Destination: Moving works of art to another state will be cheaper if you are already based in the USA. Distance is not the only factor, however. Different countries have their own international customs regulations. Even within Europe, different import and export restrictions apply depending on location. We can help you with the particular duties, taxes, forms, invoices, and waybills that apply in each country. We will also warn you of any potential penalties and extra fees you might risk incurring. Whatever the destination, we can help move your works of art through customs smoothly.
Mode of Transport: Interstate transferal is usually executed by road. Transferring works of art abroad is often inter-modal, requiring a mix of land, sea and/or air transport. Freighting by air is more expensive, but it is also more reliable, safer for your items, and faster. If time is not an issue, and your pieces are particularly robust, then freighting by sea might prove a less costly option.
Storage: If you need items stored for the short or long term, we can offer the best in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled warehouses, and other secure storage facilities.
Transit Insurance: We can broker the best, most effective deal to insure your artwork while it is in transit. Specialist items require specialist insurance. Transit insurance offers you complete peace of mind during the moving transport process.
We use a range of packaging materials, including:
- Bubble wrap
- Corrugated cardboard
- Loose polystyrene chips
- Foam sheeting
- Paper, including acid-free paper
Wooden crates are the best for containing artwork and antiques. If a standard-sized crate will not work, we never hesitate to create a custom-built crate that fits squarely around the piece, and also lining the crate with foam that will provide extra protection from compression forces.
It is critical that sculptures, books, and antiques are packed so that they cannot shift and therefore suffer damage during transit.
Certain artwork and antiques are packed according to associated rules:
Ceramics, Porcelain and Fine Glass: These fragile items are each wrapped in paper and packed inside a crate filled with poly chips
Silverware : As above, but wrapped in acid-free paper to prevent tarnishing
Antique Furniture : Crated, with weak points identified and given extra padding
Paintings : Frames are protected with tape. Corners are given extra padding, and the painting is wrapped in porous paper, which allows the canvas to breathe. Paintings need to be crated securely together, so that they do not fall over during transit
Antique Mirrors and Glass Panes : These are protected with bubble wrap and a layer of thick cardboard. Extra padding is provided for corners.
