How to Ship Art & Antiques Safely Across Australia: A Guide for Galleries and Collectors

Shipping art and antiques safely isn’t just about packing. It’s about protecting irreplaceable pieces from damage and loss.

A 2021 study found that 21% to 58.1% of artwork damage during transport happens because of poor packing or handling. That’s a real risk for anyone sending valuable pieces across Australia or overseas.

The challenge isn’t just about breakage. Heat, humidity, or vibration during travel can harm materials like canvas, wood, and porcelain. If you’re a gallery, collector, or antique dealer, you already know these pieces need special care.

This article gives you a clear, step-by-step guide on how to ship art and antiques safely and securely. Whether you’re sending something across town or overseas, we’ll walk you through what matters most to keep your items protected.

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Quick Summary: Shipping Art & Antiques in Australia

Shipping art and antiques across Australia requires careful preparation. Begin by documenting the item, then use acid-free wrap, sturdy boxes, and padding to prevent damage. Clearly label as “Fragile” and choose a courier with expertise in delicate, high-value shipments. Costs depend on size, destination, and insurance, but trusted services like Couriers & Freight offer white glove delivery and full tracking. Whether you’re a gallery, collector, or private seller, proper packing and the right freight partner help guarantee your pieces arrive safely.

Why Art and Antiques Require Special Shipping

Art and antiques aren’t just things. They’re pieces of history, memory, and value. That’s why properly shipping art and antiques is important. For example, a canvas painting may need climate control, while a wooden cabinet might require reinforced crating due to its weight and bulk.

The wood in antique furniture and painting frames can swell or shrink if the weather shifts too much. Transporting these items requires proper temperature and humidity control.

Canvas used in antique paintings is also sensitive to humidity and temperature, but is more fragile than wood. It's generally recommended to cover as much of the canvas in an antique painting with a breathable fabric that doesn't trap humidity to avoid cracking and deforming the material or the paint.

Antique glassware is most susceptible to damage during transit because of vibrations. They need to be packaged in containers that restrict their movement as much as possible. The same goes for fragile collectibles such as jewellery, kitchenware, and coins.

Damage during transport can have costly consequences. Not just financially but also in terms of provenance and trust. For a private owner, damage or loss could mean a serious setback. But for galleries or museums, it can be even worse. If an artwork is loaned and damaged in transit, the institution could face compensation claims. In some cases, that could put their finances at real risk.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship Art and Antiques

It’s important to note that the packing process is just as important as the courier you choose when you're figuring out how to ship art and antiques. Taking time to prepare your item can help avoid damage, delays, and stress. Here’s a simple step-by-step process to get it right:

Step 1: Assess and Document the Item

Before wrapping a single corner, take a good look at the piece. Photograph it from all angles. Note any existing marks, scratches, or wear. Measure the dimensions and record what it’s made of. This isn’t just for peace of mind; it is helpful if you need to make an insurance claim later.

Step 2: Choose Appropriate Packing Materials

Don’t skip this step as it can make or break your shipment. Use materials suited to the item’s shape, size, and surface. Paintings should go in sturdy shipping boxes for paintings. Australia’s climate can vary, so moisture-resistant layers help. Use acid-free paper, bubble wrap, foam, and strong tape. If you’re shipping it overseas, use additional padding such as Styrofoam peanuts or cardboard inserts to prevent excess vibrations from damaging your item. Consider double-boxing your package for guaranteed stability.

Step 3: Secure Packaging

Wrap the artwork or antique gently but firmly. Add corner protectors for frames. For larger or heavier items, consider a custom crate. Inside the box, nothing should move when you give it a light shake. Use padding to limit your item’s movements and provide another layer of protection.

Step 4: Add Fragile Labels and Shipping Instructions

Once packed, clearly label the box as "Fragile" and “Do Not Stack.” Include contact information and handling instructions both inside and outside the package. This helps if labels peel off or if the box gets opened in transit.

A little extra effort now can save you a huge headache later. Pack smart, and you’re halfway there.

Choosing the Right Courier Service

Not all bulky couriers know how to ship art and antiques. Valuable pieces need more than just a postage label and bubble wrap. They need insured services, careful handling, and a team trained in handling antiques and other similarly fragile items.

Look for couriers that offer full insurance, real-time tracking, and people trained in moving fragile or high-value items. It’s not just about speed; it’s about getting it there in the same condition it left.

That’s where Couriers & Freight stands out. We handle big shipments, fragile items, and more across Australia and overseas. Our services also include white glove delivery, door-to-door transport, and access to a wide network of trusted carriers. Whether it’s a one-off shipment or regular pickups, we tailor each job to suit the item.

We also offer full tracking through one easy platform, so you always know where your artwork is. If you care about what you're sending, partnering with the right courier makes all the difference.

Delivery Options Across Australia

Whether you're sending art across the country or abroad, choosing the right freight method makes all the difference.

Domestic Shipping: Ideal for galleries, auction houses, and private collectors within Australia. Requires door-to-door delivery, careful handling, and fast turnaround, especially for fragile or high-value pieces.

International Shipping: Adds complexity with customs paperwork, longer transit times, and the need for climate-controlled transport. Best handled by experts in shipping artwork internationally to ensure safe and compliant delivery.

With Couriers & Freight, you get customised support for both local and global shipments, protecting your art and antique pieces at every step.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Art and Antiques?

One of the biggest questions when figuring out how to ship art and antiques is cost. Here are some of the factors that affect the price of shipping art or antiques:

• Size and weight
• Packaging materials used
• Added cargo insurance
• Specialty transport options such as express or white glove delivery, and climate-controlled transport.

We make it easy to check all this upfront. Our instant quote tool gives you a fast estimate based on your item and where it’s going. No guesswork, no back-and-forth.

Ship Your Art & Antiques with Couriers & Freight

Art and antiques carry value that goes beyond the price tag. They are often personal, historical, or cultural. Safe transport starts with the right materials, expert handling, and a freight provider that understands the care these items require.

Couriers & Freight specialises in custom packing, secure logistics, and reliable delivery for delicate, high-value pieces. From pickup to final destination, your shipment is handled with precision and attention to detail.

Choose Couriers & Freight for trusted service across Australia and beyond. Get a fast, tailored quote today.

Ship Art & Antiques with Expert Care

Protect valuable pieces in transit with custom freight solutions from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now