Moving wine collection can be a risky job because some bottles are several thousand dollars worth, and they will need proper handling, especially when talking about the long-distance move. For true lovers, wine represents something more than an ordinary bottle of wine, which can have a more unpleasant impact in case of damage. Here are some tips on how to move a wine collection.
Choose the right packing method
When you are packing expensive wine, it is necessary to pay attention to every small detail that can ruin this collection because wine is a sensitive drink. Factors as: temperature changes, sunlight, and warmth may affect the integrity of wine before you open and taste it. Now when you understand how delicate wine is, you can choose the right packing method.
But first, make an inventory list
When you have an expensive wine collection, this is a significant step to do at the very beginning. The main reason to have an inventory list is to protect yourself and your possessions if there is any damage during the relocation. Like this, you will have the documentation to obtain the full value of your claim in this situation. Take as many details as you can, like the value of wine, the vintage year, etc.
Take insurance
Taking insurance ahead is a smart move for every valuable item, including your wine collection. During moving, your valuables can get damaged, which can be a terrible loss for you. To get accurate and cost-effective moving insurance, you will need an updated wine appraisal. That is why it is necessary to look for reputable appraisers on time. Otherwise, you can get an incomplete valuation of your possessions. To get more details and advice, ask your moving company before hiring them.
Check the law about alcohol transportation across the country
According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration, alcohol is hazmat, and many interstate movers are forbidden to transport hazardous materials like alcohol in a moving truck. For this, moving companies need to get authorization from PHMSA’s Approvals and Permits Division. Some countries don’t allow alcohol transport across their borders or have particular rules and regulations. For that reason, it will be better to reach out to your local district office for more information. Call them by phone or check the website before beginning this process.
Prepare the right supplies
Wine boxes are available in different sizes that will hold one, six, or 12 bottles. Most of them include Styrofoam splitters that keep the bottles and prevent them from bumping against one another. If you are short with your budget, ask your local liquor store if they have some spare boxes with dividers, because they can be a little expensive to buy, especially when you need a lot of them. Also, prepare plenty of packing tape to secure the bottom of the moving boxes Brooklyn, or else they can open and get broken.
Start with packing
The next step will be packing, and before you begin, there are some rules you should follow.
1. Wrap your bottles: put a pile of packing paper on a flat work surface. Place a bottle on the side, vertical to the corner of the top sheet of paper, take two to three sheets of paper and wrap them as one around the bottle, rolling the bottle as you push forward. Secure the wrapping with tape, making sure there are no loose ends. If there is some space between bottles and the box, add some crumpled paper to fill the space.
2. Place the bottles correctly: as we said before, wine is very delicate, and it is necessary to look for every small detail. For example:
- Pack red and white wines upside down or on their sides. This position keeps their corks wet. Why is this important? When the plug is dry, the wine can start oxidizing and spoil the taste.
- Pack sparkling wines upright. The best position for bottles with Champagne is upright. Like this, wine preserves sparkling carbonation, which will prevent pressure building or flattening.
Do not forget to label your boxes
When you finish packing your wine collections, do not forget to label your moving boxes. You may write on the box vintage year and type of wine to make it easier later for yourself. Besides, it will be useful to write instructions as fragile and this side up to make work simple for the movers and prevent any potential damage.
Why is it not a good idea to pack a wine collection with other furniture?
The reason is simple: because of temperature changes. Most moving trucks are not temperature controlled, which can harm the wine texture cause of the very high or very low-temperature difference. For example: during the cold nights, the temperature inside the end of a truck could drop close to freezing, and during the day, the hot sun could raise the temperature above 100 degrees. These temperature changes are devastating to wine, especially older wine. Wine is also considered perishable, and consequently, many moving companies prohibit wine in their trucks.
Hire a specialist
Moving your valuables is always a risky job, which requires a lot of precautions and attention to detail. For that reason, hiring a knowledgeable specialist who will do their job in a highly effective manner will be the best alternative if you have a valuable collection and you are moving long-distance. However, this option can be more expensive, but when comparing potential risk and damage, packaging, and handling, you may change your mind. If you have any questions or you need some advice, our Dorothy and Martha moving and storage Brooklyn is here to assist you with your upcoming move. Cheers!
