How to Move Expensive Art to Your New Home? Moving expensive art requires careful planning, proper materials, and expert handling to ensure your valuable pieces arrive safely at your new home. Whether you’re transporting a large painting, a delicate sculpture, or a prized collection, the process requires extra precautions. At Sprint Mover, we understand the importance of protecting your art during a move. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move your cherished pieces safely.
How to Move Expensive Art to Your New Home?
1. Assess Your Artwork
Before you start packing, assess each piece of art. Identify fragile items, heavy sculptures, and oversized pieces, as these require special handling. Consider the materials of each piece, whether it’s glass, canvas, wood, or ceramic. Knowing the specific needs of your artwork will help you decide how to pack and transport it.
2. Gather Proper Packing Supplies
You’ll need high-quality packing materials to protect your expensive art during the move. The essential supplies include:
- Acid-free paper: To prevent damage from moisture or chemicals.
- Bubble wrap: For cushioning fragile pieces.
- Glassine paper: A protective layer to shield art from dirt and moisture.
- Corner protectors: For framed art and mirrors.
- Custom-sized boxes or crates: Ensure they fit your pieces snugly.
- Packing tape and labels: To secure and identify boxes.
For particularly valuable or large pieces, consider investing in wooden crates custom-built to protect artwork during transportation.
3. Pack Paintings and Framed Art
- Protect the surface: Start by covering the surface of the painting or frame with a sheet of glassine paper to protect it from scratches, dust, and moisture.
- Bubble wrap for cushioning: Wrap the entire piece in several layers of bubble wrap, focusing on the corners and edges to prevent damage.
- Add corner protectors: If the artwork is framed, attach corner protectors to prevent any chipping or breaking during transport.
- Box or crate your art: Place the wrapped artwork in a box or crate that matches the size of the piece. Fill any empty space with padding like foam or packing peanuts to prevent movement inside the box.
4. Packing Sculptures and Delicate Pieces
Sculptures, especially those with irregular shapes or fragile parts, require extra care.
- Wrap each part individually: Start by wrapping the most delicate sections, such as arms or protruding elements, with bubble wrap or foam.
- Add layers of protection: Use layers of bubble wrap or foam for the entire sculpture, ensuring it’s well-cushioned.
- Custom boxes or crates: Depending on the size and fragility, place the sculpture in a custom crate or a strong box. Fill the gaps with packing material so that the sculpture doesn’t shift during transport.
5. Label and Mark Boxes
Clearly label each box or crate with “Fragile” and indicate the “This Side Up” direction to ensure that your movers handle the boxes correctly. Add a brief description of the contents on the label, so you can easily identify your artwork upon arrival.
6. Consider Climate-Controlled Transport
If your artwork is sensitive to temperature changes or humidity, such as oil paintings or works on paper, consider using a climate-controlled moving truck. Extreme temperatures and moisture can cause significant damage to art, including warping, fading, or cracking. Climate-controlled transport ensures your artwork is moved in a safe environment.
7. Hire Professional Movers Experienced with Artwork
Moving expensive art is best left to professionals who specialize in handling valuable items. Expert movers have the necessary equipment and experience to pack, transport, and unload your artwork safely. They understand the precautions needed and can ensure your pieces are fully protected from the moment they are packed to the time they are placed in your new home.
8. Check Your Insurance
Before your move, review your insurance policy to make sure your expensive artwork is covered during transit. Some homeowner’s policies may offer coverage for valuables, but it’s always a good idea to confirm. If necessary, consider purchasing additional moving insurance specifically for high-value items like art.
9. Unpacking and Installation
Once your artwork arrives at your new home, take extra care when unpacking. Slowly remove the packing material, making sure not to rush the process. If the pieces are large or heavy, have someone assist you. When reinstalling your art, ensure it’s in a safe, secure location, away from direct sunlight and moisture, which could damage the art over time.
Conclusion
Moving expensive art requires specialized care and attention to detail, from packing to transportation and unpacking. Following these steps will help protect your valuable pieces during your move. At Sprint Mover, we have the expertise and resources to safely transport your artwork, ensuring it arrives at your new home in perfect condition.
