As a wine connoisseur, collector, and lover, you face the dreaded task of packing your entire wine collection for your upcoming move.
You might be thinking, “Where do I start?” “How do I do it without breaking the bottles?” Your impressive collection is too expensive to be hasty or careless with its packing, and you certainly don’t want to treat it like any other household item.
Here are our seven best tips for packing and moving your extensive wine collection.
1. Make an Inventory
The first step is to go through your wine collection to see how much you have, what you’ll bring, what you’ll try to drink before you move, and what you might sell before the move. If your new place can’t accommodate your extensive collection, sell some of it or gift it to loved ones. Throw a going-away dinner and use up some of it. Knowing which bottles will remain in your final inventory will help you get a more accurate quote from movers.
2. Have it Appraised
If you have a large fine wine collection, there’s a lot of value there. Knowing that value will help you and your moving company make a game plan for moving it. Getting an appraisal will also help you decide whether to invest in an insurance policy for your wine collection. It’s worth it to take out an insurance policy if the collection is very valuable. If nothing else, take pictures of each wine bottle so you have your own record.
3. Communicate With Your Moving Company
Don’t wait till the last minute to create a plan for moving your wine collection. Talk to your moving company about their policy on moving wine. Some movers will not move liquid items of any kind. For moving companies that will move it, you’ll likely need to fill out a high-value inventory form since your general movers insurance will not cover your collection. If your moving company cannot move your wine collection, hiring a specialized wine moving company to do it may be worth it and in your best interest.
4. Pack Efficiently
Packing your wine collection is a little more complicated than packing your everyday glasses. You shouldn’t just place them in a cardboard box and hit the road. It’s best to use special wine-packing boxes with cardboard or styrofoam inserts inside. It’s vital to keep the corks wet, so it is best to pack bottles on their side or upside down. Be sure your boxes have proper labeling, distinguishing which side to keep upright and that the boxes contain fragile items.
5. Be Aware of Temperature
Extreme temperatures can negatively affect your wine collection, which is why people have temperature-controlled wine cellars. If possible, you’ll want to try to maintain a stable temperature during the move. If you have a small collection and plan to move it in your vehicle, you can use the air conditioning to keep a nice, steady temperature. For large collections, a climate-controlled vehicle may be necessary.
6. Look into Local Regulations
The rules regarding the transportation of wine vary from state to state. If you are moving across the country, it’s important to know the regulations in the state you’re moving from and the state you’re moving to. Some counties and states have laws that regulate personal alcohol transportation.
7. Allow it to Rest After the Move
After the move, you and your wine will have something in common: you’ll both need to rest. Chances are there was a lot of shaking during transit, which can cause “bottle shock.” This affects the flavor of your wine. Let it rest for several weeks before opening it.
Options for Moving Your Wine
DIY
Moving your wine alone is manageable with a small, valuable collection. It’s always a good idea to keep any high-value items with you so that you can monitor them closely. This offers control and peace of mind. Even if you choose to move it yourself, you can even have a professional moving company pack the wine.
Use Your Moving Company
Using a moving company is an excellent option for local moves. You can include your wine collection with your other belongings. This is a fantastic option if your wine collection isn’t priceless or irreplaceable or if you’re moving during non-extreme temperatures. You’ll first want to ensure your moving company is willing and able to move your wine. Some moving companies have accommodations for moving wine, including refrigerators. If your wine is valuable and you’re opting for a moving company to move it, be sure to fill out a high-value inventory to protect your collection.
Hire a Wine Relocation Company
Some companies specialize in moving wine. This can get pricey, but it makes sense for those who have a precious wine collection and are driving far away. Your moving company in Utah will most likely be able to point you in the right direction and provide referrals to a reputable wine company or possibly even coordinate the service for you.
By following our tips for wine relocation, your wine can maintain its value and flavor. Sometimes, that means investing in services, but it will be well worth it in the long run.
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