How to Move Valuable Artwork During Your Move in Greece
Whether relocating within Athens, moving from Thessaloniki, or shipping artwork internationally to or from Greece, fine art demands professional-level care. Coastal humidity and ferry transfers for island homes add extra layers of risk, which means transporting art here requires precision at every step.
Handling Unframed Paintings
Unframed art is especially vulnerable to damage, particularly in transit across islands or humid environments:
- Use acid-free tissue or archival wrapping, never standard newspaper
- Place sturdy cardboard behind and in front of the piece, then tape gently around the edges
- Add a second layer of protection with foam boards or corrugated sheets
- Label the package clearly as “Fragile – Fine Art” with upright arrows
Moving Framed Artwork Safely
Framed paintings, especially those with glass, need more advanced packing:
- Use adjustable mirror or artwork boxes from a professional mover
- Apply foam corner guards and wrap the frame in bubble wrap
- Sandwich the piece between flat boards for impact protection
- Fill any remaining box space with soft packing to prevent movement
- Mark clearly as fragile, with orientation noted
Trust Trained Art Movers in Greece
Discussing needs with a mover in advance matters. A qualified provider should offer full-value art insurance, provide custom crating for valuable or oversized items, and have trained handlers experienced specifically in fine art logistics.
Island Moves Tip:
For art headed to or from the Greek islands, extra care pays off — humidity, salt air, and multiple transfers all raise the risk of damage. Climate-conscious materials and processes designed for these conditions help protect pieces the whole way through.
Whether it’s a cherished family piece, an investment-grade artwork, or an entire collection, this level of care applies to any valuable or fragile item worth protecting. For dedicated fine art shipping support, see Fine Art Moving. For more on protecting other belongings during transit, see Tips for Moving in Bad Weather. Return to the Family Guide to Moving hub, or explore Specialized Move Services for the full range of options.