Art Shipping and Packing Guide

How to think about packing, shipping, insurance and condition reports for artworks.

Shipping artwork is a practical skill and a risk point. Many problems happen between studio, courier, gallery, buyer and return freight. Good packing protects the work, reduces disputes and supports insurance if something goes wrong.

Best audience	Artists, galleries, collectors, prize finalists and exhibition organisers
Location focus	Australia-wide
Use this guide when	How to think about packing, shipping, insurance and condition reports for artworks.

Quick summary

Confirm delivery and return instructions.
Photograph work before packing.
Use clean, appropriate wrapping materials.
Protect corners and edges.
Label packaging clearly.
Keep tracking and receipts.
Confirm insurance and declared value.
Ask receiver to confirm condition on arrival.

Before packing

Confirm destination, deadline, delivery window, contact person, loading access, insurance, return freight and whether the work must arrive framed or ready to hang.

Photograph the artwork before packing, including details, corners, frame and reverse. Record existing marks so new damage can be identified later.

Packing principles

Protect the surface first, then edges, then corners, then the whole object. Use rigid support for flat works and avoid materials that can stick to surfaces. For framed works, protect glass or acrylic and consider corner protectors.

Sculpture, ceramics and fragile mixed media may need custom crates or professional art freight. Do not assume a standard courier box is enough.

After delivery

Ask the receiver to confirm arrival and condition. If there is damage, photograph packaging and artwork immediately before discarding anything.

For prize entries and exhibitions, keep tracking numbers and delivery receipts until the work is returned or sold.

Practical checklist

1. Confirm delivery and return instructions.

Confirm delivery and return instructions.

2. Photograph work before packing.

Photograph work before packing.

3. Use clean, appropriate wrapping materials.

Use clean, appropriate wrapping materials.

4. Protect corners and edges.

Protect corners and edges.

5. Label packaging clearly.

Label packaging clearly.

6. Keep tracking and receipts.

Keep tracking and receipts.

7. Confirm insurance and declared value.

Confirm insurance and declared value.

8. Ask receiver to confirm condition on arrival.

Ask receiver to confirm condition on arrival.

Common mistakes to avoid

Packing too tightly

Pressure can damage frames, paper and surfaces.

No condition photos

Damage disputes are harder without before/after evidence.

Using unsuitable plastic

Moisture trapped against artworks can cause problems.

Ignoring return freight

Finalists often forget to plan how unsold work comes home.

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