If you plan to move to Garden Grove and you consider yourself a collector of art, you will understandably be concerned with how your valuables will make the trip. Many people collect art in Garden Grove, well known for its distinctive architecture and live theater.

When packing your artwork, you have to be extra careful to pad the items, whether you have framed paintings, sculptures or prints. The better job you do of packing your artwork, the better chance it will have of making the trip unscathed. Of course, you could take the easy way out and hire professional movers and packers to handle this for you.

They can take the necessary precautions that will ensure your artwork and other valuables are properly protected. This means they show up with blankets, boxes and other supplies to pack them in such a way that the potential for damage is prevented.  

Even if you hire movers to pack your artwork, there are other steps you can take to make sure your valuables are protected during the process.

Ring Your Insurance Company

Your insurance agent will be able to tell you the type of coverage you have for a fine arts collection. They will also tell you if your existing policy covers that collection during a move. If you don’t have coverage, or it’s just not enough, you can purchase a separate policy.

If your insurance company doesn’t offer an artwork protection policy, call around and research other companies. Don’t just move an art collection, especially a very valuable one with high dollar amounts, without being properly protected.

Get an Appraisal and Take Photos

First, make an inventory of your entire art collection. This involves noting the name of every piece, the artist’s name, the year of creation, and its estimated value (if you know it). Not quite sure how to assess the value? This is when you should hire an art appraiser. They will visit your home, look over your collection and come up with a value.

Next, take photos of all your art pieces, from several angles. Write down any existing damage which will allow you to compare conditions when in the new place.

Print out the photos, labeling each one. Place them in a binder or photo album, and use it to refer back to later if there’s a question of condition or missing pieces. Photos are a great resource to show the insurance company if you have to make a claim.  

Get Estimates From Your Movers

Hiring a reputable moving company that offers artwork moves is the next step. You want to make sure the movers you hire are qualified not only to pack artwork but to transport it long distances as well. Gather a few in-person quotes from each company you talk to.

Such In-person quotes will provide you with the accuracy you need for peace of mind. You can also use this time to ask them questions and determine for yourself if you trust them to handle your collection.

Use the Right Boxes

Packing artwork doesn’t mean you should just throw various pieces in box. Even if you pad them thoroughly, you still have to choose the right boxes for each piece. Because you likely have artwork that comes in different shapes and sizes, you will need different types and sizes of moving boxes.

Wooden crates are best for bulky or heavy items, while mirror or artwork boxes are best for statues, paintings and prints, for example. For framed artwork, use a flat picture box that is a bit larger than the actual object.

Secure each art piece within each box, adding enough padding inside to cushion any vibrations that may occur on the truck. Each piece should be wrapped individually.

Get Out the Plastic Wrap

Before you put any artwork inside their designated boxes, wrap each piece in plastic wrap to prevent damage such as scratches. Friction can cause a lot more damage than you think, particularly with pieces featuring glass fronts.

If you don’t have plastic wrap, use bubble wrap but don’t skimp on the layers. Tape up the whole bundle and add cardboard corner protectors if you have a very ornate item. One thing you should never wrap your artwork in is newspaper, as it can leave marks behind, says The Spruce.

Seal Up and Label Boxes

Placing crumpled newsprint at the bottoms of the boxes, carefully set the wrapped artwork inside. Now give the box a gentle shake to see if anything can shift easily. If you hear noise, you’ll have to add more padding. Once satisfied that things are properly padded, you can seal up the box with tape.

The next part is important: label each box in detail, outlining the specific contents and destination room. Write FRAGILE on the box. If you can, put all fragile boxes in one place and make sure your movers know to take extra care with those.

Care For Sculptures

Sculptures and statues will require more TLC than, say, prints. Using plastic wrap, cover each sculpture in plastic wrap, which will serve to protect the finish. Next, add bubble wrap to further cushion vulnerable areas. Put the whole bundle in the box, fill any gaps with padding, seal it up with tape, and be sure to label it in detail.

Because there are so many steps involved in the packing and transportation of artwork, it’s wise to just have your movers pack it all up for you. They will know which equipment and supplies to bring, as well as the proper techniques to wrap each item so they make the trip sans damage.

Contact Move Central

Here at Move Central, we offer packing services for all your items, not just artwork. We have particular experience with moves in and around Garden Grove, home to 172,000, so call us for a free quote on any of our services now at 866-305-3919.