For a Miami move involving artwork, antiques or a piano, compare each provider’s written handling plan before booking. Start with the item’s condition, the access at both addresses and the transport or storage arrangements it needs. These seven questions help you compare proposals on the same basis.
1. How Will You Assess Each Item Before Moving It?
Prepare an inventory with dimensions, photographs, existing damage and any care instructions. Ask who will assess the pieces and whether they need input from a conservator, piano specialist or manufacturer.
The Canadian Conservation Institute’s painting travel guidance explains that suitability for travel depends on materials, construction and condition. It recommends written condition notes and images. Ask for a handling plan that addresses the actual piece.
Ask for references relevant to your item type and permission to verify them. Do not assume an association badge or museum-quality label establishes the skills your collection needs.
2. What Packing or Crating Is Proposed, and Why?
Request a written packing scope that identifies the support, wrapping, cushioning and crate proposed for each item. Clarify who packs, unpacks and removes materials, and what those services cost.
For paintings, CCI’s wrapping guidance addresses how condition and framing affect the method and how to keep wrapping materials from contacting the paint surface. Do not apply a single packing recipe to every artwork.
Use the packing service information as a starting point for questions, then confirm the proposed method for your particular pieces in writing.
3. How Will You Manage Access at Both Addresses?
For a Miami condo, house, gallery or office, review the full route from the item’s current position to the vehicle and from the vehicle to its destination.
Check with the building manager about loading areas, elevator reservations, permitted hours, protective measures and any required certificate of insurance. Give each provider the same details about doorways, stairs, parking and restricted access. Ask who obtains approvals and how any extra equipment or access service will be priced.
A practical access plan is more useful than an assurance that a crew can handle anything.
4. What Conditions and Handling Apply in Transit or Storage?
Ask whether the proposed plan controls temperature, humidity or both, what is monitored and who responds if conditions change. Request facility specifications and the proposed transport arrangements.
CCI identifies handling, shock, vibration and environmental changes as painting travel risks. Discuss the requirements of your pieces with a qualified specialist instead of assuming one temperature or humidity range is suitable for every material.
If storage is needed, ask for separate written terms covering duration, access, handling, monitoring and liability. The artwork storage checklist helps organize those questions.
5. Who Will Transport the Shipment and Handle Handoffs?
Ask which company arranges the move and which carrier will transport the goods. Confirm whether additional carriers or storage facilities will handle the shipment and who records its condition at each handoff.
For interstate household moves, use FMCSA’s Protect Your Move resources to check the mover or broker. Match the company identifiers to your paperwork. For a local or commercial shipment, ask which requirements and contract terms apply.
Agree on a named contact and an update method. Verify whether the offered service uses coordinator updates, shipment tracking or another arrangement; do not assume live GPS or environmental readings are included.
6. What Protection Terms Apply to My High-Value Items?
For interstate household moves, FMCSA distinguishes mover valuation from insurance. Released Value limits recovery by item weight; Full Value Protection has different terms. Check the applicable limitations before assuming a particular claim payment.
Request the written election, charges, deductibles, exclusions, high-value declaration requirements and claims instructions. Ask separately about storage and any third-party policy. Keep appraisals, condition records and the signed terms together, and review FMCSA’s valuation factsheet.
7. What Does the Estimate Cover, and How Can It Change?
Compare quotes using the same inventory, addresses, access details, packing and storage requirements. Ask which items and services are included, which are excluded, and how an amendment will be authorized.
FMCSA’s binding-estimate guidance ties an interstate estimate to the items and services covered. Additional items or unforeseen circumstances can require revised terms. Ask for the payment schedule, delivery window and process for a delay in writing.
Prepare photos or a video of your collection and an itemized list before requesting an estimate. Compare the proposed scope for your pieces and confirm availability and the handling plan before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is climate-controlled storage enough to protect artwork?
Ask what conditions are controlled and monitored, how items are supported and handled, and whether the plan suits their materials and condition. Confirm the actual storage and liability terms before booking.
Does a packing service include custom crates for every valuable item?
Check the written scope. Ask which items need custom support or crating, who assesses that need, and whether packing, unpacking and materials are included in the estimate.
How can I compare movers for a mixed collection?
Give each provider the same inventory and access information. Compare their item-specific handling plan, carrier identity, delivery and storage arrangements, written charges and protection terms. Ask a qualified specialist about pieces whose condition makes travel uncertain.