Boston is renowned for its historic charm, but that same charm can make moving large artwork a daunting task. Narrow cobblestone streets, older buildings with tight staircases, and compact apartment layouts, all contribute to the difficulty of fitting oversized paintings, sculptures, and other fine pieces through doorways and hallways. According to Chris Amaral, a Boston moving industry expert at Safe Responsible Movers, it often takes careful planning and specialized techniques to ensure cherished artwork remains unharmed during the relocation process.

The Architecture Challenge

Boston’s architecture largely reflects its colonial past and ongoing preservation efforts. Many residential buildings are designed with narrow staircases, tight hallways, and low ceilings—features that were never intended to accommodate massive works of art. In older neighborhoods, the classic triple-decker homes and brownstone apartments frequently have winding staircases and little maneuvering room, making it difficult for movers to angle large frames or sculptures through doorways.

“We often find ourselves in situations where a painting or a sculpture just can’t make the turn in the staircase,” says Amaral. “That’s when we have to get creative—removing doors, maneuvering through windows, or even taking it over balconies.”

Planning Is Key

When dealing with valuable and often delicate pieces, Amaral stresses the importance of meticulous measurements and planning. With over 16 years of experience moving in Boston, Safe Responsible Movers has seen what happens when clients don’t plan ahead. Before the moving day:

1. Measure All Entryways: This includes door widths, staircase dimensions, and elevator capacities.
2. Assess the Artwork’s Needs: Sculptures with protruding parts or oversized canvases may need specialized crates.
3. Consider Alternative Entry Points: Windows, balconies, or rooftops might provide more space than hallways.

“We always recommend doing a thorough walk-through first,” Amaral notes. “That way, you can figure out the right angles, the best padding materials, and the proper tools or personnel needed.”

Using Cranes and Specialized Equipment

In some situations, standard manpower and dollies just aren’t enough. If an item is too large or fragile to be maneuvered through a building’s interior, movers sometimes must resort to hiring a crane. This is especially true for heavy sculptures or massive canvases that can’t bend or be disassembled.

“It’s not uncommon for us to have to hoist a piece through a third- or fourth-story window,” Amaral explains. “When that happens, specialized lifting straps and cranes become essential. It might take more time and investment, but it ensures the artwork’s safety—and the building’s integrity—during the process.”

Preserving Art and Peace of Mind

Relocating artwork in Boston can be an intricate process. However, with the right planning, expertise, and equipment, homeowners and collectors can rest assured their pieces will arrive safely. Whether it’s carefully angling a painting around the bend of a spiral staircase or lifting a sculpture by crane through a narrow window, professional movers like Chris Amaral at Safe Responsible Movers are equipped to tackle even the most challenging layouts.

In a city where history and art intersect at every corner, moving large or fragile pieces can be difficult—but when handled with precision and care, it remains a testament to Boston’s enduring love for art in all its forms.