Selling Antiques Before a Move: How to Make the Most Out of Your Goods 

Moving is an opportunity to start from scratch. Even if you can count on experienced Birmingham movers to transport your belongings safely, you may want to purchase new furniture matching your new home’s style and mood.   

If that happens, selling your current objects can be the best way to downsize while making some money. And if you have antiques, this may be even easier, as some valuable objects can be irreplaceable. 

Here’s a small guide to selling your antiques before a move and ensuring you’re making the most of what you own. 

Birmingham Movers Tips for Selling Antiques

How to Sell Antiques Before a Move 

Identify the style 

You’ll first want to get to know the piece you’re trying to sell. You can do that by identifying its style

Antique furniture follows different styles and trends depending on its era, such as Victorian, Art Deco, or Mid-Century Modern.  

For example, pieces from the French Restoration style are known to be painful but filled with sweeping lines and undulating curves. On the other hand, Gothic Revival takes elements from architectural themes like turrets, pointed arches, and quatrefoils. 

Each one has a series of distinctive features and materials that help you date and classify the piece. 

Look for Marks, Labels, or Designer Names 

Original pieces tend to bear their marker’s signature, be it an autograph, initials, serial number, or brand label. 

You can often find these things on the underside, inside the door, and in the top right and left drawers. Depending on the maker and label, you may be in possession of a very expensive piece. 

Check for Provenance 

Look for any provenance, such as gallery or auction receipts, left by the previous owner. This will not only provide you with more specific details regarding the age of your furniture, but it will also be a major factor in estimating its value. 

Find out How Much Your Antiques Are Worth 

Before selling, you’ll want to get an estimate of how much your collectibles and antiques are worth. 

You have three options for getting an online appraisal: consult an antique appraiser, get a cheaper online appraisal, or find a free one.  

If there is an auction house in your area, you might also get a free verbal appraisal from them. In fact, many offer free “appraisal days” or “valuation days,” during which an expert from the company will inspect your antiques.   

These may not be too accurate, but they can give you an idea of how valuable your pieces are.   

Birmingham Movers Tips for Downsizing Antiques

Get Birmingham Movers to Transport Your Antiques Safely 

Preparing your antique furniture for delivery will be the last stage of your sale. If you’ve sold it to an antique furniture shop, they may pick it up themselves. Otherwise, you’ll have to do it, and moving large items isn’t easy. 

Ensure your item is wrapped and protected properly to prevent damage during transit. If it has many parts, you may need to disassemble it. If you’re not confident in doing this yourself, Pink Zebra Moving can help you. Find a location near you and give us a call!  

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

We love Pink Zebra moving company! They handled a very stressful move for us with ease. We had several moves going on at the same time all going to different locations. The whole crew was so nice and they were so knowledgeabl of how to take extra care of some of my antique pieces.

Rodger

We love Pink Zebra Movers! They were thoughtful, friendly and professional. They showed they cared about our furniture. As a Realtor, I have heard plenty of horror stories. Pink Zebra made the whole process very stress-free. I will only recommend them to my clients from now on.

Dede

These guys are very skilled at what they do! I sat and spoke with the foreman (I think moving crews have foremen?) at the CoolBox storage facility in Liberty Park. I watched them very quickly and efficiently load antique vending machines and the largest furniture I've ever seen. I was amazed.

Daniel

I cannot recommend Pink Zebra enough! Movers Tyler and Craig did a phenomenal job with preparing, moving and reassembling in a timely and professional manner. The Pink Zebra team was always friendly, knowledgeable in the industry and great communicators throughout the process.

Lauren

Pink Zebra Moving did an excellent job moving me into my new home! They were willing to accommodate my request to move on a holiday, immediately following my closing. They were incredibly time efficient without sacrificing careful handling of my belongings. I highly recommend this moving company.

Sarah