What’s Included and What’s Excluded
Antique and art handling includes a pre-move condition report with photographs documenting each piece’s existing state, individual soft-wrap packing for standard-value items using padded blankets and foam corner protectors, and custom wood crating for higher-value or structurally fragile pieces that need rigid protection rather than soft wrap alone. Framed art with glass is packed with the glass taped in an X pattern and edge-protected to contain shattering if the glass breaks in transit.
Appraisal services are not included, since valuing an antique or art piece is a separate specialty performed by a certified appraiser, and is worth doing before a move if a piece hasn’t been formally valued recently. Restoration or repair of any pre-existing damage identified in the condition report is also not part of the moving service itself.
How Antique and Art Handling Is Priced
Pricing depends on the number of pieces, the packing method each requires, and whether custom crating is needed. A piece that can be safely soft-wrapped costs less to prepare than one requiring a built-to-fit wood crate, and larger or heavier antique furniture pieces add to crew size and time similar to any oversized furniture item. For a large collection or a single exceptionally valuable piece, a written estimate that accounts for the specific packing method each item needs is more accurate than a general per-hour rate.
How Antique and Art Handling Works
- Before the move, each antique or art piece is photographed and documented in a condition report, noting any existing scratches, cracks, or wear.
- The crew determines the appropriate packing method per piece: soft-wrap with padded blankets and corner protection for sturdier items, or custom wood crating for fragile, high-value, or structurally delicate pieces.
- Framed art is packed with glass taped and edge-protected, and transported upright rather than flat to reduce pressure on the frame and glass.
- Antique wood furniture with veneer, inlay, or other humidity-sensitive materials is transported with attention to temperature and humidity exposure, since these materials can crack or warp with sudden climate changes.
- At delivery, each piece is checked against the original condition report before the crew leaves, confirming nothing shifted or was damaged during transport.
How This Differs From Standard Furniture Moving
Standard furniture moving relies on moving blankets and shrink wrap for protection, which works well for solid, replaceable furniture but isn’t sufficient for a piece with structural fragility, irreplaceable value, or a finish that can be damaged by pressure or humidity. Antique and art handling also differs in insurance terms: because valuation coverage is calculated by weight, a small, high-value item like a painting or a piece of fine art often has a per-pound value far exceeding what standard valuation coverage protects, similar to the same gap that applies to jewelry. A separate fine art insurance policy or rider is generally a better fit for a valuable collection than relying on a mover’s standard coverage alone.
Trust Signals
Redefyne Moving & Storage is a licensed, ODOT-registered moving company with crews trained in antique and art handling technique, including condition reporting and custom crating, rather than treating fragile or high-value pieces the same as standard furniture. Valuation coverage options and their limitations for high-value items are explained before the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide a condition report before moving my antiques?
Yes. Each piece is photographed and documented before the move, and checked against that report at delivery to confirm nothing was damaged in transit.
Will my art or antiques be covered by the mover’s insurance?
Standard valuation coverage is calculated by weight, which often doesn’t match the true value of a small, high-value piece like fine art. A separate fine art insurance policy is generally recommended for valuable pieces.
Do all antiques need custom crating?
No. Sturdier pieces are often safely protected with padded soft-wrap and corner protection. Custom wood crating is generally reserved for structurally fragile or especially high-value items.
Can you move framed art with glass?
Yes. Glass is taped in an X pattern and edge-protected, and framed pieces are transported upright rather than flat to reduce pressure on the frame and glass.
