If you’re a bit of a sculpture collector or art connoisseur, facing a move from one home to another can make your heart start palpitating. How will you transfer all your high-value items without damaging any of them? Whom can you trust to handle the packing and logistics of all this? All valid concerns, and the answer starts with choosing a reputable mover. Knowing the track record and specialties of your chosen moving company will give you peace of mind during this stressful transition.
Check out these six tips for moving sculptures and fine art.
1. Plan ahead.
Start planning your move as far ahead as possible so you have time to vet movers in your area. Call a few different companies and ask if they offer packing and moving services for antiques and fine collectibles. Not all of them do. Find out if the company is insured, and if there is extra insurance you can purchase as the customer to further protect your items beyond the industry standard.
2. Get estimates.
Don’t settle for phone estimates; any reputable mover who knows valuables are involved will perform an in-home estimate, which is more accurate anyway. Remember, your mover wants to be prepared, too. They need to show up with the right equipment, padding and other safety gear that ensures your valuables will not get damaged or lost in transit.
3. Call your insurance company
to see if it covers damage to paintings, sculptures, glass, artwork and collectibles. If the answer is no, you may want to get in touch with a fine art company that can offer you a separate policy for insurance — especially if your artwork is authentic and not a replica.
4. Write down everything you have and take pictures.
Creating your own inventory assures that all items are accounted for before the move. The list should match once in the new destination. Make two copies and give one to your mover. Be sure to include description of the items, their condition, their weight and dimensions, as well as any other distinguishing characteristics.
5. Pack each item carefully.
If you decide to pack everything on your own, take care to remove all artwork from walls and shelves carefully. Place each item in its own crate, with plenty of heavy padding, shrink wrap, blankets, or packing peanuts for a safe trip. if you’re not up to the task, your moving company can do the packing for you. Around the Clock Moving and Storage, for example, can securely reinforce all boxes on both ends, bubble and shrink wrap fragile items, and wrap furniture and glass with durable moving blankets.
6. Prepare for the move.
The way you wrap various pieces of art can literally make or break them. Avoid wrapping oil paintings in regular paper because it will stick, advises Real Simple. For framed pictures, use masking tape to create an X across the glass for added strength and to keep it together in the event it shatters en route. Wrap artwork and canvases in un-printed newsprint or plain brown paper; otherwise, the ink will transfer onto the paint.
Contact Around the Clock Moving and Storage
Want to learn more about our antiques moving and packing services? Contact us today at 469-853-0045 for a free estimate or fill out our online form. We have two convenient locations in Mesquite and Dallas!
