How to Safely Pack and Move Family Heirlooms and Holiday Treasures

Family heirlooms are more than just possessions — they’re pieces of your family’s history. Whether it’s your grandmother’s china set, your parents’ wedding photo or holiday ornaments collected over generations, these items hold deep sentimental and emotional value. When it’s time to move, you want to ensure every keepsake arrives safely and intact.

Packing and moving fragile, one-of-a-kind items takes time, patience and the right expertise. That’s where Cowboy Moving & Storage, a trusted Englewood moving company serving all of Colorado, can help. With over 50 years of experience, we know how to protect your irreplaceable belongings every step of the way.

Here are some helpful tips for safely packing and moving your family heirlooms — and why trusting professional movers is the best way to protect what matters most.

1.   Take Inventory of Your Valuables

Before you start packing, make a detailed list of your family heirlooms and fragile valuables. Walk through your home room by room and document everything that requires special care — antiques, framed artwork, mirrors, fine china, crystal, silverware or delicate holiday ornaments. If possible, take photos of each item for insurance and peace of mind. This inventory can also help your moving crew understand what needs extra attention during packing and loading.

2. Use the Right Packing Materials

Using high-quality packing materials is one of the most important steps in protecting fragile items. Skip the old newspaper (which can leave ink stains) and invest in sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper and specialty boxes designed for artwork or mirrors.

At Cowboy Moving & Storage, we use professional-grade packing materials — not thin, grocery-store boxes or recycled cardboard. Our team carefully wraps and cushions each item to ensure it’s stable and protected during transport, no matter how short or long the trip within Colorado.

3. Packing Tips for Specific Heirlooms

Different heirlooms require different packing techniques. Here are a few key tips for some of the most common sentimental items:

• Holiday Ornaments: Wrap each ornament individually with tissue paper or bubble wrap. For fragile glass ornaments, use small divided boxes or egg cartons. Fill empty spaces in boxes with crumpled packing paper to prevent shifting.

• Framed Photos and Artwork: Always place painter’s tape in an “X” over the glass to prevent shattering. Wrap the frame in bubble wrap and place it in a picture box. Label each box “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP.”

• Antiques and Collectibles: Wrap each piece with acid-free paper and use corner protectors for furniture. Never use plastic wrap directly on wood or delicate finishes, as it can trap moisture.

• China, Crystal and Glassware: Use cell dividers or dish-pack boxes. Wrap each item individually and cushion the bottom and top of each box with extra padding.

4. Label and Load with Care

Clearly label all boxes containing heirlooms with “FRAGILE,” “HANDLE WITH CARE,” or “TOP LOAD ONLY.” During loading, these boxes should be placed on top of heavier items and secured so they can’t shift in transit.

Professional movers like the team at Cowboy Moving & Storage know exactly how to load, secure and transport delicate items. Our movers are trained in the safest handling techniques to ensure your heirlooms arrive just as you left them.

5. Why You Should Avoid “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Movers

When you start collecting moving estimates, you might notice a big difference in pricing. If one bid is significantly lower than the others, that’s a red flag. Some unlicensed or “fly-by-night” movers use low estimates to lure customers in — and then demand extra payment once they’ve loaded your belongings. In some cases, they may even hold your items hostage until you pay more than originally agreed.

That’s why it’s so important to do your research. Make sure any moving company you hire is licensed, insured and registered with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Check online reviews and verify that they have a physical business location, not just a website or phone number.

With Cowboy Moving & Storage, you never have to worry. Our family-owned company has been proudly serving Colorado since 1968. We’re fully licensed, insured, and respected throughout the state for our professionalism and integrity.

6. Trust the Experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage

When your possessions are irreplaceable — and packed with emotion — you want the best team handling them. At Cowboy Moving & Storage, our movers are background checked, vetted and highly experienced. In fact, many of our team members have been with us for over a decade.

We provide high-quality packing materials, specialized moving tools and custom crating for fragile items. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, we’ll handle your family heirlooms as if they were our own.

From fine antiques to your most cherished holiday decorations, we take the stress out of moving your most treasured belongings.

Protect What Matters Most

Your family heirlooms tell the story of generations — they deserve to be handled with care, respect and expertise. When you move with Cowboy Moving & Storage, you can trust that your valuables are in good hands.

Call (303) 789-2200 or visit www.cowboymoving.com to schedule your move or request a quote.

Cowboy Moving & Storage — The Recommended Mover in Colorado.

Family owned. Colorado proud. Trusted for over 50 years.