Art exhibits are valuable commodities that provide a significant degree of culture and enjoyment to many people. That said, these valuable collections are often comprised of sensitive materials necessitating thorough care when transported. If you possess artwork or oversee a small exhibit and must transfer such holdings, movers for small moves suggest employing the following procedures:

Designate The Appropriate Boxes

Amongst the first steps take you should take is to designate the appropriate boxes. Art specialists suggest using double-walled corrugated containers that are larger than the specific piece of work you intend to ship. These professionals even recommend packing a single work of art in two boxes to provide added protection. 

Designate the appropriate boxes. photo courtesy of z287marc on Flickr.

Use Cautionary Shipping Labels

Museum curators suggest placing cautionary labeling on packages containing artwork. Said labels might include discretionary urgings, such as “fragile,” “Top Load Only,” and “Do Not Stack.” You are encouraged to understand that these labels will not guarantee the safe transport of your holdings. However, these designations might alert the shipping company in question to handle said materials with care. 

Cautionary shipping label.

Affix Boxes With Shipping Tape

Before shipping, the edges of boxes housing art should be sealed with shipping tape. This affixing material is large and durable and likely to prevent boxes from ripping or sustaining other types of damage. 

Ensure The Work’s Components Are Firmly Attached

Artworks like paintings might contain several components, including the work of art, the matting beneath said creation, and the frame that holds the devising in place. Ergo, before commencing the packing process, you are strongly urged to attach the work’s components firmly. Occasionally, these items might shift during transportation, which could precipitate damage. You may avoid these potential pitfalls by attaching hinges to the frame and masking tape along the bottom to keep matting in place. 

Cushion Artwork Using Bubble Wrap

Art experts maintain that bubble wrapping is amongst the best possible cushioning items you can protect artistic creations with. Not only does this product occupy a significant degree of lingering open space, but it is more likely to prevent this potentially fragile cargo from shifting during the relocation process. 

Use bubble wrap.

Never Use Styrofoam

Those possessing discernible experience packing artwork warn you never to use styrofoam for cushioning purposes. Said materials tend to collect in certain places and, if the accumulation is large enough, could actually damage your creations. 

Never use styrofoam.

Consider Purchasing Insurance

Works of art are typically comprised of fragile materials that could be susceptible to damage from the slightest unintended action. With such facts in mind, you might garner some peace of mind by investing in insurance. This protection could take several forms. One option is to purchase an individual policy offered by the company you will shipping the merchandise with. Another consideration is to buy a business insurance policy designed to cover your artwork for transports and all other purposes as well.

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