How to Pack and Prepare Your Artwork for International Shipping from Nepal

Intricately carved Nepali wooden wall mount depicting a majestic peacock.

Art isn’t just decoration—it’s personal, valuable, and often irreplaceable. Whether it’s a Thangka scroll from Boudha, a hand-carved wooden mask from Bhaktapur, or a modern painting from a local gallery in Patan, shipping artwork internationally from Nepal requires planning, precision, and protection.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of packing and preparing your artwork for international shipping, and how Orient International Relocation, Nepal’s leading fine art movers, can take the stress off your hands.

Why Proper Packing Matters in Art Shipping

Shipping artwork without professional packing is like putting a porcelain statue in your backpack—it might make it, but the risk is huge.

Art is susceptible to:

• Physical damage (scratches, cracks, smudges)

• Climate exposure (humidity, heat, and cold)

• Chemical reactions from poor packing materials

• Mishandling during customs checks or transfer

To avoid heartache and hefty restoration bills, the key is specialized materials, proper documentation, and professional oversight.

Step-by-Step: Packing and Preparing Art for International Shipping

1. Document the Artwork

Before doing anything, take clear photographs of your art from multiple angles. This helps with:

• Customs clearance

• Insurance claims (if damage occurs)

• Inventory tracking

Include dimensions, weight, and material details.

2. Choose the Right Packing Materials

Use archival-quality, acid-free materials to prevent discoloration or chemical damage. Here’s a breakdown based on artwork type:

Art Type	Packing Material
Paintings (framed)	Glassine paper, foam corners, bubble wrap, rigid box
Paintings (unframed)	Rolled in a tube with acid-free paper
Sculptures	Foam wrap, padding, custom crate with vibration isolators
Scrolls	Rolled gently, packed in sealed tubes
Mixed media	Double-boxed with foam and rigid board protection

3. Custom Crating

For international shipping, custom wooden crates are a must. They offer:

• Shock absorption during loading/unloading

• Protection from stacking pressure during transit

• Internal climate consistency

At Orient International Relocation, our crates are:

• ISPM-15 certified for international shipping

• Designed for the exact dimensions of the artwork

• Built with moisture-resistant and cushioned interiors

4. Climate Control Matters

Nepal’s climate varies drastically—cold, humid, dusty, and dry depending on the region and season. When your artwork leaves Nepal, it may also pass through multiple climate zones.

We recommend:

• Climate-controlled storage while waiting for export

• Climate-controlled transport for both air and ground shipping

• Humidity indicator cards and silica gel packs inside crates

Orient provides climate-controlled art transport Nepal for sensitive pieces such as:

• Oil paintings

• Wooden sculptures

• Paper-based art (photographs, scrolls)

5. Labeling and Marking

Use non-permanent labels and clearly mark:

• “FRAGILE”

• “DO NOT STACK”

• Arrows to indicate upright positioning

• QR codes (optional) for digital inventory tracking

Include contact details inside and outside the package.

6. Prepare Export Documentation

Shipping fine art abroad from Nepal requires careful paperwork, including:

• Export permit from the Department of Archaeology (for antiques)

• Item description and declared value

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Insurance declaration (if covered)

🔗 Visit Our Customs Assistance Page →

Optional but Strongly Recommended: Fine Art Insurance

No matter how careful you are, unforeseen events like airline handling damage or customs inspection mishaps can occur.

Orient offers specialized fine art insurance covering:

• Theft

• Loss

• Damage in transit

• Temporary storage incidents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It’s Risky
Using newspapers for wrapping	Ink transfer and acid damage
Taping directly onto artwork surfaces	Paint/lacquer damage, tears
Packing art loosely	Movement causes scratches, cracks, or dents
Ignoring humidity control	Warping, mold, and moisture stains
Choosing non-certified international movers	Inadequate customs compliance and safety procedures

Everyday Expats and NGOs Ship Art Too

Fine art handling isn’t just for galleries or collectors. Many expats in Nepal—especially diplomats and aid workers—ship home beautiful pieces they’ve collected over time.

Common items include:

• Thangka scrolls

• Antique wood panels

• Bronze statues

• Handcrafted tapestries

These items are fragile, often heavy, and irreplaceable—which is why professional handling is key.

Why Choose Orient for Art Packing & Shipping in Nepal?

• 15+ years of international relocation experience

• Expertly trained art handlers & packing team

• Custom-built crates for any art type or size

• Climate-controlled logistics from start to finish

• Support with all legal, export, and insurance paperwork

• Competitive pricing and quick response

Shipping artwork internationally from Nepal doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With the right planning, materials, and expert team, your art can travel across the globe safely and securely—ready to inspire and decorate a new space.

So whether you're preparing one treasured piece or a full personal collection, don’t leave it to chance. Let Orient International Relocation, Nepal’s most trusted fine art movers, make the process seamless.