Dear Lee,

A lot of houses are sold in the summer so families can pack up and move before school starts in the fall. All belongings have value, but collections can have a particularly high dollar value. So take the time to properly handle breakables, paintings, family heirlooms, and collectibles. Here are some tips from Chubb Insurance Company, with a few more from us:

Be sure to hire experts with references, insurance, and experience to help you pack and move.

Get an estimate of the cost, any add-on charges, the time it will take, etc., and ask about scheduling moving and delivery dates.

Check the mover’s certificate of insurance and get a signed contract covering costs, rules, etc. Also find out how your own insurance policy covers “goods in transit.”

You don’t want movers who are shakers-the moving van should have air-ride shock absorbers.

Antiques like to be cool; the truck should have air conditioning.

Make a list of everything in each box as it is packed so if a box is lost or damaged, you have a record. Note the condition of the pieces, including cracks and damaged finish.

Take photos before you pack and keep them in a safe place-don’t send them with the movers.

Pack small valuables like jewelry and important papers yourself and take them with you-and don’t put them in checked luggage if you’re flying.

Spend the money to let movers pack fragile items; often they are liable only for items they pack.

Most things can be moved in cardboard cartons with good packing material. Don’t use newspapers; the ink may stain. Very valuable furniture and paintings may require special museum-quality crates.

If you’re sending anything to a storage facility, be sure the warehouse has heat and air conditioning, fire and water protection, insurance, and a security system that includes a computerized inventory. Visitors to the warehouse should sign in. (If you’re moving a small amount or remodeling, you might use storage pods that can be filled and locked on your property, then moved into storage.)

Check the boxes in and out of the moving van and search the inside of the van when it’s empty. We once found a piece of hardware from a cabinet that would have been hard to replace.

If there are any problems-signs of damage to a carton, long delays on the road in bad weather, or missing boxes-report them immediately to the driver and the company.

Expect the move to take longer and cost more than you expected. It always seems to. Try to remain calm and adjust to all the family upheaval. Look forward to the good part-you will be in a new place with new and different antiques shops, shows, and malls and lots of promising garage sales.