How to Pack Artwork and Antiques

Not All Items are Equal

If you’re planning to pack and move your clothes, shoes and other knick knacks, it’s almost as easy as 123. However, if you’re also planning to pack and transport delicate stuff like artwork and antiques, it’s an entirely different ballgame.

While a simple shirt can cost you a couple of dollars, one prized painting could go for a couple thousand dollar. So of course, it only follows that the level of effort and care that one puts into packing clothes should not be the same when you’re planning to packing rare and fragile pieces of value.

And we’re not just talking monetary value here! When we say antiques, it could be that great oak dresser that has been passed on from your grandmother, or the beautiful china that your parents gave you as a wedding gift. You can’t put a price on those.

Tips to Take Care of Art and Antiques

To save your personal treasures, here are some tips that you can follow:

• Study your belongings carefully – Determine which ones need to be packed by professional movers and which ones to pack by yourself. If you have items that are of great value, or items that are extremely fragile, it could be best to let expert movers do the job for you. In this case, look for specialty movers who specialize in moving artworks and antiques.There are some moving companies who specialize in packing and moving delicate items like antiques, artifacts, fine art, fine wine, expensive stemware, museum exhibits, antique textiles, vintage vehicles, and so on.
• Prepare the usual packing supplies used for protection – These include bubble wrap, packing peanuts and old newsprint. These will be very handy for packing breakable items and or pieces with irregular shapes.
• Take note of what materials an item is made of – Because you may need a specific wrapping material for it. For example, glass surfaces can be wrapped best with bubble wrapped to provide air bubbles and support. However, for framed materials with no glass cover, don’t use plastic wrappers because it could stick to the surface of the item/painting. Paper is the better option for this.
• Invest or create your own corner protectors – They can be made of either cardboard, foam, plastic, or bubble wrap. Not only will they protect the framed item, it will also prevent other nearby items from getting scratched by the frames corners.
• Flat artworks on paper can be sealed in plastic – Slip them inside sealable plastic bags (like big Ziploc bags) in order to protect them from moisture and heat.
• Picture boxes – Moving supply stores have special picture boxes that can be used for paintings and mirrors. These are cardboard picture boxes that are great for storing framed artwork because they are large, flat and adjustable. If there are any empty spaces, you can fill them in with newsprint or packing peanuts.
• For china and glassware – Pack your delicate china and glassware with specialized dish packs provided by your carrier. You can also look for these in specialty stores. Make sure to stuff the insides of glassware and china cups with soft tissue paper. When arranging plates and saucers in a box, make sure to place them near the edges, and put padding in between each layer. The top and bottom of the carton should be padded as well.
• For sculptures – Find a box that will be able to hold the artwork and stuff all the spaces with padding. You can use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, old newsprint, even small towels as fillers- basically things that won’t scratch or damage the sculpture.
• Label them as Fragile – And lastly, this is one of the most simple yet most effective things you need to do when packing artworks and antiques. Put on big, readable labels saying “fragile” so that handlers will know that that container or piece needs extra care. You should also note which side should be up on top.

Make them Last a Lifetime

Fine art and precious antiques can be passed on as family heirlooms. They can also be sold as something of value when the right time comes. For most people, they are considered as valuable investments. These are the reasons why you should take extraordinary measures to keep them safe and secure during transport.

To do this, you can ask your moving company if they have experience in packing and transporting such items. You can also look for companies that specialize in moving items of high value. They will probably charge you a premium, but this is for the expertise and special care that will be given to your precious art pieces.

You can contact Top Mover Quotes today is you want to start your search for the perfect movers. All you need to do is answer our form and we’ll take care of the work for you!