How to Pack and Move Antiques and Fine Art: A Specialist’s Guide from New Horizons Removals
When it comes to moving antiques and fine art, extra care and planning are essential. Whether you’re relocating a single heirloom or an entire collection, the risks of damage, loss, or devaluation are high without the right techniques. At New Horizons Removals, our team has extensive experience handling precious and fragile items with professionalism and precision.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about safely packing, protecting, and transporting valuable antiques and fine art across the UK.
Why Moving Antiques and Fine Art Requires Specialist Care
Unlike standard furniture, antiques and artworks are often:
- Irreplaceable or historically significant
- Prone to damage from temperature, humidity, and vibration
- Highly sensitive to handling errors
- Covered by strict insurance and valuation criteria
That’s why moving antiques and fine art isn’t just a service—it’s a specialised skillset. Our expert teams are trained in custom packing, white-glove handling, and transportation protocols designed to protect your most valuable belongings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Antiques and Fine Art
1. Assess the Items Individually
Each antique or artwork should be examined for:
- Age and condition
- Materials (e.g. oil on canvas, gilded frames, ceramic, wood)
- Existing wear or fragility
Take photographs from all angles as part of your inventory. These are useful for insurance, damage tracking, and valuation.
2. Get a Professional Valuation
Before you move, have your items appraised by a certified expert. This valuation ensures accurate insurance cover and serves as a record in case of damage or loss.
🛡️ Tip: Always notify your home insurer if you’re moving high-value items—many policies require updates for coverage during transit.
3. Use the Right Packing Materials
You’ll need:
- Acid-free tissue paper
- Bubble wrap (non-abrasive)
- Glassine or plastic sheeting for oil paintings
- Custom-sized wooden crates
- Foam padding and corner protectors
Wrap items gently, avoiding pressure on fragile parts (like carved legs or gilded frames). Never tape directly onto surfaces.
How New Horizons Removals Protects Your Valuable Items
As specialists in moving antiques and fine art, our approach includes:
- Tailored Packaging: We design custom crates and supports based on each item’s size, weight and vulnerability.
- Professional Handling: Only trained team members handle antique items—no subcontractors, no shortcuts.
- GPS-Tracked Vehicles: Your possessions are safe in transit, and their location is always known.
- Insurance Cover: Full insurance is included for specialist moves.
Special Considerations for Paintings and Sculptures
Paintings
- Avoid rolling canvases unless absolutely necessary.
- Protect the face of the painting with glassine paper, not plastic wrap.
- Use cardboard or foam boards as buffers before bubble wrapping.
Sculptures
- Anchor to the base when possible.
- Never lift by extended parts (e.g. arms, necks, tails).
- Use wooden crates with padding to prevent movement.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving Antiques and Fine Art
Do I need insurance for moving antiques and art?
Yes—insurance is essential when moving high-value or irreplaceable items. At New Horizons Removals, we include comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance as standard, with options to increase coverage based on valuation. Always check the terms before the move.
Can I pack antiques and artwork myself?
While you can, we strongly advise against it for valuable or fragile items. Incorrect materials or packing techniques may cause irreversible damage. Our team uses professional-grade materials such as acid-free tissue paper, custom crates, and protective padding specifically designed for antiques and artworks.
How far in advance should I book a specialist removal?
We recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance, especially if you require custom crates, insurance appraisals, or vehicle scheduling for long-distance moves. Last-minute bookings may limit our ability to prepare specialist equipment.
Can you move antiques internationally?
Yes, we offer both UK-wide and international removals for antiques and fine art. For overseas moves, we coordinate with trusted logistics partners and ensure customs regulations, documentation, and insurance requirements are fully met.
What if my items are already in storage?
No problem. Our team can collect antiques and fine art directly from your storage facility, ensuring they are professionally packed and protected before onward transport to your chosen destination.
Choosing a specialist mover like New Horizons Removals ensures peace of mind, from door to door. Contact Us today to discuss packing and moving your Antiques and Fine Art
See guidance from Arts Council England on handling and moving fine art:
🔗 Museums and Galleries Handling Advice – Arts Council
