In Melbourne’s historic suburbs—from the grand Victorian homes of Kew to the art-filled lofts of Fitzroy—antiques and original artwork aren’t just décor. They’re heirlooms, investments, and irreplaceable pieces of personal history.
Yet when it comes time to move, these treasures become your greatest vulnerability.
Unlike standard furniture or boxes of books, antiques and artwork demand specialized care. A 150-year-old sideboard can crack from improper lifting. An oil painting can warp in humidity. A porcelain vase can shatter from a single jolt during transit.
That’s why relocating antiques and artwork isn’t a task for generic movers—or well-meaning friends with a van.
At Paul Movers , we’ve spent years refining protocols for high-value, fragile, and historically significant items. Since 2017, we’ve helped Melbourne collectors, families, and galleries move everything from Chinoiserie cabinets to contemporary sculptures—without a single claim for damage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal exactly how to protect your most precious belongings during a move, including:
- Why standard packing fails for antiques
- The right materials for different types of artwork
- How humidity, temperature, and vibration affect delicate items
- Why professional handling is non-negotiable
- What to look for in a specialty moving company
And if you’re preparing to move a valuable collection, our Specialty Item Moving service offers custom solutions backed by full insurance and decades of combined experience.
Why Antiques and Artwork Are Uniquely Vulnerable
Antiques and fine art share critical traits that make them high-risk during relocation:
- Irreplaceability: You can’t “buy another” 19th-century writing desk.
- Structural fragility: Old wood dries out, joints loosen, veneers lift.
- Surface sensitivity: Paintings, gilding, and lacquer scratch easily.
- Environmental reactivity: Humidity swells wood; dry air cracks it.
- High monetary and emotional value: Damage = financial and personal loss.
As we emphasize in Trust in Experts: Why Furniture Removalists Are Worth Every Penny :
“One scratch on a $10,000 sideboard costs more than the entire moving bill.”
This is especially true for antiques—where value lies in original condition.
Common DIY Mistakes That Destroy Value
❌ 1. Using Bubble Wrap Alone on Paintings
Bubble wrap can leave circular impressions on soft paint or canvas over time.
Solution: Use acid-free paper first, then bubble wrap.❌ 2. Leaning Artwork or Mirrors Vertically Without Support
Even a slight tilt can cause stress fractures in frames or glass.
Solution: Store upright between soft furniture or in custom crates.❌ 3. Wrapping Antiques in Plastic
Plastic traps moisture, promoting mold, mildew, and wood rot—especially in Melbourne’s humid summers.
Solution: Use breathable cotton sheets or moving blankets.❌ 4. Lifting Furniture by Carved Details or Legs
Ornate legs and handles are decorative—not structural.
Solution: Lift from the base or frame only.❌ 5. Packing Multiple Items in One Box
A shifting porcelain figurine can chip a marble bust.
Solution: One item per box, fully immobilized.For more pitfalls, see Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving .
The Paul Movers Protocol: 5-Step Protection System
Step 1: Pre-Move Assessment & Documentation
We begin with a detailed consultation to:
- Identify materials (oil on canvas, marble, mahogany, etc.)
- Note existing damage (to avoid false claims)
- Measure access points (stairs, door widths, elevator limits)
- Recommend custom crating if needed
For high-value items, we offer pre-move photography upon request.
Step 2: Material-Specific Packing Techniques
🖼️ Paintings & Framed Art
- Wrap in acid-free tissue paper (prevents chemical transfer)
- Cover with bubble wrap, seam-side out
- Place in double-walled cardboard or custom wooden crates for large pieces
- Label “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”
🪑 Antique Furniture
- Disassemble if safe (remove mirrors, glass shelves)
- Wrap legs and corners in foam edge protectors
- Cover entire piece in quilted moving blankets
- Secure with stretch film (not tape directly on finish)
🏺 Porcelain, Glass, and Sculptures
- Use cell divider boxes or custom foam inserts
- Wrap each item individually in soft packing paper
- Fill voids with crumpled paper—never loose peanuts (they shift)
As detailed in The Essential Packing Materials You’ll Need , the right materials prevent 90% of damage.
Step 3: Climate and Vibration Control
- Avoid loading during rain—use tarps if unavoidable
- Place fragile items in the center of the truck, away from walls
- Use load bars and ratchet straps to prevent shifting
- Drive smoothly—no sudden braking
For interstate moves, see our Safe Passage Guaranteed guide.
Step 4: Professional Handling by Trained Staff
Our team is trained in:
- Proper lifting posture for heavy antiques
- Two-person carry protocols for large mirrors or tables
- Safe stair navigation with dollies and ramps
As noted on our Furniture Removalists Melbourne page:
“We have been providing excellent moving services in Melbourne Region for past many years… proficient staffs to handle your belongings safely.”
Step 5: Secure Unloading & Placement
- Unload high-value items first
- Place exactly where you want them—no dragging across floors
- Remove all packing materials and dispose of waste
Melbourne-Specific Risks (And How We Mitigate Them)
🌧️ Humidity Swings
Melbourne’s climate can warp wood and encourage mold.
Our fix: Use silica gel packs inside boxes and avoid plastic enclosures.🏘️ Narrow Heritage Hallways
Many older homes have tight turns and low doorframes.
Our fix: Pre-scout access and disassemble on-site if needed.🚗 Bumpy Inner-City Roads
Potholes and tram tracks increase vibration.
Our fix: Use suspension-equipped trucks and padded load beds.When to Use Custom Crating (And When It’s Overkill)
✅ Use Custom Crating For:
- Large mirrors or glass tabletops
- Unframed canvases over 1m
- Marble or stone sculptures
- Items valued over $5,000
❌ Standard Packing Is Sufficient For:
- Small framed photos
- Sturdy antique chairs (with proper wrapping)
- Ceramic tableware (in cell boxes)
We offer custom crating as an add-on service—quoted transparently.
Insurance: Your Final Safety Net
Even with perfect care, rare incidents can occur. That’s why full-value insurance is essential.
At Paul Movers, we are fully licensed and insured, as confirmed on our Affordable Movers Melbourne page:
“We are licensed and insured, A++ rating with over many years of experience.”
But note: insurance claims for items you pack yourself may be denied if damage results from improper materials. That’s why we strongly recommend our Packing and Unpacking Services Melbourne for antiques and artwork.
Real Melbourne Stories: Moves Done Right
📌 Case 1: The Toorak Heirloom Collection
A client needed to move a 1890s rosewood cabinet, oil portraits, and a crystal chandelier.
Our approach:
- Wrapped cabinet in blankets + corner protectors
- Crated paintings in acid-free-lined boxes
- Disassembled chandelier, labeled every crystal
Result: Zero damage. Client said: “It felt like they were moving their own family treasures.”📌 Case 2: Contemporary Art Gallery Relocation
Moved 20+ large canvases and sculptures from Richmond to Prahran.
Our approach:
- Built custom crates for 3 oversized pieces
- Used climate-controlled transport
- Installed pieces in new gallery layout
Result: Seamless transition—no downtime for the business.Final Checklist Before Your Move
- ☑️ Take photos of all items pre-move
- ☑️ Disclose high-value items during booking
- ☑️ Choose professional packing (don’t DIY)
- ☑️ Confirm mover is fully insured
- ☑️ Request pre-move walkthrough for complex items
Final Thoughts: Honor Your History—Move with Care
Relocating antiques and artwork isn’t just logistics—it’s stewardship. These pieces carry stories, craftsmanship, and legacy. They deserve more than bubble wrap and hope.
At Paul Movers, we treat every antique like a museum piece and every painting like a masterpiece—because to you, they are.
With professional packing, climate-aware transport, trained handlers, and full insurance, we ensure your treasures arrive as beautifully as they left.
📞 Ready for a secure, expert-led relocation?
Call us at 0403 917 885
📧 Email: info@paulmovers.com.au
🌐 Get your free, no-obligation quote: Contact Paul MoversFollow us for more specialty moving insights:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
