How to move fine art and antiques

Every serious move begins with an inventory and a condition record: an itemised list, detailed photographs, existing damage and cracks documented. This isn't a formality — it's the reference point that keeps any later question clear, and it gives insurance a real basis to work from.

The survey also sets the packing plan: what can travel in standard, protected form, and what needs a bespoke solution. A gilded frame, a marble top and an inlaid table each call for different handling.

Art isn't made safe by bubble wrap. Acid-free tissue, pH-neutral foams, corner protection and — for high-value or awkward pieces — a made-to-measure wooden crate or cradle are the right answer. Paintings travel upright, separated from one another, with the frame protected.

Packing follows the object, never the other way round. Anything that doesn't fit a standard crate gets one built for it — that is the difference between general freight and moving art.

Wood, canvas and instruments are sensitive to sudden shifts in temperature and humidity. For longer or international moves, climate-controlled space and a gradual transition matter — the piece is never exposed to thermal shock.

In the load space every item travels secured, positioned for its centre of gravity. A painting doesn't lie flat, a sculpture doesn't lean — most damage comes from movement in transit, and securing is what prevents it.

High-value pieces are best appraised and insured individually before the move — a general liability limit alone is rarely enough for them. The exact cover and each item are set out in writing, as part of the quote.

If you have an expert valuation or provenance documents, gather them beforehand. An orderly file speeds up insurance and is worth a great deal at any later sale.

A high-value move is also a matter of trust. It matters whether the work is done by an in-house, trained crew or a subcontractor you've never met; how many hands a piece passes through; and what others learn about what is moving, and where.

Choose a partner willing to survey the job on site, commit the price in writing, and stand behind the responsibility by name. Care isn't a surcharge — it should be part of the service.