Most people are aware of how to make moving less stressful. They know that they need to buy durable moving boxes, carefully prepare their possessions for the relocation, and hire a professional moving company they can trust. But, as it turns out, what most people honestly don’t know is how to relocate a piece of art. Hence, there are so many horror stories about damaged or even destructed artworks due to improper handling and relocation. How to ensure that your most precious possessions arrive at your new home intact? Here are some tips that can help avoid common misconceptions, and in that way make a difference between a stressful and successful move.
Common mistakes to avoid when moving art
1. Hiring nonprofessional art movers
Choosing an art moving company is one of the most difficult but at the same time important tasks to complete for proper relocation. A common mistake is procrastination in choosing a reputable moving service provider because in that case you not only risk ending up unsupported on your moving day, but you also risk losing your precious possessions. In order to find your ideal moving company, you need to check out their background and services provided, ask different questions that distinguish professionals from amateurs, and collect as much information as possible about moving options that may satisfy all your needs and requirements.
2. Not asking important questions
Before you hire a moving company, make sure you ask all the questions you need to ask in order to be confident that you are going to get exactly what you need, and even a bit more. Request a free moving quote and find our whether the company provides special insurance that will cover your valuables in transit and whether there are any ‘hidden’ costs for services rendered. This list of questions is not exhaustive, but it is a good starting point to direct you down the right path.
3. Lack of scheduling
Unfortunately, many people contact a moving company a day or two before their scheduled moving date. This may lead to severe stress and intense pressure. Moreover, most relocation companies may happen to be fully booked, or they may not have enough spare vehicles or specialist staff to handle your art possessions. Thereby, do not forget to contact and book professional relocation services from an expert moving company, at least, month in advance. Only in such a case, your moving day will run as smoothly as possible.
4. Moving without art insurance
It is impossible to imagine proper art relocation without getting proper moving insurance. Moreover, you need not just any moving insurance because it does not usually cover such extremely valuable items as art objects; you need special insurance coverage to prevent any accidental damage of art. If you are properly insured, you can rest assured that you will get a reasonable sum in case something completely unexpected happens to your art in transit.
5. Unprofessional packaging
Once you have your packing supplies ready, you need to prepare your fragile artworks for the transportation. The extremely significant thing to remember is that packaging is the first and the last line of defense for your art. It protects your priceless possessions from various physical harms (tearing, scratches, scrapes,etc.) and also from exposure to natures elements (mildew, mold, etc.). Therefore, use only high-quality padding and wrapping materials when packing valuable artworks, place each piece in an individual shipping box, and make sure that everything is done with the utmost care and close attention to detail. It is also very recommended that you transport the most fragile items in durable wooden crates.
6. Improper storage
Artworks are deeply sensitive to physical and chemical effects. Hot and damp environment, as well as dry air, may cause irreversible damage to any of them. Thereby, whether it comes to the short-term or long-term storage of art prints, statues, paintings, or any other works of art, you need a specialized art storage facility equipped with modern climate control and security systems.
The good news is that it is fairly easy to avoid all these mistakes if you know what to expect and how to overcome them. Just remind yourself of these tips the next time you move your treasured collection of art!
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