Moving is stressful. Half of the respondents in a survey revealed that moving caused them so much stress that they broke down in tears when they moved in 2023.
Packing all your stuff in boxes and transporting them to another location is no easy task. Things get all the more challenging when you’re an art aficionado with a fine arts collection.
Moving itself is challenging, but it’s a whole new ballgame when artwork is involved. You might receive bits of advice about leaving your artwork behind. But how do you do that when you’ve spent years curating a stunning collection?
Transporting prized artwork is challenging, but here are some valuable tips that will simplify the relocation.
#1. Invest in High-Quality Packing Materials
Each piece of artwork you plan to transport must be wrapped properly so that it remains safe during the move. Wrapping your artwork will protect it from hazards during transportation, as well as dust and moisture.
Bubble wrap has been the go-to choice for packing fine art. It is easy to work with, but we advise against using it. Bubble wraps can leave residues, which can damage your artwork.
Wrap each piece of your artwork with acid-free tissue paper. It will prevent scratches and protect them from damage. For framed artwork, get custom-built crates or boxes. Make sure your pieces fit them snugly. Also, provide ample padding with materials like foam inserts or bubble wrap to safeguard your artwork against potential impacts during transit.
Even for sculptures and three-dimensional pieces, custom crates would be the best bet. Don’t go for any cardboard box you come across on the market. Always choose sturdy, double-walled cardboard boxes. Reinforce their seams and corners with strong packaging tape to add an extra layer of security.
#2. Label Clearly and Strategically
Artwork is fragile. If the pieces are mishandled during transit, they can easily be damaged. Once you’ve wrapped the pieces and packed them in boxes, label them. Each package should be labeled with detailed contents, including descriptions of the artwork and any specific handling instructions such as “handle with care,” “fragile,” or “this side up.”
To track each item effectively, use color-coded labels or a numbering system that corresponds with your inventory list. Don’t place labels on one side of the package; rather, place them on multiple sides. That way, they will be visible from various angles.
Clearly labeled packages are less likely to be mishandled during transit. They will definitely reach their intended destination safely.
#3. Hire a Professional Moving Company
Relocating arts collections is risky due to their fragile nature. Don’t undertake the task of relocating them to your new home yourself. Hire a professional moving company instead.
Seek out companies that specialize in handling valuable and delicate items. They should have proper packing materials and experience with art transportation.
The professional moving company you choose must also have climate-controlled vehicles. Your collection will remain safe from temperature and humidity fluctuations in such vehicles.
Miami, for instance, experiences warm temperatures in June. Temperatures can reach as high as 90°F. Humidity levels can also be high, which can make the weather even hotter.
If you live in Miami, transporting artwork in a regular vehicle in such temperatures can be dangerous. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage paintings as well as frames. They can lead to moisture reductions and thermal tensions. Excessive heat can also damage the paint layer, causing it to crack, blister, or bubble.
Only Miami movers with climate-controlled vehicles will be able to transport your artwork without damage. Their vehicles will maintain a stable environment during transit that will safeguard your pieces of art.
When searching for movers, Brickell Moving and Packing advises homeowners to get quotes from multiple companies. It further suggests they compare quotes while factoring in additional costs. Hence, do that, and you will make an informed decision.
#4. Insure Your Collection
Fine art pieces are extremely delicate and quite expensive. Who would bear the cost if they get damaged or lost during transit? Without insurance, you will have to bear the cost alone. That is why insuring them is important.
The art insurance market size, valued at $40.2 Billion in 2023, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% and reach $55.5 Billion by 2030. The rising awareness of safeguarding their valuable art collection is propelling growth.
Your insurance provider can help determine if your existing policy covers artwork in transit. You will have to purchase additional coverage specifically designed for fine arts if your policy doesn’t cover it.
Specialized art insurance policies offer protection against various risks such as theft, damage, and loss. These policies often cover the full appraised value of each piece, ensuring you are adequately compensated in case of an incident.
Document the condition of your collection thoroughly before the move. Take high-quality pictures, as they will come in handy for filing claims should damage or loss occur.
To wrap it up, moving your fine arts collection to your new abode can be challenging since they are delicate and can get damaged easily. However, these tips can help you relocate your valuable art pieces safely and securely, so follow them.
When your artwork arrives, unpack the pieces very carefully and consider professional installation to maintain the integrity of your pieces.
