During the move, your most valuable possessions often require extra attention and care to ensure they remain in good condition. Furs are especially delicate, and need to be packed, transported, and stored properly in a way to prevent damage.
Listed below are the steps explaining how to pack and store fur. This would help you prevent the development of mold, keep the pieces from being crushed, inhibit molting, and stave off other problems with your fur clothing.
Packing Your Fur
Let's go through some important tips on packing fur clothing including your coats, wraps and other items.
- Never pack furs in plastic bags. Plastic can cause permanent crushing of the garment. Additionally, vacuum-sealed bags can actually cause the growth of mold and mildew and should never be used to pack fur, even temporarily.
- Wrap your fur in white, acid-free packing pads for protection.
- Invest in a wardrobe box to package your fur. These are made specifically for packing clothing items and come with a built-in rod to hang your garments. It's advisable to use non-rusting hangers and always hang your fur from the shoulders.
- If you are packing more than one fur in the box, make sure there is adequate space between them so that they don't get squashed.
- Furs are very sensitive to extreme temperatures, humidity and direct sunlight. If yours is a long-distance move, the furs should be transported on a climate-controlled moving truck. Otherwise, carry them in your own vehicle so that you can monitor the temperature.
Storing Your Fur
Know how to store fur coats and other garments through the following guidelines:
- Fur must be stored in a climate-controlled unit to prevent the growth of mold, molting from extreme heat, and damage done by pests. When choosing a storage unit for rent, be sure to ask about the temperature and humidity regulating procedures.
The optimal conditions for storing fur are between 32 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and between 45 to 55 percent humidity.
- Ask about the company's procedures for pest control, how often the units are sprayed, and if there has been any previous trouble with vermin infestation.
- Always have your fur hanging from the shoulders while in storage, with enough space between each piece to prevent crushing.
- You can use place chemical desiccant packets (such as silica gel) in your storage unit to help absorb moisture and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
Other Tips
These additional tips would help you handle your furry belongings with more efficiency on the move:
- Invest in professional fur storage. Ideally fur should be placed in special furrier storage for best results. These facilities are kept extra cold and specialize in the proper handling and storage of furs.
- Get insurance. Valuable items such as authentic fur garments should be insured for your move. Standard coverage provided by movers is known as Released Value protection--and it covers only 60 cents per pound per article for lost or damaged possessions. This puts your fur coat's worth at less than a dollar. So be sure to inquire about additional insurance, either from your movers or a third-party carrier.