Packing your art collection the way movers in Austin do

Suppose you have a valuable art collection that includes statues or figurines, you should understand how to pack sculptures properly to minimize the chance of damage during move day. When moving a sculpture, it is essential to keep it safe and secure from transport to unpacking. This is the best way to prevent damaging the art piece. Since sculptures are unique in shape, size and materials, pay careful attention to these pieces. Hence, packing materials and techniques must suit the artworks as recommended by Austin movers.

However, not everyone is skilled at packing marble or plaster artwork. Because these are fragile and delicate, owners often seek the packing services of storage facilities in Austin. A full service moving company know show to handle oversized or irregular objects carefully, giving you the best moving experience. It will also keep the sculpture from being damaged the way Austin moving companies handle fragile items.

The main problem with sculptured artwork is usually how moving services can transport it securely. Sculptures are heavy, making them difficult to transport both big and small. Other Austin moving companies would also recommend taking a look at the artwork first before the move day to better prepare it for packing.

It’s best to do your homework thoroughly before you start. In addition, spend time reviewing if you’ve followed everything correctly to ensure that the Austin movers can handle the job for you.

Materials local movers use to pack sculptures

Boxes

Find sturdy boxes that are slightly larger than your sculptures. Most shipping stores will have flat rate boxes, which are usually sufficient for sculpture. Smaller statues can get away with 6x6x6-inch boxes. Larger pieces should use 8x8x12 or 10x10x16 (as they fit).

Packing tape

This needs to be strong enough to hold everything securely. If you’re using flat rate boxes, there’s no need to measure out precise strips of tape. Just tear off the amount needed and lay over each seam multiple times.

Bubble wrap

Cut pieces of bubble wrap to cover your work entirely on all sides. Two layers of bubble wrap with a single strip of tape over the top seam are ideal.

Filler

Line the bottom and corners of the box with filler so your piece does not shift during transit. You can also add additional support along its length by packing it in strips from top to bottom.

Cardboard

If you’re packing a fragile sculpture in a box, it’s a good idea to have some extra cardboard on hand. If the sculpture is damaged during shipping, the extra cardboard will help to stabilize it until it can be repaired.

Note: When shipping sculptures covered with oil paints, moving services companies recommend NOT to use newspaper as filler material. It absorbs any moisture present in the box before the sculpture has a chance to dry out on its own. This could cause potential damage during storage or transit.

How Austin movers pack marble and plaster sculptures

The packing process for a marble or plaster sculpture is relatively simple. Before anything else, make a complete inventory of all your statues and sculptures. This will give you a complete idea of the number of items that you need to pack.

You also need to identify the statue or sculpture’s size. If you can disassemble it, do so. It will be easier to pack each component separately to secure them properly. But if it’s a small statue, it can simply fit into one of the boxes. You should wrap and pack it as it is.

Begin by wrapping the entire sculpture in heavy-duty paper or bubble wrap. Tape it securely so that it does not come undone during transit. If any delicate parts need extra protection, use packing peanuts, tissue paper, or cardboard corners to cushion them.

Next, cover all sharp points with padding and use a protective covering on the tips of exposed metal bars if needed.

Place the sculpture in a sturdy box and fill any remaining space with packing peanuts or newspaper (if the sculpture does not contain oil paint). Consider using a box with a bit of depth inside instead of a shallow box—the deeper, the better!

A good rule of thumb: If a piece can break through its own width, it won’t be easy to bring along without proper packaging. Talk to your mover about whether they provide crates for fragile items.

Finally, tape the box shut and mark “fragile” on all sides.

Moving marble and plaster sculptures

It is always essential to take extra care when preparing for a move. Aside from marking the outside of your box “fragile,” you need to check it thoroughly before you call for an Austin moving company to take it away.

It is often best to have the work shipped through a reliable moving company when transporting sculptures. Your art pieces deserve only special care because they hold great value due to their age, rarity or association with an artist.

More tips on how to pack sculptures from professional Austin movers

• If packing a sculpture with many small pieces, tape the pieces together first before wrapping them in tissue or bubble wrap.
• Make sure to completely cover the sculpture using multiple layers, if necessary, to avoid any contact with sharp edges or corners.
• Use plenty of masking tape to secure the wrapping materials in place and ensure no gaps where the sculpture could move around and be damaged.
• Place styrofoam peanuts or other soft packing material around the sculpture if there is extra space in the box. You don’t want it moving around too much during transport!

Frequently Asked Questions on how to pack marble and plaster sculptures for a smooth moving process

1. Are packing peanuts ideal for filling spaces?

   Yes, they are. However, if you find it hard to clean them up after unpacking, use an alternative material such as styrofoam. It works just as fine but less of a mess.

2. Why should the sculpture’s size be measured?

   It’s essential to check if it will fit the doorway and any entrances once it’s delivered for better moving services.

3. Is there an alternative to boxes when packing a sculpture?

   You can wrap it with a moving blanket. Make sure to cover the entire piece and seal it with packing tape before the moving process gets on its way.

4. Why is it essential to work with a professional Austin area mover?

   Not everyone knows how to prepare and move a sculpture. You should talk about it with reputable movers in Austin that have moved many artwork and sculptures before. Someone with experience can inform you of potential problems you hadn’t considered and show you how to transport your valuable art securely.

5. How can I be sure that the movers in Austin won’t damage my art piece during the move?

   They will anchor the base once it’s inside the truck. This prevents the art piece from tipping over during the transport.

6. Can I also ask for storage solutions from my Austin mover?

   It depends if they offer such services. The best thing is to contact them and ask for their complete range of services..

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