The Hidden Dangers of Shipping Artwork Without Professional Help

An artist meticulously adds intricate details to a vibrant traditional Nepali thangka painting.

You found the perfect piece—an intricate Mithila painting, a centuries-old Newari statue, or a stunning modern canvas from Patan. Now it’s time to get it home. You’re tempted to roll it up, bubble wrap it, and ship it yourself. How hard can it be, right?

Here’s the reality: shipping fine art is not like mailing a parcel. It demands precision, protection, and deep understanding of logistics, climate, and customs regulations. If you’re thinking of going the DIY route, this blog is your essential guide to what could go wrong—and how to avoid it.

1. Physical Damage in Transit

Art is fragile, and DIY packing often falls short. Common issues include:

• Cracks in sculpture pieces due to vibration or poor cushioning

• Tears and smudges on paintings from direct bubble wrap contact

• Glass breakage in framed art due to pressure or poor crate design

In contrast, professional fine art movers in Nepal use:

• Archival materials

• Foam inserts and corner protectors

• Shock-absorbing custom crates

• Specialized loading techniques

2. Poor Climate Protection

Nepal’s climate—hot and humid in the Terai, cold and dry in the mountains—can be brutal on delicate art. And once in transit, your artwork may face:

• High humidity (which causes mold and warping)

• Extreme cold (which cracks paint and canvas)

• UV exposure during customs inspection or airport loading

DIY packing doesn’t offer much more than plastic wrap. In contrast, Orient International Relocation offers:

• Climate-controlled art transport in Nepal

• Anti-humidity packing materials

• Light-safe packaging

3. Customs Delays & Seizures

Artworks—especially antiques, religious pieces, and cultural artifacts—face extra scrutiny at Nepalese customs. Without proper documentation, your shipment could be:

• Delayed for weeks or months

• Subject to fines or confiscation

• Flagged for illegal export of heritage items

Professional movers like Orient handle:

• Customs paperwork preparation

• Clearances through the Department of Archaeology (DoA)

• Packaging that supports easy inspection without damage

4. No Insurance Coverage

Most DIY international couriers won’t insure fragile art or antiques unless packed by professionals. If the item is lost, stolen, or damaged, you may get nothing.

Professional art movers offer:

• Specialized fine art insurance covering:

  • Theft

  • Transit damage

  • Mishandling

  • Temporary storage losses

In short: without professionals, you’re fully liable for any damage.

5. Incorrect Packing Materials

One of the most common issues with DIY shipping is using the wrong materials:

Wrong Material	Why It’s Dangerous
Newspaper	Acidic ink damages paint and paper
Regular tape	Tears surface on removal
Bubble wrap (directly)	Sticks to paint in heat, leaves impressions
Plastic wrap only	Traps moisture and causes mold

Professionals use archival-grade, acid-free materials and avoid direct contact with sensitive surfaces.

6. No Tracking or Inventory Control

DIY shipping means you’re relying on the courier’s generic system. There’s little accountability, no white-glove service, and no tracking tied to specific artwork identifiers.

Orient’s process includes:

• Detailed inventory management

• Digital condition documentation

• QR code-based tracking (optional)

• Real-time updates through our support team

7. Installation & Storage Issues

You might be shipping artwork to your new home, a gallery, or a storage facility. Without help:

• You risk improper hanging or display that causes damage

• Art might be stored in non-climate-controlled spaces

• Sculptures or multi-part installations may get misassembled

Our fine art services include:

• White-glove delivery and installation

• Climate-controlled storage in Nepal

• Handling by trained personnel, not warehouse staff

Real Consequences: A Few Common DIY Horror Stories

• A rolled canvas shipped via regular courier arrived torn due to inadequate tube thickness and rough handling.

• A buyer tried shipping a stone Buddha head with no crate; it cracked completely during flight turbulence.

• An expat shipped antique wood panels without permits; they were seized and never returned by customs.

Who Needs Professional Fine Art Movers?

You might think, “I’m not a collector—I just want to bring home a painting or a small antique.” But that’s exactly when you’re most at risk. People who benefit from professional help include:

• Expats returning home with gifts or souvenirs

• NGOs or cultural institutions exporting artwork

• Artists shipping to exhibitions abroad

• Diplomats moving personal art collections

Even a single piece can be meaningful and valuable—why take a chance?

Why Choose Orient International Relocation?

As Nepal’s most trusted fine art movers, we offer:

• Expert art handling services for every medium

• Custom-built crates for optimal protection

• Climate-controlled vehicles for safe transport

• Full documentation & customs support

• Fine art storage and installation options

We’ve helped expats, museums, and embassies relocate some of Nepal’s most precious pieces across the globe.

Shipping artwork isn’t just about getting it from A to B—it’s about preserving what it means to you. Every dent, scratch, or delay puts that at risk.

By choosing professional fine art movers in Nepal like Orient International Relocation, you’re choosing:

• Peace of mind

• Expert protection

• Seamless delivery

• Proper documentation

• Insurance-backed security