Historic Building Guide
Older homes are beautiful. They also need special care during a move. This guide shows simple steps to protect plaster, trim, and floors while keeping your schedule intact.
Know your house
Make a quick map. Note narrow stairs, low ceilings, delicate plaster, and soft pine floors. Take a few photos. Share them with your coordinator. Small notes help the crew bring the right tools.
Protect surfaces first
We use neoprene runners, door pads, banister wraps, and corner guards. Protection goes down before the first box moves. That habit prevents the small scuffs that take time to fix.
Packing for fragile features
Antiques and glass need gentle packing. Use double‑walled cartons, foam sleeves, and corner protectors. For mirrors, oil paintings, or leaded glass, add rigid panels. If a piece is rare, consider custom crating.
Narrow stair strategy
Measure tall items like wardrobes and headboards. Remove legs when possible. Tilt and pivot slowly with spotters. Protect spindles and rail caps. Patience is faster than repairs.
Rowhouse access tips
Staging matters. Keep a clear lane from the door to the truck. If street parking is tight, use a smaller truck or a shuttle run. Talk with neighbors a day ahead when it helps.
Checklist before move day
- Confirm COIs if your HOA or condo needs them
- Wrap chandeliers or remove shades
- Empty attics and basements early
- Label boxes by room and priority
Storage when dates miss
Historic renovations run long. If your new space is not ready, store items in sealed wooden vaults at our warehouse. Your goods stay clean and organized for quick delivery. See storage solutions.
Keep the day calm
Short briefings help. We review the route, the protection, and the room map. Crews move in quiet steps. You feel progress without stress.
Know your house
Make a quick map. Note narrow stairs, low ceilings, delicate plaster, and soft pine floors. Take a few photos. Share them with your coordinator. Small notes help the crew bring the right tools.
Protect surfaces first
We use neoprene runners, door pads, banister wraps, and corner guards. Protection goes down before the first box moves. That habit prevents the small scuffs that take time to fix.
Packing for fragile features
Antiques and glass need gentle packing. Use double‑walled cartons, foam sleeves, and corner protectors. For mirrors, oil paintings, or leaded glass, add rigid panels. If a piece is rare, consider custom crating.
Narrow stair strategy
Measure tall items like wardrobes and headboards. Remove legs when possible. Tilt and pivot slowly with spotters. Protect spindles and rail caps. Patience is faster than repairs.
Rowhouse access tips
Staging matters. Keep a clear lane from the door to the truck. If street parking is tight, use a smaller truck or a shuttle run. Talk with neighbors a day ahead when it helps.
Checklist before move day
- Confirm COIs if your HOA or condo needs them
- Wrap chandeliers or remove shades
- Empty attics and basements early
- Label boxes by room and priority
Storage when dates miss
Historic renovations run long. If your new space is not ready, store items in sealed wooden vaults at our warehouse. Your goods stay clean and organized for quick delivery. See storage solutions.
Keep the day calm
Short briefings help. We review the route, the protection, and the room map. Crews move in quiet steps. You feel progress without stress.
Historic homes deserve respect. With planning and gentle handling, your move can be safe and efficient. Call 610‑755‑5535 or request your estimate to begin.
