Value thresholds to guide your decision
Under $2,500
✓ DIY Viable
If piece is small, flat, and durable. Box carefully, get rider on homeowner's/renter's insurance.
$2,500 – $10,000
⚡ Consider Specialists
Strong case for specialists, especially if any risk factors are present (see below).
$10,000 – $50,000
→ Recommended
Almost always worth specialists. Premium (2-5% of value) is justified by risk mitigation.
$50,000+
★ Non-Negotiable
White glove, full documentation, climate-controlled transport. No exceptions.
What to expect when budgeting for fine art moving services
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
 Local Move (per piece) | $150 – $600 |
 Custom Crating | $250 – $2,000+ |
 Cross-Country (per piece) | $500 – $3,500 |
 International Shipping | $1,500 – $15,000+ |
 Climate-Controlled Storage | $75 – $400/month |
 Installation / Hanging | $100 – $500/piece |
 Condition Report | $50 – $200/piece |
Specialized services that protect your collection
Custom Crating
Museum-quality wooden crates built to each piece's dimensions. Includes acid-free materials, foam cushioning, and travel frames. Soft-pack options available for less fragile works.
Specialized Storage
Climate-controlled facilities (65-70°F, 45-55% humidity), UV-filtered or windowless, elevated for flood prevention. Enhanced security with biometric access and 24/7 monitoring.
Comprehensive Insurance
All-risk, nail-to-nail coverage from pickup through installation. Insure at full appraised value with no depreciation. Standard movers' liability ($0.60/lb) is meaningless for art.
Global Logistics Network
Relationships with international shippers, customs brokers handling ATA Carnets, and regional handlers. Door-to-door service globally with chain-of-custody documentation.
Cataloging & Documentation
Detailed condition reports with photography before and after transport. Full inventory management, provenance tracking, and collection management software integration.
Restoration Coordination
Relationships with conservators for cleaning, repair, or assessment. Can facilitate work on-site at storage or coordinate transport to specialized restoration studios.
Professional Installation
Proper hanging hardware for weight and wall type, seismic security where needed, precise placement, and lighting consultation. Equal care for deinstallation and removal.
Digitization & Appraisal
High-resolution photography and digital cataloging of your collection for records, insurance, or estate purposes. Can coordinate on-premises appraisals with certified appraisers for valuation updates.
Transaction & Loan Liaison
Acting as the logistical bridge for consignments, acquisitions, and museum loans. Coordinating directly with auction houses, galleries, and institutions to ensure seamless handovers, condition verification, and compliance with loan agreements.
Disaster Response & Evacuation
Priority rapid-response logistics for collections in the path of natural disasters. Bespoke evacuation strategies to secure art from fire, flood, or hurricane threats, ensuring your collection is moved to safety before danger arrives.
Private Courier Service
Dedicated supervision for your most sensitive assets. A specialist physically accompanies your work every step of the way—from tarmac supervision to ride-along security—ensuring the chain of custody is never broken.
Climate-Controlled Vehicles
Shuttle & Rigging Services
Gloved Handling
GPS Tracking
Art-Specific Equipment
The question isn't just "how much is it worth?" — it's "what would it cost to replace or repair, and can it be replaced at all?"
