How to protect paintings, sculptures, and treasured objects from one home to the next
Moving fine art is as intricate as a da Vinci and as calculated as a Dalí. Whether moving artwork from a museum or a private home, precision is essential, since one wrong move can cause permanent damage. The process requires white-glove expertise and a customized approach. Relocating a fine art collection should be treated as a move within the move, with specialized professionals overseeing every detail. From paintings to sculptures, each piece deserves bespoke care from packing to transportation and final placement.
Here are four steps to help ensure your collection arrives safely and seamlessly:
1. Begin with a detailed assessment
Start by selecting an established moving company with a proven track record of handling fine art, antiques and one-of-a-kind objects. Ask about their experience working with museums, galleries, collectors and other clients with high-value collections, as well as their custom crating capabilities and specialized training.
Once you have selected a moving company, schedule an in-home or virtual consultation well before moving day. No two collections are alike, so the estimator should review the dimensions, materials, fragility and handling requirements of each piece.
The moving company’s estimator should also assess doorways, staircases, elevators and loading areas at both residences. In communities like Newport Beach, gated entrances, high- rise residences, steep driveways and waterfront properties may require additional planning or specialized equipment.
If you are working with an art advisor, interior designer, estate manager or installer, include that person in the process early.
“Moving fine art begins long before the truck arrives,” said NorthStar Moving’s Newport Beach Office Owner Danilo Salgueiro. “We take the time to understand each piece, each residence and exactly how the client wants the collection handled. That preparation is what allows the move to be discreet, controlled and seamless.”
2. Document and appraise your collection
Before packing begins, create or update a detailed inventory. Photograph each piece from several angles, record identifying information and note its current condition.
Keep appraisals, provenance documents, purchase records and photographs together in a secure digital file that remains with you during the move.
For especially valuable works, consult a qualified art appraiser and speak with your insurance advisor. Confirm what coverage applies during packing, transportation, temporary storage and installation.
3. Choose protection designed for each piece
Fine art packing is never one-size-fits-all. The professionals handling your collection should be trained in specialized packing techniques and understand how to protect paintings, sculptures, antiques and other delicate objects.
A standard cardboard box will not properly protect many pieces of fine art. Flat artwork may be secured in specialized artwork boxes, while oversized, unusually shaped or especially fragile pieces may require custom wooden crates. Built to the exact dimensions of the object, a custom crate fits like a glove and helps minimize movement and vibration throughout the journey. Each box or crate should also be labeled with clear packing and handling instructions.
Not every treasured piece is museum-worthy, but sentimental value can make an object just as irreplaceable. Whether you are moving your grandmother’s antique porcelain vase or a Picasso, look for an established moving company with custom crating capabilities, a stellar reputation and a proven history of handling valuable and one-of-a-kind objects.
4. Protect the collection in transit
Ask how each piece will be positioned and secured inside the truck to prevent shifting or contact with other items during transit. Confirm how access to the shipment will be controlled and how the collection will be inventoried from loading through delivery.
Discretion is equally important, particularly for high-value collections. An experienced mover should limit unnecessary handling and share details only with those directly involved in the move.
Choose Experience Over Convenience
NorthStar Moving has been trusted to transport priceless artwork and irreplaceable objects for clients including the Getty Museum and Harry Winston Jewelers. The company has also moved priceless puppets and delicate computerized puppet control systems for The Jim Henson Company, along with private art collections for high-profile clients who require the utmost care and discretion.
