Fine art and antique moving

Antiques and art carry value that has nothing to do with what a replacement costs. A cabinet that has survived a hundred years has a finish, a joint and a story that cannot be reproduced, and a framed work can be ruined by one corner knock. Moving them is about slow handling, the right materials, and a crew that knows what to touch and what to leave alone.

At a glance

• Furniture, mirrors, frames and sculpture
• Custom crates built for the piece
• Display cabinets and glass moved and placed
• Storage in the Sparks warehouse

How pieces are protected

Furniture is wrapped and padded for the truck. Mirrors and framed pictures go into purpose-made cartons or a custom crate. Glass tops and cabinet doors are protected and carried separately. Customers have written about the result: one reviewer described being “amazed at how well organized it was and how many of my things had protective coverings.” (Sonia P., Google)

When a crate is the answer

Some pieces are too fragile, too oddly shaped or too valuable for cartons and pads alone. O'Brien's builds custom crates for glass, art, antiques and machinery. The crate is made to the size of the object, so it cannot shift inside. Read about the process on the custom crating page.

Crating adds time at the start of the job. Tell the estimator early if you know a piece will need one.

Show the estimator everything

Point out every antique, every framed work and every piece with a repair or a loose joint. The itemized estimate and the inventory before packing depend on what the estimator sees. If a piece has an appraisal or a photo record, keep a copy with you. The inventory and condition report written before packing lists each piece and its state, and you sign it.

• Walk each room with the estimator
• Mention repairs, loose veneer and fragile finishes
• Keep appraisals and photos with you
• Review the condition report before packing starts

Valuation and protection

Federal rules require movers to offer valuation coverage, and the basic level is limited by weight. Items of high value deserve a conversation about extra coverage. The guide to released value and full value protection explains the options. Many customers add art and antiques to a household move; others move them alone. See the wider specialty moving page for related services.