Transporting collectibles — artworks, cellar wines, rare comics, antiques, old books, vinyl records, stamps, coins — during a removal is a world of its own. These items are not only fragile: many have declared values of thousands or tens of thousands of euros, and a single mishandling incident can destroy irreplaceable heritage or result in an unrecoverable financial loss. This guide explains how to plan and pack each type of collectible correctly.
Before packing: the valued inventory
Recent professional appraisal
For any collectible with a unit value exceeding 1,000 €:
- Professional appraisal signed by a recognised expert
- High-resolution photographs of each item
- Provenance documentation (purchase records, inheritance documents, certificates of authenticity)
- Valuation from your insurer if covered by a specialist policy
Why it matters
- Required for declared-value insurance during the removal
- Customs documentation (international removals)
- Evidence in the event of a damage claim
- If the item is a protected cultural asset (Bien de Interés Cultural), specific permits are required
Artworks (painting, sculpture, drawing)
Paintings (oil, watercolour, acrylic)
- Bespoke rigid case: purpose-built reinforced wooden frame
- Acid-free paper between canvases when transporting several together
- Large bubble wrap around the outside (NEVER directly on the painted surface — the bubbles can stick to fresh varnish)
- Rigid cardboard corner protectors on all 4 corners
- Clear label: "ARTWORK – FRAGILE – DO NOT OPEN – KEEP UPRIGHT"
- Standing upright in the van, secured with straps
Watercolours and drawings
- Rigid portfolio folders
- Individual sheets separated by glassine paper
- NEVER fold
- Professional portfolio case
Sculptures
- Bespoke case with polyurethane foam lining
- If metal: anti-rust protective paper
- If ceramic or glass: double-boxed with foam
- Label indicating correct orientation (some sculptures have a single base and cannot be inverted)
Frames and antique furniture
- Professional quilted moving blankets
- Breathable plastic covers (NOT airtight bags — they cause condensation)
- Reinforcement at weak joints (legs, old metal fittings)
Collector wines and spirits
Critical conditions
Wine is alive: sudden changes damage it irreversibly. For collectors:
- Temperature: ideally 12–16°C constant. Maximum variation of ±5°C during transport
- Humidity: 60–70% (prevents the cork from drying out)
- No light: sealed box
- Position: horizontal (cork moist) — vertical only if the cork is synthetic or the bottle has a screw cap
- No vibration: maximum cushioning during transport
Transport boxes
- Reinforced cardboard box with individual dividers (available at wine shops)
- For high-value collections: wooden crate with expanded polyurethane
- For long removals (>5 days) or international moves: refrigerated container essential
- Label: "WINE – FRAGILE – KEEP HORIZONTAL – DO NOT INVERT – TEMPERATURE-SENSITIVE"
Legal documentation
For international removals with a wine collection:
- Some countries restrict personal imports (USA: 1 litre free of duty, remainder subject to tariff)
- Customs declaration mandatory if it exceeds the allowance
- Keep invoices and certificates of origin
Comics and rare books
Collector comics
- Individual sleeves of polypropylene (Mylar Snug Fit, Mylites)
- Backing board behind each comic
- Dedicated comic boxes (Short Box, Long Box) — stackable and robust
- Do NOT put in standard removal boxes (pressure causes deformation)
- Packing orientation: upright within the box, box horizontal for transport
- Silica gel sachets in boxes for humidity control
Old books and first editions
- Each book wrapped in acid-free paper
- Small boxes (NOT large ones with many books — the weight crushes those at the bottom)
- If high value (>500 €): individual box with foam
- Documentation: invoices, appraisals, photographs
- Humidity control: 40–55% ideal
Vinyl records
- Dedicated record boxes (upright, capacity 50–80 records)
- Records stored upright (never stacked horizontally — they warp)
- Outer sleeves in transparent polyethylene covers to prevent scuffing
- Record inside anti-static inner sleeve
- Box label: "VINYL – FRAGILE – KEEP UPRIGHT – DO NOT STACK"
- Watch out for heat: temperatures above 40°C warp the vinyl (never leave in direct sunlight)
Stamps, coins and philately
- Albums and stock books in their original containers
- Rigid box with shock-absorbent padding
- NOT in boxes with other heavy items
- For high-value collections: lockable box + an accompanying escort during transport
- Some collectors opt for personal transport (plane + hand luggage) for the most valuable items
Antiques
Antique furniture
- Professional quilted moving blankets (NO plastic wrap directly on old wood)
- Cardboard corner protectors on legs and corners
- Disassembly ONLY by a professional (some old wood joints are irreproducible)
- Correct orientation indicated with a label
Antique ceramics, porcelain and glassware
- Each piece wrapped in tissue paper or soft cloth
- Bubble wrap around each piece (as an intermediate layer between items)
- Small boxes with dividers (do not stack more than 3 items)
- Label: "EXTREMELY FRAGILE"
Antique clocks
- Stop the mechanism before transport (stop the pendulum, remove the weights)
- Secure the hands with painter's tape
- Individual packing with bespoke expanded polyurethane
- For wall or grandfather clocks: purpose-built upright crate
Types of transport according to value
Up to 3,000 € total value
Standard professional removal service with specific packing and basic liability insurance. Adequate for modest collections.
3,000–25,000 € total value
Professional removal + declared-value insurance (1–2% of value) + bespoke packing. Recommended by Horizont Atlantic.
Over 25,000 € total value
Consider a specialist art transport company (Box Art Logistics, Crozier, MTAB in Madrid). Rates are significantly higher, but the protocol includes maximum-security procedures, dedicated vehicles and supervision by art historians. For museum-level collections, major estates or unique pieces.
International removal of collectibles
Customs and regulations
- CITES artworks: some items containing protected materials (ivory, shells, tropical woods) require specific permits
- Protected cultural assets (BIC): export is restricted or prohibited
- Wines: limits by country and tariffs apply for large quantities
- Antiques over 100 years old: may require a non-BIC certificate for export
Recommended steps
- Consult a customs agent or art transport specialist BEFORE planning the removal
- Processing time: 2–6 weeks for authorisations
- Documentation: invoices, appraisals, certificates, photographs
Frequently asked questions about the transport of collectibles
Does your company transport artworks?
Yes, we transport items up to a moderate declared value (approximately 25,000 €) with specific packing and declared-value insurance. For higher-value collections, we recommend specialist art transport companies and can provide you with contact details.
Is it safe to transport my wine collection in the container to the Canary Islands?
For modest collections (up to 50 bottles at under 50 € each), yes, with correct packing. For high-value collections (bottles over 100 € each) or large cellars, we recommend a refrigerated container (additional cost: 400–800 €) or a separate specialist shipment. The 7–9-day crossing in a standard container in the heat can damage delicate wines.
Do I need a permit to take antiques out of Spain?
In some cases, yes. Spanish Cultural Heritage Act 16/1985 requires authorisation from the Ministry of Culture to export items over 100 years old with historical-artistic value. Some items are completely non-exportable. Allow 3–6 months for the process if this applies to you.
How do I insure my collection during the removal?
Three levels:
- Basic removal liability insurance: limited coverage, typically up to 6,000 € per item
- Declared-value insurance: 1–2% of total value. For collectibles of moderate value
- Specialist art/collectibles policy: with a specialist insurer (AXA Art, Hiscox, Lloyd's). For high-value collections
Should I accompany the most valuable items myself?
For unique and irreplaceable items (a canvas signed by a recognised artist, a rare first edition, a historic musical instrument), yes. Consider:
- Transporting them personally (by plane with appropriate hand luggage)
- Or commissioning specialist art transport with personal custody
- The rest of the collection can travel in the standard removal with professional packing
Do you offer bespoke packing for collectibles?
Yes. At Horizont Atlantic we offer a bespoke packing service for collectibles (reinforced cases, cut-to-shape polyurethane foam, specialist sleeves). Additional cost depends on volume and declared value. Contact us for a personalised consultation.
Professional transport of collectibles in the Canary Islands
At Horizont Atlantic we have extensive experience transporting private collections, artistic estates and antique furniture. Specific packing, declared-value insurance, coordination with appraisers and insurers. Request a quote, specifying the type and approximate value of your collection.
