Do you have a pricey piece of art, or a whole collection, to move? Before you prep, pack, hire movers, or transport paintings, photos, drawings, or sculptures, take a look at the do's and don'ts of this process.
Do Hire An Experienced Mover
Just any moving company won't do. You need to hire a moving services provider with experience transporting artwork and other potentially breakable or fragile items. Ask your would-be future moving contractor for references that speak to the company's ability to move art. If the references don't specify "art," look for information on how well the mover handles large/oversized, awkwardly shaped, or extremely fragile items.
Don't Expect Every Company To Pack Your Art
Some moving companies provide a full-service upgrade or specialize in packing delicate items, such as artwork. But this doesn't mean every contractor offers these options. Never expect that a mover will help you to pack artwork. If this is a service you need, talk to the mover before you agree to an estimate or sign a contract.
Do Separate Artwork From Other Items
Organize your move and keep your artwork safe with an isolation type of approach. After you remove paintings, photos, or other two-dimensional pieces from the walls of your home — or take sculptures off of pedestals, tables, and display spaces — isolate or separate the items from the rest of your to-move haul. This allows you to take stock of what you will move.
Place the artwork in one room or area of your house. This strategy also gives you space to plan the move and pack the items safely.
Don't Forget To Inventory Your Art
Create a packing inventory that describes each piece. You may want to list everything separately or group the artwork into categories by artist, medium, room, or time period. Along with a description, add the price or value of the items and photos of each piece. These can help you to save time (and potentially money) in the event of move-related losses or damage.
Do Pack Artworks Correctly
Art should never go into the moving company's truck as-is. If you plan to pack the items yourself, use properly fitted crates, dye/acid-free packing paper, bubble wrap, moving quilts, and other protective covers as needed. A moving service can provide packing suggestions. A high-quality contractor should speak up if they see incorrect packing techniques or believe that you have used the wrong protective materials.
Reach out to a company like General Movers to find out more.
