Before you pack: gather, sort, and document
- Gather small treasures early. Jewelry, photos, letters, and medals are easy to lose during a busy cleanout.
- Photograph each item, front and back, including any existing chips, cracks, or repairs.
- Make a list of the item, who it's going to, and the address. Number boxes to match.
- Consider an appraisal for anything that may be valuable, such as jewelry, silver, art, or collectibles, before it ships.
- Decide what to hand-carry. Original wills, deeds, titles, and other legal documents are often best delivered in person or kept with the estate attorney, and the same goes for small, high-value jewelry.
Photographs, letters, and family papers
Paper and photographs are surprisingly durable when they're kept flat, dry, and cool, and surprisingly easy to damage when they're not. The National Archives offers practical guidance for families (see sources below). Highlights include:
- Keep items out of damp basements, garages, and hot attics, and away from leaks.
- Use containers big enough for items to lie flat or stand upright without folding or bending, and don't overstuff boxes.
- Avoid rubber bands, non-stainless paper clips and staples, pressure-sensitive tape, and "magnetic" self-stick albums, which can damage photos and papers over time.
For shipping, place loose photos and letters in folders or envelopes, then in a sturdy box with enough padding that nothing shifts. Keep albums flat. Seal everything in a plastic bag inside the box to protect against moisture.
Scan before you ship. Digitizing photos and letters means a copy survives no matter what, and every relative can have the full set. The National Archives also has guidance on digitizing family papers and photographs.
China, crystal, and glassware
- Wrap each piece individually with plenty of clean packing paper. Avoid newspaper, since ink can transfer.
- Stand plates on edge rather than stacking them flat, and fill cups and bowls with crumpled paper.
- Pack heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top, with cushioning on all sides so nothing touches the box walls.
- Use sturdy boxes, ideally double-walled, and don't overfill them. A box that's too heavy is more likely to be dropped.
- Label boxes "Fragile" and "This Side Up," but don't rely on labels alone. Packing does the real work.
Textiles: quilts, linens, and christening or wedding gowns
Clean, dry textiles travel well. Fold them loosely with acid-free tissue in the folds to prevent hard creases, and pack them in a clean box or garment bag. Avoid sealing damp items in plastic. For very old or delicate garments, ask a textile conservator for advice before packing.
Jewelry and small valuables
Pack small items in a padded box or pouch inside a larger box so they can't shift or get lost. Keep a photo inventory. For high-value pieces, many families prefer to hand-carry them, or to discuss options when they request a shipping quote, and to check whether their own insurance covers items in transit.
Framed art, mirrors, and clocks
Framed pieces and mirrors need corner protection, a padded wrap, and a rigid outer box sized to the piece. Clocks often need preparation before they travel, such as securing pendulums and weights. These items are good candidates for professional packing. See antique and art shipping.
Label, number, and track every box
Good labels are what get the right keepsakes to the right person. On each box, write a number, the recipient's name, and the room it came from, and add "Fragile" where needed. Keep a master list with the box number, a short description of the contents, the recipient, and the delivery address. Take a photo of each box's contents before it's sealed. If several relatives are receiving items, consider a different colored label for each person. When boxes arrive, the recipient can check them against the list right away.
Sending keepsakes overseas
If a relative lives in another country, plan a little further ahead. International shipments need a description of the contents for customs, and some countries restrict certain items. Ask about paperwork and restrictions when you request a quote, and keep your box list detailed, since it makes the customs description much easier to prepare.
When to call a professional
Packing a few photo albums yourself is very doable. But consider professional help when:
- Items are fragile, irreplaceable, or valuable.
- Things are going to several relatives at different addresses.
- You live far away and can't be there to pack.
- The home has to be cleared by a deadline.
Senior Assist Shipping picks up, sorts, packs, and ships keepsakes and heirlooms to family members wherever they live. If you need a few small breakable items packed and shipped, we can do that. See keepsake shipping.
A packing checklist
- Gather and photograph small treasures first.
- Scan photos and letters before shipping.
- Hand-carry original legal documents and small high-value items, or discuss them in advance.
- Wrap fragile items individually and cushion every side.
- Keep paper and photos flat, dry, and protected from moisture.
- Number boxes and match them to your recipient list.