Best Way to Safely Move Art Collection Cross Country

Finding the right painting—one that's the right size, the correct price, and the correct aesthetic—can exist every bit simple as stumbling across the perfect slice while you lot're on vacation or as arduous every bit a month-long marathon of gallery tours.

As a collector, one time you notice a slice that speaks to you, the final matter y'all want to do is leave it behind when yous motion. If you're an artist or run a gallery, the last thing you want is to lose a sale because yous can't transport the painting to your would-be customer—or worse, for your hard work to arrive damaged.

Whether you're a collector, a curator, or an creative person, aircraft paintings can be complicated and stressful. The primal to shipping paintings safely is to packet them properly—and to work with professionals who have the feel to treat these valuable, highly sentimental items with the care they deserve.

At that place are several ways to motility or send a single painting or larger collection across the country. The shipping experts at TSI are here to aid. Read our comprehensive painting shipping guide to learn most five ways to ship paintings, or jump straight to special considerations and other important tips for shipping paintings, including step-by-pace art packing instructions, by clicking the menu beneath.

i. How To Ship Paintings Read about 5 common means to ship paintings, including pros and cons and when to employ each method. 2. How Much Does It Cost to Transport Paintings? The cost of shipping your painting depends on what shipping method you choose. three. Recommended Shipping Method Moving locally or long altitude? Find out which shipping method is best for your move. 4. Special Considerations Paintings are difficult to ship, and each piece will come with its ain unique fix of considerations for packing and moving. 5. Mistakes to Avert Keep your painting condom throughout the moving process past avoiding these mistakes. half dozen. How To Pack Paintings Pack your paintings the right manner with our step-past-step instructions.

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1. How To Ship Paintings

No matter how large, old, or valuable your artwork is, paintings are frail and often highly sentimental, and that can make them stressful to move or ship—specially if you're relocating long altitude. If y'all're moving long-distance and want to transport your paintings beyond the state, you lot have five options:

1. Rent a truck and motility yourself
2. Hire professional movers
3. Parcel shipping, such as UPS or FedEx
4. Rideshare or peer-to-peer shipping
5. Consolidated freight

Allow's have a closer look at each of these methods:

I. Rent a truck and move yourself

Renting a truck and moving is often the method of pick for pocket-sized or brusque-distance moves. If you lot don't have much to move, aren't moving far, and are physically able to manage the loading and unloading process (with help from friends, family unit, or employees), this method will probable exist your about affordable option.

PACKING TIP: Smaller paintings, once wrapped, can exist packed together into a single box. If you do pack multiple paintings into a unmarried box, be sure to reinforce the bottom—artwork can be heavier than you await.

If you have space in your machine, packing your paintings into your vehicle is the safest way to transport artwork during a DIY motion. You'll have better temperature command, and you can keep your eye on your artwork throughout the moving process.

Loading paintings onto the moving vehicle

If you lot don't have infinite in your vehicle, paintings can be packed onto your moving truck anywhere they will fit, equally long every bit they are secure and aren't field of study to pressure on either side. Continue your paintings safe during a DIY move by following these tips:

• E'er load paintings continuing upwardly instead of lying apartment. They are much more likely to sustain damage if they are lying flat.
• If y'all can, wedge them betwixt two mattresses, couches, upholstered furniture, or whatsoever other large, heavy items that take been properly secured so they won't shift in transit.
• Don't pack paintings in a space where something could fall onto them.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Can exist more cost-effective than hiring movers (assuming your painting doesn't sustain damage)	You are entirely responsible for packing and loading your paintings
Your painting remains in your care the entire time	Larger paintings tin exist especially difficult to motion, depending on the size of your moving vehicle
Yous tin can move on your timeline	Can exist unsafe to pack paintings in the dorsum of a very hot or very common cold truck
	Tin can be expensive for long-distance moves, peculiarly if you are moving lots of stuff
	No insurance included

How much does information technology cost to rent a truck and motility your paintings?

The total cost of a DIY move depends on the size of your rental vehicle and the distance of your movement. You'll pay a day rate based on the size of the vehicle, as well every bit mileage and fuel charges, and any additional charges for moving supplies and insurance. If yous're moving long-altitude, y'all may likewise demand to pay extra to exit your rented vehicle in a unlike city than where yous picked it up.

• Day rates typically range between $19.99-$29.99 per day for a 10'-17' truck, or $29.99-$39.99 for a 20'-26' truck.
• Mileage oft ranges between $0.69-$0.79 per mile during the calendar week and up to $0.99 per mile on weekends and can be higher during tiptop moving flavour.

When should I rent a truck and move my paintings?

• Cheap artwork
• Local or short-altitude moves

2. Hiring professional movers

Professional movers are a popular choice for larger local moves, as well as for those who can't motility or simply don't desire the hassle of loading and unloading their property.

Unless you pay for packing services, your professional moving team likely won't pack your paintings similar they will your other furniture. Exist sure to mention your artwork collection when yous call for a quote so they can provide an accurate toll and advise you virtually packing requirements before they arrive.

If y'all hire professional movers, it may be best to movement your paintings in your vehicle, if possible. The moving truck may non exist temperature-controlled, and you lot'll be able to go along a watchful heart over your treasured paintings en route.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Professional movers know how to handle artwork, and will load it onto the truck properly	Professional movers likely won't pack your paintings, unless yous pay actress for packing services
No heavy lifting—the pros will load and unload all of your stuff	Can exist costly for long-distance moves
May include professional packing materials for your other household items
Bones insurance is frequently included

How much does it cost to hire professional movers?

The American Moving and Storage Association estimates that the boilerplate local move costs around $ii,300, while the average long-distance move costs about $4,300.

The total cost of your move will ultimately depend on how much stuff yous have and how far you're moving. Some moving companies base their prices more on altitude, while others place more than accent on how much stuff you accept. If you're considering hiring professional movers, always become a quote from at to the lowest degree 3 moving companies before you commit.

When should I hire professional movers?

• Larger local moves, such as a full household move
• If you can't load or unload your property merely can pack your paintings

Need aid aircraft fine art?

Have a look at our art aircraft solutions page. Getting a price is easy, simple and straightforward. Shipping your art is safer with TSI.

III. Parcel shipping (FedEx, USPS, UPS)

Packet shipping is provided past familiar services like USPS, also equally private courier companies like FedEx, or UPS. Limited delivery options are available, and you may even be able to add together packing services for an additional fee.

Bundle commitment is a popular shipping choice for artists and gallery owners, and it's also a viable option for those undertaking a long-distance household move who only have a few items to ship. If yous have a big drove or are dealing with big volumes, consolidated freight is typically ideal.

When yous ship artwork using parcel aircraft services, you need to be aware of "dimensional weight". Package shipments are typically priced based on how much they weigh, but the space they take up on the truck tin can also impact the cost of your shipment, especially if you're moving large pieces like paintings. Dimensional weight more accurately reflects the density of your shipment—or, the amount of space it takes up about its actual weight.

How to calculate dimensional weight

Measure the parcel dimensions to calculate the cubic size in inches:

L x W x H = cubic size

Then, carve up the cubic size by the specific dimensional weight divisor determined past your bundle shipping service to calculate dimensional weight. You may demand to ask your shipping provider for this data.

If you only take a few paintings to ship and you have space in your vehicle, moving your artwork yourself volition relieve you some money—and the stress of waiting for your packet to go far undamaged.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Faster—expedited shipping options are available	Bundle pick up options are typically limited—you lot may have to have your painting to a store to ship
Cheaper than consolidated freight	Tin can be expensive to ship large artwork
Can include professional person packing and crating	Your painting is out of your control from pickup to delivery
Can include additional insurance	May not include sufficient insurance

How much does packet shipping cost?

The cost of package aircraft is based on the level of service you choose. Shipping a painting typically costs between $50-$300 per package, depending on the speed of travel and packing method you utilise. Shipping artwork tubes is often cheaper than shipping boxed or crated artwork, ranging between $75-$200 per tube. Next-solar day or expedited shipments will toll significantly more than than regular ground freight, no thing how they are packed.

When should I utilise bundle shipping services to transport paintings?

• Unmounted artwork that can be packed and shipped in tubes
• Expedited or time-critical shipments

IV. Rideshare or peer-to-peer aircraft

Rideshare or peer-to-peer shipping is like carpool for cargo. Afterward you post your shipment on an online market, potential shipping partners who are traveling in the right direction will bid on your shipment. They could exist a road tripper, a truck owner/operator, or a larger logistics company. It's upwardly to you to vet your options and negotiate your shipping rate.

Vetting a potential peer-to-peer shipping partner is especially of import when you lot're shipping paintings. Any shipping partner should be qualified to handle these delicate items, and they should also exist able to provide a safe transportation environment that reduces the risk of damage to your artwork, such every bit temperature control.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Information technology May be cheaper for long-altitude moves	You may not be working with a professional—there's no guarantee of expertise or feel, and there'south less accountability if something goes incorrect
Opportunity to vet potential shipping partners	Demand to pack your painting yourself
Can be used to transport simply near whatever type of large detail	May need to provide loading and unloading assistance
	May not be able to rail your shipment
	No insurance if your painting gets damaged

How much does it toll to send a painting using peer-to-peer shipping?

Peer-to-peer shipping costs tin vary, and are oft negotiable depending on the size of your painting, how many pieces you're shipping, and the level of interest you crave from your aircraft partner. Typically, shipping paintings using peer-to-peer shipping networks volition cost between $175 for smaller, single pieces, and upwards of $1,000 for larger pieces or collections.

When should I use peer-to-peer shipping to ship my paintings?

• Inexpensive artwork that doesn't crave additional packing or loading services
• If you lot are shipping a few other big items

V. Consolidated freight

When yous ship your painting(s) using consolidated freight, your artwork will share space on the truck with other shipments heading in the aforementioned direction. You only pay for the amount of infinite your shipment takes upwardly on the truck, which helps proceed your costs lower, especially for larger collections.

Consolidated freight shipping services are always provided past licensed and insured aircraft companies. The best-consolidated freight providers will connect you with an experienced shipping company that specializes in transporting artwork like paintings. This may include:

• Temperature-controlled vehicles
• Loading and unloading past hand (instead of past forklift)
• Varying levels of service, such as white glove packing services, ensure that your artwork is packed or crated properly.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Safe—you tin trust experienced professionals to handle your painting properly in a controlled environment	It May be costly to ship large artwork or collections
Convenient—no need to observe space in your rented moving vehicle to safely pack paintings	Longer timelines, unless you pay for expedited shipping
Easy for galleries to set up recurring shipments	Does not always include packing and loading services
May include crate packing services, as well every bit indoor loading and unloading
Includes aircraft insurance

How much does it price to ship a painting using consolidated freight?

The cost of shipping a painting (or a drove of paintings) using consolidated freight will depend on what level of service you choose. If you lot tin pack your painting yourself, consolidated freight services can cost equally depression as $375.

If your artwork is particularly valuable, fragile, or sentimental, y'all'll demand white-glove service. With crating included, white-glove service typically costs between $900-$1,000 but is much safer than a standard LTL shipping surroundings. Instead of beingness loaded and unloaded using a forklift, your painting will be carried by hand by professional person artwork movers.

When should I use consolidated freight to motion my paintings?

• Larger collections
• Long-distance moves
• Particularly valuable artwork
• If you lot need help with packing or crating
• High-book or recurring shipments

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2. How Much Does it Cost to Transport a Painting?

Method	Price
Renting a truck and moving yourself	Depends on the size of the vehicle and distance of the movement
Hiring professional person movers	Depends on size and distance of move; approximately $4,300
Parcel shipping	Between $50 and $300, depending on the speed of travel and packing method
Peer-to-peer shipping	Depends on the size of the painting and how many pieces you're shipping; typically between $175 and $one,000
Consolidated freight	Starts at $375 for LTL service; $900-$1,000 for premium White Glove service

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3. Recommended Shipping Method

For local or short-distance moves, nosotros recommend transporting paintings and other artwork in your vehicle.

For long-distance moves, consolidated freight is platonic for large collections and recurring or volume shipments of more 10 pieces per month. Consolidated freight services like less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping are always provided by licensed and insured professionals, so you can experience confident that your artwork is being transported safely throughout its journeying.

Consolidated freight providers often offer multiple service levels, including packing and custom crating, assist loading your paintings, and boosted insurance. Most paintings will require White Glove shipping services, which include indoor pickup and commitment, packing services, and additional insurance. Unproblematic LTL shipments commencement at $375 and can achieve up to $900 or more for White Glove service.

For smaller paintings, single items, or time-critical shipments, parcel shipping is your best pick.

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four. Special Considerations for Shipping Paintings

If you're researching the best style to ship paintings, y'all likely autumn into one of two groups:

1. Collectors: You're relocating, either locally or long altitude, and you need assistance safely moving your paintings to your new home. In this case, you lot might be looking for help shipping a single painting, or a large collection.
2. Artists or gallery owners: You're an artist or a gallery possessor, and yous need to ship paintings to both local and long-distance buyers. You may besides be dealing with higher volumes and recurring shipments.

Regardless of what army camp yous belong to, you'll exist dealing with the same considerations.

Mounting

The way your painting is mounted determines how it should be packed. Unmounted canvases tin be rolled and shipped in tubes, while stretched canvases should be carefully packed in boxes. If your painting is mounted behind glass, you lot'll need to take extra precautions to protect the glass and limit the damage if it does interruption in transit.

Size

The size of your painting also determines how it should be packed.

• Smaller works tin can exist shipped in new, double-wall corrugated cardboard boxes.
• Anything larger than 48" on one side should be crated for maximum protection.
• Unmounted artwork tin be rolled and shipped in tubes that are at least four inches longer than the shortest side of the piece when information technology'southward rolled flat. The tube should be wide enough to accommodate 4-five inches of padding.

Larger artwork is also priced differently. Some carriers, such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS, may accept size restrictions and may price your shipment based on dimensional weight.

Value

Artwork can be immensely valuable, both financially and sentimentally. For particularly valuable works of art, it's highly recommended that you purchase additional insurance based on the value of the piece (not its weight) to ensure you're covered in case information technology does sustain damage.

Paintings must be properly packaged according to strict requirements to be insured. The all-time-consolidated freight shippers volition provide packing services that comply with insurance requirements.

Delicate

Paintings, especially stretched canvas, are delicate. No affair what size of painting you are shipping, packing them properly to forbid puncture and other impairment is essential.

Volume

If you're an artist or run a gallery and you lot ship a lot of artwork, setting upwards recurring shipments with a consolidated freight shipper can salvage time and streamline the shipping procedure so you lot can go your artwork to your buyer as fast and equally safely as possible. With the all-time freight shipping companies, recurring shipments tin be scheduled in as picayune every bit a single email.

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5. Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Paintings

• Non wearing gloves. The oil from your fingers can impairment the surface of the paint and other high-gloss art. When packing paintings, protect your artwork by wearing nitrile or cotton art-handling gloves at all times.
• Using poor quality tools and packing materials. Cheap or low-quality tools and packing materials can seriously compromise the security of your packing job. Never reuse boxes for packing artwork, and don't use paper in place of packing newspaper—the ink tin easily rub off and exit an imprint on your artwork. Always employ the highest possible quality packing tape, and an efficient tape gun—inexpensive tape is harder to apply, harder to cut, and information technology doesn't stick every bit firmly.
• Using the wrong size box. Your box should be at least two" larger than your painting on all sides to permit sufficient space to pad your artwork. There are 3 common box sizes for aircraft paintings: 28" x 4" ten 37", 37" x 4 ⅜" x 30", and 36" x half dozen" x 42". Telescoping boxes are also available.
• Non protecting corners. The corners and edges of your painting are the most susceptible to damage. Create corner protectors using cardboard cutouts or purchase pre-made corner guards, and take care to protect the border of your painting past padding it adequately.
• Using packing peanuts instead of bubble wrap. Packing peanuts will settle to the bottom of the box, leaving your painting susceptible to impairment. Instead of packing peanuts, always use bubble wrap to pack paintings. Large, i" bubble wrap is typically recommended.
• Non lining your painting before wrapping in bubble wrap. If bubble wrap comes into direct contact with the surface of your painting, it may stick to the varnish and leave an imprint. Always wrap your painting in acid-gratis, archival-quality glassine newspaper before wrapping in bubble wrap. Bubbles should exist facing out to reduce the gamble of leaving an imprint.
• Packing artwork likewise presently. If you lot're an artist, make sure your painting is completely dry before packaging. Different types of pigment take different lengths of time to dry out completely, and pigment can sometimes appear dry when it isn't.

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6. How To Pack a Painting

If you're selling your home, your existent estate agent may recommend packing your paintings early on to help with staging. Across this, packing paintings first and shipping them early or storing them in a safe place is a good way to protect them throughout the moving process. Here's how to pack paintings:

Packing materials

• Record measure
• For mounted artwork: Double-wall corrugated film or mirror box
• For unmounted artwork: Sturdy shipping tube
• Glassine paper—wax or parchment newspaper are not suitable alternatives
• Scissors
• Artist record or painter'southward tape
• Cling film or shrink-wrap
• Cardboard corner protectors
• Bubble wrap
• Foam boards
• Loftier-quality packing tape
• "Frail" stickers

Packing instructions

Once y'all've caused the necessary packing materials, you can brainstorm packing your painting. Every slice is unlike, but these steps are a adept place to showtime:

1. Clean your work surface. Wipe it down to remove dust and dirt, then pad it with protective textile similar cardboard, foam, or cloth to prevent scrapes and scuffs.
2. Measure your artwork. Use your record measure to make up one's mind the length, width, and height of your painting. This will help yous choose the right size box or shipping tube. What size is the right size? Look for a box that provides a minimum of 2" clearance on all sides. There are three mutual box sizes for shipping paintings: 28" x iv" x 24", 37" x four ⅜" x 30", and 36" x 6" x 42". Telescoping boxes are also available.
3. Take photos from all angles. You'll demand photos to provide proof of condition if your painting sustains damage in transit and you need to brand an insurance claim.

If you're boxing your artwork

1. Wrap painting in acid-free, archival-quality glassine paper. This will protect your artwork from discoloration or staining. Ensure the protective paper covers all sides and edges, then secure information technology in identify with acrid-gratuitous artist'south tape. Brand corner protectors out of glassine newspaper past cutting four squares and folding them in half twice diagonally to form triangles. Tape the gratuitous/open side of the triangle so it forms a pocket, then affix to the corner of the painting.

1. Wrap the painting in shrink-wrap or cling film. Pull the shrink wrap tightly effectually the artwork so that it doesn't get bunched or tangled. Cut small slits in the back and so your painting can exhale—airflow tin help forbid trapped wet and whatever resulting impairment to the surface of your artwork.
2. Add a layer of cardboard padding. This creates a sort of "internal box" that will significantly reduce the possibility of a foreign object piercing or scuffing the painting. Information technology will also assistance absorb shock if the painting gets dropped. Cut the cardboard and so that you leave 2 extra inches at each stop, then bring the two sides together to form a triangle on the top and bottom edge, and record it closed. This creates an additional buffer at the edge of the artwork that will absorb shock and help protect the edges and corners—the two nearly vulnerable areas of a stretched canvass. Record a narrow piece of cardboard to the open sides to seal the internal box.
3. Protect corners using paper-thin corner protectors.
4. Add together a layer of chimera wrap. Pull the bubble wrap tightly to maintain tension and prevent bunching, taking care that the bubbles face outward to foreclose indentations or impressions. Double-wrap the edges of your painting to protect these vulnerable areas.
5. Sandwich the wrapped painting between foam boards for added protection. Tape the boards together firmly, but not tight enough to apply pressure to the art.
6. Slide painting into the outer box. The most mutual source of damage to paintings is from movement immune by extra space in the box. Cut the box downwardly to a smaller size if necessary, or fill the box as completely as possible with additional chimera wrap—not packing peanuts.
7. Tape the box shut. Tape all seams of the outer box, including the short seams at the end of each flap. Any untapped seam tin snag and easily rip open if something catches information technology. Merely employ loftier-quality, heavy-duty packing record that'southward at to the lowest degree 2 inches wide. Duct tape and other household tapes are non sufficient.
8. Label as "Frail" and "HANDLE WITH CARE".

If yous're shipping your paintings in a tube

1. Identify the artwork atop two sheets of glassine paper cut to a size that is at to the lowest degree 2 inches larger than the artwork on all iv sides to protect it from discoloration or staining. Ensure the protective newspaper covers all sides and edges. Newspaper-based artwork, such equally drawings, prints, watercolor paintings, or photographs, should be placed face. Fabric-based art, such as linen or canvas, should be placed confront down to prevent smashing or breaking. If you're shipping multiple pieces in a single tube, place a canvas of glassine paper between each work. Layer the fine art from largest to smallest, and make sure each slice is facing the same management.
2. Roll paper-covered artwork around a smaller tube for inner support. Don't whorl it too tightly to avoid damage to the painting. Secure the curlicue with artist's record.
3. Roll the artwork in a layer of chimera wrap and seal with tape.
4. Slide roll into the outer tube.
5. Fill extra spaces with chimera wrap, taking intendance non to beat out the edges of your painting.
6. Seal with packing tape and label every bit "FRAGILE".

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Conclusion

If yous're an artist or gallery possessor shipping paintings to buyers across the country, or are planning a long-altitude move and are because how to motility your drove, you lot have five options for shipping paintings

1. Rent a truck and move yourself
2. Hire professional movers
3. Bundle shipping, such as UPS or FedEx
4. Rideshare or peer-to-peer aircraft
5. Consolidated freight

If yous are shipping a single painting or smaller pieces, or demand expedited shipping, parcel shipping is your best option. For recurring or book shipments or long-distance moves of big paintings or larger collections, consolidated freight is ideal. TSI can help—our experienced logistics coordinators will connect you with an expert artwork shipping company and assist y'all create a shipping plan that works for your schedule and budget, including recurring shipments.

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Source: https://www.tsishipping.com/resource-center/how-do-i-ship-paintings