Tips for Packing Antiques and Fine Art for a Move

Published: February 15, 2024

Moving can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to relocating precious antiques and fine art. These valuable items require special care and attention to ensure they arrive at your new home in pristine condition. Whether you’re an art collector or simply have a few cherished heirlooms, here are some valuable tips to help you pack and protect your antiques and fine art during your move.

Start With a Detailed Inventory

Before you begin packing, create a detailed inventory of all your antiques and fine art pieces. This will help you keep track of your items, ensuring nothing gets misplaced or lost during the move. Include descriptions, dimensions, and photographs of each piece, which will be essential for insurance purposes in case anything happens to them during the moving process.

Gather the Right Packing Supplies

Invest in high-quality packing supplies to protect your valuables properly. You’ll need:

• Boxes: Choose sturdy, double-walled boxes in various sizes to accommodate different items.
• Bubble Wrap: Wrap fragile items in several layers of bubble wrap for cushioning.
• Packing Paper: Use acid-free packing paper to protect delicate surfaces and prevent ink transfer.
• Packing Peanuts: Fill any empty spaces in boxes with packing peanuts to prevent movement.
• Foam Board: Use foam board or foam corners to protect the edges and corners of framed art.
• Stretch Wrap: Secure bubble-wrapped items with stretch wrap to keep them in place.
• Tape: Use painter’s tape or archival-quality tape to avoid damaging surfaces.

Handle With Care

When packing antiques and fine art, handle them with utmost care. Wear clean, gloves to prevent oils from your hands from transferring to delicate surfaces. Always lift items from the base or frame, avoiding holding them by handles or protruding parts that may break.

Protect Glass and Frames

Protect the glass for framed art or mirrors by placing a large X of painter’s tape over the surface. This will help hold the glass together if it shatters during transport. After taping, cover the entire piece with a layer of bubble wrap and secure it with stretch wrap or foam corners.

Wrap and Pad Carefully

Wrap each item individually with acid-free packing paper or bubble wrap. Pay special attention to corners and fragile areas. For sculptures and 3D objects, use extra padding to safeguard protruding elements.

Use Custom Crates for Valuable Artwork

If you have exceptionally valuable artwork, consider using custom crates. These containers are designed to provide maximum protection and are often used by museums and galleries for transporting art. A custom crate can be tailored to the exact dimensions of your artwork.

Label Boxes Clearly

Label each box with its contents and destination room. Use “Fragile” stickers or write “Handle with Care” to alert everyone to the delicate nature of the items inside. This will help ensure that your antiques and fine art receive the special attention they deserve during the move.

Insure Your Valuables

Before the move, check with your insurance provider to ensure your antiques and fine art are adequately covered during transit. Consider purchasing additional coverage if needed. Having insurance will provide peace of mind in case of any unforeseen accidents.

Create a Handling Plan

Before moving day, create a detailed handling plan for your antiques and fine art. Communicate this plan with anyone involved in your moving journey. Ensure everyone understands the fragility and importance of these items. Specify where each piece will be placed and how they should be secured. This clear plan will minimize the risk of accidents or mishandling during the move and help keep your precious items safe.

Document Condition

Before packing your items, document their current condition with photographs and written descriptions. This will serve as evidence in case of any damage during the move and can be useful for insurance claims.

Unpack Carefully

When you arrive at your new home, unpack your antiques and fine art with the same care you used when packing them. Avoid rushing the process. Take your time to unwrap and position each piece properly.

Packing and moving antiques and fine art may require extra time and effort, but it’s essential to ensure the safety of these valuable items. By following these tips and investing in the right packing materials, you can protect your cherished possessions and enjoy them in your new home for years to come. Remember that patience and attention to detail are key when handling antiques and fine art during a move.

To see how we can help, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Houston or call (832) 924-7578 today.