Whether you are moving to a new home or organizing the delivery of a newly purchased item from an auction or art fair, shipping furniture comes with a myriad of challenges. Bulky or heavy furniture can get damaged easily during transit if not taken care of properly. Besides, antique furniture and decor get more and more breakable with age. That is not to mention that vintage pieces have elaborate designs, such as pediments and decorative molding, which are incredibly delicate. This is why you should always ship antique furniture with fine art handlers, the true experts in caring for fragile valuables.
Why You Should Ship Antique Furniture with Fine Art Handlers
You might be wondering, “Why would I entrust my furniture to fine art handlers? Doesn’t it make more sense to opt for a general moving service?” That is a completely logical question. Fine art handling companies indeed specialize in the transportation of art, such as sculptures and paintings. However, you would be surprised at how much overlap there is between antique furniture and fine art logistics.
You might have noticed that auction houses and art fairs often display both works of art and design pieces. That is not only because the collecting communities for these two categories have a lot in common but also because these items should be handled in the same way.
Before shipping an antique armoire or grandfather clock, one needs to ensure that it is fully prepared for transportation. That includes disassembling pieces if needed and packing them. Since the techniques and materials used to pack antique furniture pieces and art objects are often very similar, fine art logistics companies usually cover both. In addition, the vehicles used by fine art handlers to relocate artworks are perfectly suited for transporting any sort of fragile object, from collectible wine to antique furniture.
Another concern you might have is the cost of shipping with a specialized art shipping company. While it could be cheaper to transport your antiques with general movers, the cheapest option is not always the best. Regular moving companies do not cater to high-value antiques and works of art. Chances are that when opting for a cheaper solution, you will end up breaking the bank on damage repairs afterward.
In conclusion, art handling companies are capable of way more than their name might suggest. There is no more cost-efficient and safe way to ship antique furniture or any other valuables than by hiring a fine art logistics service.