A hope chest usually holds decades of heirlooms and keepsakes along with real weight in linens, and it is often one of the most sentimentally important pieces in a move. Empty it fully, protect the hardware, and handle it like the heavy furniture piece it actually is.
Pro tip: If the chest is a genuine family heirloom, consider a specialty mover or extra moving insurance for this one piece specifically, since standard liability coverage rarely reflects true sentimental or antique value.
Watch out: Never assume an older hope chest's joints are as sturdy as a new piece of furniture; dragging it across a floor rather than using a dolly can crack aged glue joints that a newer chest would tolerate fine.