Paintings stacked around a chair

It's crucial to take extra precautions when moving irreplaceable items like antiques or fine art in order to keep them secure every step of the way. Whether you have a museum that you're swapping pieces in and out of, or are planning a residential relocation and want to ensure the safety of your family's heirlooms, Westheimer Transfer & Storage has a few tips for you.

Since 1883, Westheimer has been a reputable moving and storage company servicing Houston and the surrounding region. With nearly a century and a half of experience to our name, we've completed countless specialized moves, which have included innumerable art pieces and delicate antiques. Below is our advice for an accident-free antique or art relocation.

Obtain Good Insurance Coverage

Not only are antiques and fine art valuable—they're also irreplaceable. These facts alone make it worth your while to opt in for better insurance than you may normally during typical relocations.

There's a few different coverage options you'll have access to. First, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all licensed moving companies to offer at least two different types of liability protection, outlined below:

  • Released Value Protection: RVP comes at no additional cost to the customer, and is the default option if no other coverage is selected. This type of protection only compensates the customer at a rate of .60 cents per pound per lost or damaged article.
  • Full Value Protection: For more comprehensive coverage, those relocating can opt in for FVP, which will incur additional costs, but provides full coverage in the event that an item is lost or damaged.

If you aren't satisfied with any option presented by your moving company, there are third parties that offer moving insurance as well.

Utilize Higher-Quality Packing Materials

Maybe you can get by stuffing newspaper in between your dishes and cookware, but resist the urge to cut corners when it comes to your antiques and artwork. Tissue paper, for example, can leave scratches on surfaces, so you'll want to buy specialized acid-free tissue paper instead for fragile belongings. 

Make sure you also have extra cardboard on hand for things like framed artwork or mirrors, so that you can reinforce the corners of these items. Some other types of padding and packing materials to have on hand include:

  • Bubble Wrap
  • Packing Peanuts
  • Foam Pillows
  • Sturdy Boxes
  • Glassine Paper
  • Corner Protectors

Enlist Help from Trusted Professionals

During typical local moves, you might be able to get by with the help of a few truck-owning friends or family. But when it comes to highly-valuable items like antiques or fine art, we can't stress enough the importance of working with an experienced, reputable, and legitimate moving company. 

Not all moving companies have experience with fine art or other specialized moving services, and may not even offer them at all, so double-check that a mover has completed many specialty relocations like yours in the past. Some of the ways a professional specialized moving company can take the stress out of your project include:

  • Access to Quality Packing Materials
  • Utilizes State-of-the-Art Equipment
  • Moves Completed by Seasoned Personnel
  • Customized Crating for Antiques & Art
  • Faster Packing, Loading & Transportation
  • Reduced Risk of Losing or Breaking Items

Westheimer is a long-standing agent with Allied Van Lines, a moving company and organization with a presence around the globe. This affiliation gives our company ongoing access to the latest developments in technology and other resources, so we can continually offer the most streamlined and efficient moving and storage services, including art and antique relocations.

Get in touch with Westheimer today for more information on our specialized moving services, and we'll give you a free price estimate on your upcoming relocation.