When it comes to relocating, not all belongings can be treated the same way, especially when it comes to art pieces and antiques. These items often carry more than just monetary value; they hold memories, history, and craftsmanship that deserve the utmost care.
Whether it’s a fragile sculpture, an oil painting, or a vintage timepiece, moving such items requires specialised packing techniques to ensure their safety during transit.
In this guide, we’ll explore the essential methods and materials used to pack art and antiques, and how Interem Relocations ensures every valuable item arrives at its destination just as it left your home.
1. Why Art and Antiques Need Special Packing
Unlike everyday household goods, artworks and antiques are sensitive to temperature, vibration, and impact. Even the slightest mishandling can lead to scratches, warping, or irreparable damage.
Professional packers understand that these items demand:
- Custom-fit packaging rather than standard boxes
- Climate-controlled environments to prevent deterioration
- Special handling and labelling for fragile or high-value pieces
That’s why expert relocation teams treat art and antiques with a mix of technical precision and curatorial care
2. Choosing the Right Packing Materials
The first step to secure transport is selecting the right materials. Using the wrong wrap or filler can do more harm than good.
Essential Packing Materials Include:
- Acid-free tissue paper: Prevents discolouration and moisture damage
- Bubble wrap and foam sheets: Add cushioning without creating pressure
- Glassine paper: Protects paintings and prints from sticking or abrasion
- Custom-built wooden crates: Designed for sculptures, antiques, and framed art
- Silica gel packets: Help control humidity inside crates
Each material serves a purpose; together, they create a stable environment to protect delicate finishes, glass, and textures.
3. Packing Techniques for Different Art Forms
Different art forms require different protection methods. Here’s how professionals handle each category safely:
For Paintings and Framed Artworks
- Wrap artwork in glassine paper, followed by foam padding
- Add corner protectors to prevent frame damage
- Place the item inside a sturdy crate with cushioning on all sides
For Sculptures and Figurines
- Use custom-fit wooden crates lined with shock-absorbing foam
- Secure protruding parts with soft padding to avoid snapping
- For bronze or metal sculptures, ensure anti-tarnish wrapping
For Antique Furniture
- Disassemble removable parts carefully
- Wrap each component with blankets or foam padding
- Protect carvings or gilded surfaces using acid-free paper
For Delicate Ceramics and Glassware
- Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap
- Use dividers to prevent pieces from touching inside boxes
- Mark as ‘Fragile’ and ‘This Side Up’ for safe handling
4. Climate-Controlled and Shock-Proof Transport
Even after packing, transport conditions play a crucial role in preserving your art and antiques.
Professional relocation companies like Interem Relocations use:
- Climate-controlled vehicles to maintain a stable temperature and humidity
- Shock-absorbing systems that minimise vibration during transit
- Real-time tracking for monitoring movement and delivery status
These measures prevent heat damage, moisture build-up, and impact stress during long-distance relocations or international shipping.
5. Insurance and Documentation — Don’t Skip This Step
No matter how carefully your items are packed, accidents can still happen. That’s why comprehensive insurance coverage is essential for every valuable piece you transport.
Always Ensure You Have:
- High-value inventory documentation with photographs
- Condition reports before packing and after delivery
- Declared value insurance covering full replacement or restoration costs
Reliable movers like us assist clients in managing all documentation and securing the right insurance to give you complete peace of mind.
6. How Interem Relocations Handles Art and Antiques
At Interem Relocations, art and antique handling is a specialised service backed by years of expertise in international and domestic logistics.
Our approach combines:
- Custom-built crates and eco-friendly, acid-free materials
- Climate-controlled storage and vehicles for safe transit
- Special handling protocols for irreplaceable items
- GPS tracking and insurance assistance throughout the process
Whether it’s a priceless painting, a marble sculpture, or a vintage heirloom, we ensure every detail is managed with museum-level care, from packing to final placement at your new home.
7. Pro Tips for Moving Valuable Art and Antiques
- Never use newspaper or adhesive tape directly on surfaces
- Label all sides of boxes clearly with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care”
- Keep temperature-sensitive items away from sunlight or moisture
- Always supervise unpacking to ensure items are handled gently
- Retain original receipts and appraisals for insurance verification
Final Thoughts
Your art and antiques represent more than possessions; they’re timeless expressions of culture, craftsmanship, and emotion. Protecting them requires precision, patience, and the right expertise.
With Interem Relocations, every step of the process, from specialised packing to secure transport, is designed to preserve the value and integrity of your treasures.
Because when it comes to moving art, it’s not just about relocation, it’s about respecting history and preserving beauty.