Moving Overseas With Fine Art, Pianos, and Fragile Items
Specialized handling requirements for shipping fine art, pianos, antiques, and fragile items internationally, including crating, packing, and insurance.
Why Specialty Items Need Special Handling
Fine art, pianos, antiques, marble tables, chandeliers, sculptures, and other high-value or fragile items cannot be packed with standard moving materials. These items require custom solutions designed to protect against the specific stresses of international transit: vibration, humidity changes, stacking pressure, and handling at multiple transfer points.
Custom Crating
Custom wooden crates are built to the exact dimensions of each item. The item is secured inside with padding, foam, and moisture barriers. Crates are designed to be stackable and to withstand the forces encountered during container loading, ocean transit, and port handling.
Fine Art Packing
Paintings, prints, and framed artwork are packed using acid-free materials, corner protectors, and custom flat crates or mirror boxes. Sculptures and three-dimensional artwork may require fully enclosed crates with internal suspension systems.
Piano Moving
Pianos require specialized knowledge for disassembly, wrapping, and crating. Grand pianos are typically placed on their side in a custom crate with internal bracing. Upright pianos are crated vertically. Climate-sealed crating is recommended for ocean transit to protect against humidity.
Insurance for High-Value Items
Standard transit insurance may not adequately cover high-value items. Ask your moving company about supplemental insurance or declared value coverage. Professional appraisals before shipping provide documentation that supports claims if damage occurs.
Declaring Items to Customs
High-value items should be individually listed on the customs inventory with descriptions and values. Some countries require import permits for artwork or antiques. Your moving company should advise on specific requirements for your destination.
Planning an international move?
Terra Relocations provides customized estimates for door-to-door international moves from the United States.
Request a Free EstimateMore resources
International Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Prepare
A comprehensive checklist covering every stage of an international move, from planning and inventory to customs documentation and final delivery.
How Much Does International Moving Cost?
Understanding the factors that determine international moving costs, from volume and freight method to packing, storage, and destination charges.
Door-to-Door International Moving Explained
What door-to-door international moving actually means, what is included, and why it matters when comparing quotes from different companies.