Moving art can be quite a task, especially for collectors and artists who have invested quite a lot of time and money into their works.
The fact that art is a very special material makes it very easy to be broken during transportation. Thus, knowing the risks and taking the precautionary measures is crucial to have your artwork in the most perfect state possible at the place you want to send it to.
Common Types of Damage
Physical Damage: Among the various possible types of damage that can be inflicted on the artworks this includes scratches, dents, or breaks that are incurred as a result of artworks being mishandled. For example, the sculpture may chip or crack if it is shaken during transportation. Paintings on canvas may get punctured or torn while framed pieces of art may be the victims of broken glass or damaged frames.
Environmental Damage: Art is affected by the surrounding factors such as heat, rainy season, and source of lighting. Fluctuations in temperature result in the expansion of some parts of the material and the consequent shrinkage in others; consequently, the material may crack or bend. The relative humidity is dangerous because high levels lead to mold formation or detract from the paint layer, and low levels can lead to cracking.
Chemical Damage: Certain materials made from art might have a bad response to the chemicals coming from the packaging and cleaning agents. For example, a certain type of tape can stick directly to the surface of a piece of décor and paint it one day, while harmful gases may be emitted by foam padding material.
Theft and Loss: Any artwork with a high value can easily be stolen during the relocation process. The actual condition (if moving to a different residential area or exhibiting the pieces of art for clients) of theft and loss of artwork is the point of focus.
Preventive Measures
Professional Movers. Getting people who are specialized in art transportation is a good way to keep damage to a minimum. Gurus and best movers NYC or in any other location required, know the details about the skill of getting involved in several categories of art and can provide customized packages of packing and moving services according to your preferences.
Proper Packing Materials. Spending money on top-notch packing materials that are designed especially for art will be a great investment. Paintings may be shielded with acid-free tissue paper and wrapped with bubble wrap to ensure firmness.
Climate Control. When feasible, carry your artwork with a climate-controlled vehicle. This is a very critical thing to do as the stability of the temperature and relative humidity is important to save the delicate pieces. If you decide to store the art for a short period during the moving, make sure the storage facility is also climate-controlled.
Inventory and Documentation: Before the move, create a list of all the works of art, along with complete details of their transportation. Capture images of the works from various angles and indicate if there are any scratches. This documentation ensures successful insurance claim applications, it also serves as proof of the items’ conditions before they are moved.
Insurance Coverage: Make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage for your artworks while transporting them. Consult your insurance provider to see what the options are for artwork in transit. The latter will give peace of mind and financial security against unexpected incidents.
Labeling and Handling Instructions: Appropriately label all cartons filled with artwork with handling notes like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.” This kind of communication allows the movers to understand how to handle a particular artwork, which in turn minimizes the risk of them being handled roughly.
Temperature Monitoring Devices: Temperature and humidity monitoring devices may be powerful tools to keep you informed. These tools can alert you to any drastic changes in environmental conditions that could jeopardize your artwork.
Avoid Last-Minute Decisions: It should not be surprising if you did not hear anything about the services recommended to opt for if you need to have your art moved from your place since everybody is reluctant to pay for extra services. Moreover, you can ensure that your agents have this service available in advance, as the agent is to supervise their activities.
Secure Storage Options: Maybe your art requires to be stored somewhere for some time. It is also important to think not only of the actions that the selected art storage company will take but its record in art storage. Additional operating features including an access control system in combination with a security camera and a vibration sensor in some instances can be installed.
Post-Move Inspection: After your artwork has been delivered to the new location, there is a need to conduct an initial inspection soonest. Stand it to your inventory and documents to be able to check for any damage right from the onset.
Thus, keep in mind that safety is one of the key aspects to pay attention to while moving your priceless collection.
