing any other items: new boxes, packing tape, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, old towels and a marker. But expect to add a few other items to your pack supplies.

• Acid-free paper (instead of newspaper, which can transfer ink to items)
• Protective bags or sleeves, depending on the collectible
• Specialty boxes designed specifically for transporting a particular item
• Original packaging, if available

Comic books

Because comic books don’t have a lot of structure and can be easily damaged, it’s important to purchase acid-free bags and backing boards. Sold online and at comic book stores, these bags come with the backing board in four sizes Golden Age (for comics published between 1938 to 1950), Silver Age (for comics from 1956 to 1970), Bronze Age (for comics published between 1970 to 1985), and Copper or Modern Age (from 1985 to present). Buy the right-sized bag for each comic book in your collection.

You’ll also need comic storage boxes, which you can find online or at your local comic book store. These come in short, long or magazine size and can be packed inside a moving box for added protect.

To pack your comic book collection, slip a backing board, shiny side up, into its corresponding acid-free bag. Slide the comic carefully inside the bag on top of the board. Turn the bag over, fold the flap over to the bag’s back and secure the flap with tape. Repeat. Once you have slid all of your comic books in individual bags, load the bags into the comic book boxes.

The filled comic book boxes can then be packed inside a standard moving box. Add peanuts around the comic book box for extra protection in the moving box. Secure the moving box with tape, and mark the it as “Fragile.”

Vinyl records

Whether you have a collection of new or vintage albums, you’ll want to be sure they arrive at your new home in the best condition possible. Start by ordering enough acid-free inner sleeves and protective outer sleeves for your entire collection. You’ll also need to order vinyl record storage boxes or small moving boxes. (A small moving box can hold up to 80 vinyl record.)

Ironically, once you’ve received the sleeves, your first step is to remove each record from its jacket (cardboard album cover). Why? The records can slide in the jackets, damaging its tracks, and the jacket’s exterior can be scratched during the move. If your record doesn’t have an inner sleeve or its current sleeve is tattered, slip it into one of the new ones. Next, slip the jacket into a clear outer sleeve.

Ready a record storage box or small moving box by lining its bottom and sides with bubble wrap or a foam sheet. Place the jacket, now in its outer sleeve, upright in the box. Follow that with its corresponding record. Continue adding records until the box is full enough that the records stand upright but you can easily remove one. Add peanuts or bubble wrap if your box has any empty space along the side. Seal it, indicate which side is up, and label the box “Fragile.”

Whatever you do, don’t lay the records flat when you pack them. The weight of all the records could break the ones on the bottom. And beware the heat—records can warp and even melt in a moving van on a hot day. Instead, move the records in your own air-conditioned vehicle or pay for a climate-controlled moving van.

Action figures

You won’t need to order special materials to pack your action figures, but if you have the original packaging, find it. The original packaging was designed specifically for transporting that action figure without damage. Return your figure to its box, and wrap that in bubble wrap, being careful to not get tape anywhere on the original packaging as it can damage it and diminish its value.

If you don’t have the original packaging, wrap the action figure in acid-free paper (bubble wrap could damage its finish). Then, wrap that in bubble wrap. Find a new small or medium box, and add a layer of peanuts on the bottom. Place your wrapped action figure, with or without its original packaging, into the box. Leave plenty of space between figures. When you have a layer of figures, add a layer of peanuts.

Continue until the box is full with a layer of figures and a layer of peanuts. Be sure to end with a layer of peanuts, so when someone cuts the box open, he doesn’t inadvertently slice into a figure. Seal the box and mark it with “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”

Wine

Wine can be one of the most difficult collectibles to move. Not only is it enclosed in glass, but low or high temperatures, vibration, humidity and light can all ruin it. Plus, states have different regulations as to how many bottles of wine you are allowed to transport across their borders. Check with the alcohol and beverage commission in your new home state to find out what you can move there.

Assuming you’re okay to move your wine, you’ll first want to order packing materials designed specifically for your bottles. U-Haul sells a wine shipping kit with a box and a Styrofoam insert that can accommodate 12 bottles for $12. Or, you can order wine shipping kits with pulp inserts for up to 12 bottles. This arrangement allows the wine to lay on its side in the box and keep the cork wet.

There are also shipping box sets that include 12 smaller boxes. Each smaller box holds one bottle that, in turn, fits perfectly into the larger box. Keep in mind that a box filled with 12 bottles of wine will weigh about 40 lbs.

As you load the boxes, be sure to place the bottles so they are horizontal (on their sides) so the cork remains wet throughout the move. If you can, move the boxes in your vehicle. Or, pay for a climate-controlled moving van so the bottles don’t get hot or cold. When you get to your new home, allow the wine to rest for seven days before popping the cork to toast your new home. If you open it too early, it may have “bottle shock,” a loss of flavor from being jostled during the move.

Planning a move?

Professional movers have experience packing all types of collections, but if you’d rather do the work yourself, hiring a moving company frees you to focus on packing your collectibles. Check out Moving.com’s network of reliable, licensed and insured movers who can help pack and move your entire house.