How to Move Antiques and Fine Art:
Expert Tips from F Smith & Son Removals
Wondering how to move antiques and fine art without a single scratch or loss?
Whether it’s an antique chest of drawers passed down from your grandparents or a collection of fine art pieces you’ve curated over the years, moving these treasures can feel like a daunting task.
You can’t just throw them into a box and hope for the best. Trust me, you don’t want to risk it.
In this guide, I’m David Smith from F Smith & Son Removals. With over 30 years of expertise, I’ll share everything you need to know about moving antiques, fine art, and other prized possessions safely. Stick with me because the right steps today can save you thousands tomorrow.
Why Moving Antiques and Fine Art Requires Expertise
Moving regular household items is one thing, but moving antiques and fine art is a whole different ball game. These aren’t just items; they’re history, memories, and investments.
- Antiques and fine art can be fragile. One small mistake can ruin their value.
- Fine art items, like oil paintings and sculptures, need specific handling.
- Items like grand portraits, fine art, and delicate materials require the expertise of professional art handlers and antique specialists.
F Smith & Son has been providing removals and storage in Croydon, Surrey, and South West London for over 90 years. When it comes to antiques and fine art removals, our knowledge and experience make all the difference.
Step-by-Step: How to Move Antiques and Fine Art Safely
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to ensure your valuable items arrive in perfect condition:
1. Inventory and Documentation
Create a detailed inventory of every antique and fine art item you plan to move. A thorough inventory will help keep track of all your belongings.
- Photograph each item from multiple angles.
- Note down the condition of each piece. This documentation is essential for insurance purposes.
If you’re dealing with collectables or a fine art collection, it’s worth considering professional help for the inventory process.
2. Packing Properly Matters
For antiques, the right packing materials are crucial. Regular boxes simply won’t cut it for valuable artworks and antique removal requirements.
- Acid-free paper: Essential for wrapping delicate items like paintings and fabrics.
- Custom-built crates: A must-have for large pieces, especially sculptures and furniture.
- High-quality packing materials: Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and corner protectors for fine art protection.
At F Smith & Son, our trained art handlers are experts in choosing the right packing materials for each item.
3. Handling and Loading: No Room for Error
Handling fine art and antiques is all about precision. This is where our team of antique packers come in.
- Always lift and handle items carefully—avoid dragging them.
- Large art pieces like paintings or mirrors should always be transported in an upright position to avoid breakage.
- Our professional antique transportation service makes sure that fine art transportation is handled smoothly, without unnecessary risks.
4. Transporting Fine Art and Antiques
Dedicated vehicles for transporting antiques and fine art are not just a luxury; they’re a necessity.
- Dedicated art shipping: F Smith & Son offers vehicles with climate control to keep your delicate collections safe.
- We use secure materials designed to cushion even the most precious items during transit.
If you’re relocating antiques or a fine art collection, leave it to the professionals. We understand fine art removals are about careful execution.
Challenges of Moving Antique Furniture and Sculptures
- Wooden furniture needs special attention to prevent cracking or warping.
- Sculptures, depending on the material, can be quite fragile.
- Packing and moving multiple items increases the risk if not handled by antique experts.
Packing Fine Art and Antique Paintings
When it comes to fine art removals, especially oil paintings, specialised packing is a must.
- Acid-free paper and bubble wrap protect the artwork from scratches and humidity.
- White Gloves are used to ensure no oils or residues come into contact with the art pieces.
Looking to move more than just fine art? Learn how to simplify your house removals with our complete guide here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Antiques and Fine Art
- DIY Packing: The biggest mistake you can make is trying to pack items yourself. Without the proper materials and techniques, you could cause more harm than good. Check out the pros and cons of DIY vs professional packing here.
- Using Generic Movers: Not all movers are experienced with antique removal requirements. Specialised antique removal services are needed for delicate materials and valuable pieces.
- Inadequate Insurance: Always get insurance when moving high-value items. Professional removal companies like F Smith & Son offer coverage that ensures your items are protected in case anything goes wrong.
Storing Antiques and Fine Art
Sometimes, you might need to store your collectables or fine art items before or after a move.
- Climate-controlled storage is essential for keeping antiques and artwork in perfect condition.
- Our storage facilities in Croydon provide the ideal environment for valuable pieces that need temporary housing.
Learn more about our removals and storage services in Surrey here.
Special Considerations for Moving Different Types of Fine Art
Moving Paintings
- Oil paintings are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. We use climate-controlled vehicles to maintain a stable environment during transit.
- Paintings should be wrapped in acid-free paper and padded with bubble wrap before being placed in custom crates.
- Larger pieces should be transported upright to avoid any damage to the canvas or frame.
Moving Sculptures
- Sculptures come in many shapes and sizes, often with delicate protrusions. We create custom-built crates to provide maximum protection.
- Heavy sculptures require special equipment for lifting and positioning during transit.
- We use specialised padding materials to cushion the sculptures and prevent any movement within the crate.
Moving Antique Furniture
- Antique furniture requires careful disassembly and packing. We ensure that all detachable parts are removed, wrapped, and labelled correctly.
- Wooden furniture can be affected by humidity. We use climate-controlled storage and transport options to keep the wood in perfect condition.
- Protective wrapping is used to avoid scratches, and every piece is carefully secured during the move.
The Importance of Using Professional Art Handlers
Using professional art handlers is not just about manpower; it’s about expertise. Trained art handlers understand the delicate nature of fine art items and have the skills and tools required to handle them safely.
- They use White Gloves to prevent oils from their hands damaging the artwork.
- Professional art handlers are trained to move and position items in a way that prevents stress on delicate areas, reducing the risk of damage.
- We offer dedicated art shipping solutions, including climate-controlled environments and specialised packing.
Insurance and Value Protection
When it comes to valuable pieces like antiques and fine art, insurance isn’t optional—it’s a must.
- Comprehensive insurance covers any potential damage during the move, giving you peace of mind.
- We work with our clients to assess the value of their items and ensure they are adequately covered.
- Our team also advises on the best practices for protecting high-value items during transit.
Preparing for an Exhibition or Sale
If you’re moving items for an exhibition or auction, extra care must be taken to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.
- We work closely with art galleries, commercial art galleries, and auction houses to ensure seamless transportation.
- All items are carefully packed, transported, and set up according to the specifications required by art dealers, private collectors, and museums.
- We understand the strict timelines involved with exhibitions and auctions and plan every detail to ensure timely delivery.
Long-Term Storage Options for Fine Art and Antiques
There are times when long-term storage is required—whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or need to store items between moves.
- Our climate-controlled storage facilities are ideal for delicate collections and valuable artworks.
- We provide secure, clean, and monitored environments where your prized pieces are kept safe from environmental changes.
- Each item is carefully documented and labelled, ensuring easy retrieval whenever needed.
How to Clean and Maintain Antiques During a Move
Cleaning antiques is an important part of the moving process.
- Dust and clean all antiques before packing. This helps to prevent dirt from causing scratches during transit.
- Use specialised cleaners for wooden furniture and delicate materials to maintain their condition.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the item. Instead, opt for gentle, pH-neutral cleaning solutions.
How to Ensure a Smooth Relocation for Your Fine Art and Antiques
- Plan ahead: Start preparing your items well in advance. Rushing increases the risk of damage.
- Consult with experts: Engage with professionals who have experience in specialised antique removal and fine art removals.
- Communicate clearly: Let the removal team know about any particular concerns or instructions for certain pieces.
Moving is a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, expertise, and support, your antique and fine art collection can be relocated safely.
Conclusion
How to move antiques and fine art without stress? It all boils down to experience, the right packing materials, and careful handling. At F Smith & Son, we offer all that and more, ensuring your valuable items arrive safely at their new home.
Ready to move your antique and fine art collection with confidence? Contact us today to book a call and discuss your unique needs.
For more helpful tips on moving, check out our step-by-step guide to an international move here.
