Moving with Art and Antiques: How to Protect Priceless Treasures

Moving with art and antiques? Accept the truth—moving is one of the greatest stress-inducing experiences in everyone’s life. When moving to a new city, you may feel like a helpless person, especially if you have to move valuable items like artwork and antiques. Whether it is a prized painting from your favorite artist, a family treasure passed down for generations, or a delicate sculpture you have years collecting—moving these treasures without a scratch is undoubtedly challenging. But don’t worry. Moving with arts and antiques can be easy with the right strategies and preparation.

Yes, you can ensure your precious items are transferred to your new home safely and securely. Without the risk of scratches and damage! Yes, I am not faking. There are certain strategies that you can opt for and make your move more manageable and less stressful. In this blog post, I have curated those strategies and want to share them with you. I will cover everything you need to know about moving with art and antiques. These will include tips for packing, transporting, and setting them into your new home.

1. Assess the Value and Sentimental Importance

I know you are super excited about your move. At the same time, you also have a few concerns about how to pack your art and antiques for moving. Take a deep breath. It is a natural feeling, and you do not need to worry much about this. You can securely pack your art and antiques with the tips highlighted in this post. But before you start packing, take a moment to assess each piece of art or antique you want to shift. This will help you figure out how much time and care each piece requires. Remember that not all pieces will need the same level of attention. So, understand the value and fragility of items to pack them smartly. Here are a few things that you should consider.

• Value: Artwork and antiques are usually items of high value. In fact, they are priceless. If you have highly expensive artwork and antiques, it would be a wise decision to hire a specialized fine art moving company.
• Sentimental importance: There can be some items that are not expensive but attached to your sentiments. In this case, you may not like strangers to pack them. Hence, DIY packing for items of sentimental value can be a good idea. But make sure to pack them with extra attention so that they can remain protected in transit and after delivery.

After analyzing the above factors, start preparing your art and antiques for the move.

2. Gather the Right Packing Materials

What types of packing materials you choose to pack your art and antiques is critical. You will definitely commit a big mistake if you just through them into any old box. The wise decision? You need to take the time to use the right packing supplies to ensure their safety in transit. Here is a list of materials you may need to pack items when moving with art and antiques.

Bubble wrap

Fine art and antique pieces are mostly fragile. They may get damaged due to improper handling and poor packing for a move. This is why you need to provide proper padding to those delicate pieces. Bubble wrap is the best padding material you can use to protect your art and antiques for moving. Use it generously around the edges and face of your artwork or antiques. This will add a layer of cushioning and will protect your items against bumps, falls, and scrapes.

Packing paper

Packing paper is also an important supply. This is perfect for wrapping smaller items that are fragile, like vases or smaller sculptures. Do not be tempted to use old newspapers as they can leave ugly ink marks on your valuables. Since newspapers are not as soft as specialized packing papers, they can also cause scratches on vases and sculptures.

Corrugated cardboard boxes

Wrapping is not enough to protect your art and antiques when moving. You will also need to secure them in corrugated cardboard boxes. Purchase high-quality corrugated cardboard boxes in different sizes to make sure you can perfectly accommodate your art pieces and antiques. If do not find the right boxes for extra large fragile items, simply use corrugated cardboard sheets for the same purpose. Custom-sized boxes for paintings and mirrors are available in the market. So, don’t worry about their availability. Amazon and Flipkart are also selling corrugated cardboard boxes and sheets.

Stretch wrap or plastic wrap

These are the materials that you can use to wrap boxes and fully packed items using corrugated sheets. These wraps will keep everything in place when packing antique furniture or large odd-shaped artwork. Also, your items will remain protected from shifting during the move.

Foam corner protectors

These are essential packing supplies when it comes to packing art and antiques for moving. You can use these corner protectors around frames or edges of artwork or antiques. These will prevent the sharp edges of your valuable items from getting damaged during transit.

Wooden crates

If you are skeptical about cardboard boxes for packing expensive or fragile pieces, use wooden crates. It will be worth investing in custom-made wooden crates. These crates not only will accommodate your precious items like expensive sculptures or antiques but also provide them with extra protection.

Packing Artwork: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have learned about the value of your art and antiques and the appropriate packing materials you will need to secure them for moving. Packing a canvas painting, a framed family photograph, or a large artistic mirror—can be one of the trickiest parts of your move. Worried about how to pack them securely? Let’s take a look at the right steps involved in the process.

Remove the Glass

Your artwork might be framed with glass. If this is the case, remove the glass first (if possible). It is essential because glass can easily break during the move. On the other hand, removing it will minimize the risk of damage. Once you have removed the glass from your artwork, wrap it carefully with bubble wrap or packing paper. And yes, do not forget to label it as fragile. If you do not have an option to remove the glass from the artwork or if it is not possible either way—place extra protection over it—like multiple layers of bubble wrap.

Wrap the Artwork

Good job—you have successfully dealt with the glass. Next, it is time to protect the artwork itself. First, wrap the entire piece in premium-quality packing paper. (Warning: Do not use old newspapers to wrap items as the ink can transfer and produce ugly marks on your artwork). Using packing paper to wrap the art pieces is good but not enough. You need to provide them with extra cushioning. So, use a layer of bubble wrap around the paper. Thereafter, secure the packing paper and bubble wrap on the artwork with heavy-duty packing tape. (Warning: Do not use the tap directly onto the art.)

Secure and Box It Up

You have wrapped and prepared artwork using packing paper and bubble wrap. It’s great. Next. Place the wrapped artwork in a sturdy box. Make sure to use the right size of the boxes to accommodate the artwork perfectly. Also, make sure the box is not too tight for the artwork. After placing the artwork into the box, you will see some extra space and gaps. Fill the gap and space with more cushioning like wadded paper or bubble wrap. If you have framed pieces, use foam corner protectors or cut custom-sized cardboard pieces to create a protective structure around the artwork. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts, wadded paper, or bubble wrap. This will prevent movement during transit.

Label the Box

Labeling is essential when moving. So, make sure to clearly label each box with the appropriate tags like Fragile and This Side Up. Appropriate labeling ensures careful handling in transit. If the artwork is highly expensive and attached to your sentiments, make sure to mention that.

Packing Antiques: Step-by-Step Guide

Packing antiques for a move is also tricky and challenging. Whether you want to pack antique furniture or delicate collectibles—you need to pay a bit more attention to them. These items not only are unique but also delicate. So, you must ensure proper packing to them so that they can reach your new home without scratches and damage. Let’s take a look at some tips on how to pack antiques with care.

Disassemble When Possible

It is always the best decision to dissemble larger antiques like furniture. So, take time to disassemble the furniture and remove parts like legs, arms, and other components that could get damaged in transit. Make sure to keep screws and bolts in labeled zippered bags. The goal is to securely keep them so that you cannot lose your patience at the time of reassembly.

Wrap Pieces Carefully

You have successfully dissembled your furniture or antique items. Next, wrap the pieces in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use a generous amount of cushioning materials if you are wrapping fragile items like porcelain figurines. Also, use foam padding or a soft blanket around the piece to provide extra protection. Trick: Wrap each part separately—every edge, every surface. Remember that the more protection is always better.

Use Custom Boxes or Crates

Invest in a custom crate or purchase an oversized, sturdy box. Whether you want to use corrugated cardboard boxes or custom-built wooden crates—make sure they are sturdy enough to protect your larger antiques. If you have a large antique mirror or sculpture, it will be best to use a wooden crate as it gives the best protection. If you are not sure you can give the best packing to your antiques, consider hiring professional packers and movers for the job as they can disassemble large furniture and securely pack pieces using the appropriate materials and protection supplies.

Label Everything

Just like with artwork, labeling is essential. Use the “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels on every box. If you are using wooden crates, ensure that the crate is marked with clear handling instructions.

Transporting Artwork and Antiques

Awesome! You have packed your items carefully using the tips I have highlighted above. Now, your art and antiques are completely ready for transportation. But don’t get too much relaxed. The transportation phase is not easy anyway. How you transport your treasures to your new home can make a big difference. Here is what you need to do.

• Use professional movers: The safest option is to hire professional movers and packers. Make sure to choose the one that specializes in transporting art and antiques. Fine art movers or antique specialists have experience. They know exactly how to handle fragile items. They also have access to the right equipment, like padded moving blankets, suitable vehicles, and specialized dollies for heavy items.
• Handle with care: If you are transporting these items yourself, do this thoughtfully. Make sure your art pieces or antiques are secured in the truck. Generally, art should be transported upright like it would be displayed in a gallery. Antiques should be placed in a way that minimizes shifting or damage.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Both art and antiques are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. If you are moving during the summer or winter, try to avoid exposing these items to extreme heat or cold for long periods of time.

Unpacking and Setting Up Your Art and Antiques

Once you have arrived at your new home, obviously, you need to unpack and set up your art and antiques. Here are a few tips that can help you efficiently complete the task.

• Take your time: Do not rush the process; rushing will only lead to mistakes. Take your time and start unpacking with boxes that contain the most fragile items.
• Inspect the items: Once you have unpacked boxes, carefully inspect your art and antiques for any signs of damage. If you notice anything wrong or damaged, consult a professional for repair or restoration.
• Display artwork with care: Place each piece safely and securely where it is going to be displayed. Use picture hanging kits with secure hardware to place artwork.
• Reassemble antiques:  Take your time to reassemble furniture and antique pieces. Thereafter, place them in the right place. Make sure the place is not exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight for extended periods on antiques can cause decoration.

Final Thoughts on Moving with Art and Antiques

Of course, moving with art and antiques can be challenging. But with the right approach, you can protect your priceless treasures and transfer them safely to your new home. Careful planning, proper packing materials, professional help, and taking the time to handle each item with care are essentials for safe moving. Whether you are moving with a single painting or an entire collection of antiques—tips and strategies highlighted in this blog post will make your life easier.

Remember: When in doubt, avoid forcing yourself to do the tasks. There are professional packers and movers who can help you with the process and move your art and antiques safely. The goal is to safely transfer your art and antiques whether it is a DIY approach or hiring professional fine art movers. By the way, if you are looking for the best packers and movers in Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or anywhere else in India—you can count on Moving Solutions for high-quality services for moving art and antiques.