Relocating a Fine Arts Collection: The Dos and Don'ts of Art Moving and Storage

Relocating a fine arts collection can be a daunting task, especially for collectors who have invested a significant amount of time and money in building their collection. Whether you are moving your collection to a new home, gallery or museum, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your valuable artworks are transported safely and securely.

A significant development in recent years is the increasing demand for fine art and antiques transportation and storage. As globalization continues to increase, the movement of artworks and other precious objects across the world has become more common. As a result, fine art relocation companies have had to adapt to provide a wider range of services to meet the growing demand, such as climate-controlled storage facilities, specialized packing and crating, and secure transportation.

Another significant change is the use of technology to improve the efficiency and security of fine art relocation services. For example, many companies are now using GPS tracking and real-time monitoring systems to keep track of artworks during transport, while others are using blockchain technology to ensure the authenticity of high-value items.

In addition, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of fine art transportation, which has led to more companies implementing sustainable practices in their operations. This includes the use of eco-friendly packing materials, energy-efficient transport vehicles, and offsetting carbon emissions.

?The fine arts relocation services industry has become more specialized, technologically advanced, and environmentally conscious in recent years, to keep up with the increasing demand for their services and the evolving needs of their clients.

Do's:

1. Hire a Professional Art Moving Company: When it comes to relocating fine arts collections, it is imperative to hire a professional art moving company with experience in handling fragile and valuable artworks. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to pack, transport and install your collection safely and securely.
2. Document your Collection: Before the move, it is essential to document your collection thoroughly. Take photographs and create a detailed inventory of each artwork, including its condition, dimensions, and value. This documentation will come in handy if any damage occurs during the move.
3. Use of Appropriate Packing Materials: Artworks should be packed using appropriate materials such as acid-free paper, bubble wrap, and custom-made crates. This will protect the artworks from moisture, dust, and other hazards during transportation.
4. Consider Climate Control: Certain collections are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the artworks are transported in a climate-controlled vehicle. This will prevent damage caused by extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
5. Insure your Collection: It is essential to insure your fine arts collection before the move. This will protect you against any loss or damage that may occur during transportation.

Dont's:

1. DIY Packing: While packing your belongings for a move is often a DIY task, it is not advisable when it comes to fine arts collections. Artworks require specialized packing techniques, which can only be executed by professionals with experience in handling valuable art objects.
2. Rush the Packing Process: Packing your collection requires time and attention to detail. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes, which can result in damage to your artworks.
3. Overcrowd the Moving Vehicle: Fine arts collections should be transported in a separate vehicle to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to damage caused by artworks rubbing against each other or falling during transportation.
4. Neglect to Inform the Art Moving Company of the Artwork's Specifics: It is crucial to inform the art moving company about the specifics of your collection. This includes its fragility, weight, and dimensions. This information will enable them to prepare the appropriate equipment and ensure that the artworks are transported safely.
5. Forget to Follow Up: After the move, it is essential to follow up with the art moving company to ensure that your collection arrived at the destination safely and without damage. This will also enable you to address any issues that may arise promptly.

Relocating a fine arts collection requires attention to detail and specialized knowledge. By following the do's and dont's outlined in this article, you can ensure that your collection is transported safely and securely to its new location. Remember, always hire a professional art moving company with experience in handling fine arts collections, and never rush the packing process.

Interem 's fine arts handling solutions have been demonstrated to be the best-in-class due to our unrivalled expertise working with a diverse variety of clients globally. We provide customised fine art shipping and installation solutions to museums, art galleries, auction houses, and individual collectors throughout the world. Get in touch today with your local connects to know more.