If you’re moving artwork or antiques — especially anything fragile, valuable, or one-of-a-kind — regular packing just isn’t enough.
Bubble wrap and a box might work for your dishes.
But for a 19th-century mirror, a marble sculpture, or a signed canvas?
You need a custom crate.
At B&B Movers, we provide professional custom crating for art and antiques across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia (DMV area). And we can confidently say:
crating isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Here’s why.
What Is Custom Crating?
A custom crate is a specially built wooden container made to fit your specific item — snugly, securely, and safely.
Unlike generic boxes, crates are:
- Built to the exact size of the item
- Reinforced for long-distance travel
- Lined with shock-absorbing materials like foam or padding
- Often moisture-resistant or climate-controlled
- Designed to prevent internal movement during transport
Basically, it’s a personal armored vault for your artwork or antique — and it’s designed to survive bumps, vibrations, and long-haul shipping.
Why Art and Antiques Need Custom Crates
Art and antiques are not like other cargo. They’re:
- Irregular in shape (think statues or gilded frames)
- Delicate and aging (older wood, glass, pigments, fabrics)
- High-value or irreplaceable
- Sensitive to climate (humidity, heat, cold)
Custom crating protects them from:
- Scratches, dents, or cracks
- Pressure damage from improper stacking
- Shifting during transit
- Vibration damage on highways
- Accidental drops or handling errors
Without a crate, even the best packing job leaves room for risk.
Real-World Examples Where Crating Saved the Day
Case: Large Oil Painting with Ornate Frame
A client in Bethesda, MD needed to move a 5-foot antique oil painting to a summer home in Maine. The gilded frame alone was worth thousands.
✅ We built a foam-lined crate with a floating internal wall to protect the frame edges. It arrived without a scratch.
Case: Marble Bust with Pedestal
A sculpture from a private collection in DC had to be shipped cross-country.
✅ We designed a two-part crate: bottom for the pedestal, top for the bust — both shock-mounted and separated by foam panels.
Case: Vintage Glass Cabinet from 1890s
The glass was irreplaceable, and the wood was prone to cracking.
✅ We used custom bracing and silica gel packets to manage internal humidity during storage in our Maryland warehouse.
What Goes Into a Custom Crate?
Every crate we build at B&B Movers is tailored to the specific item and conditions of the move. We consider:
- Dimensions (height, width, depth)
- Fragility and material (glass, marble, canvas, etc.)
- Weight distribution
- Handling instructions (upright only, load side up, etc.)
- Transit route (local vs. long-distance or international)
Then, we build using:
- Sturdy plywood or heat-treated wood
- Internal foam supports
- Custom bracing or suspension systems
- Moisture barriers or sealed lining
- Ventilation or insulation, if needed
This isn’t just overkill — it’s industry standard for museum-quality moves.
When Is Custom Crating Absolutely Necessary?
You should seriously consider custom crating if:
✅ You’re moving fine art, sculpture, or antique furniture
✅ The item is irreplaceable or appraised at high value
✅ The piece has unusual dimensions or weak points
✅ The move involves long-distance or interstate shipping
✅ You’re placing the item in storage for any amount of time
✅ The item will be handled by third parties (e.g., freight carriers or airports)
Crating for Long-Distance & International Moves
The further your item travels, the more it needs protection. For moves from Maryland or the DMV to other states — or even abroad — crates help:
- Comply with shipping regulations
- Protect during transfers (truck > warehouse > truck > home)
- Survive varied temperatures and humidity
- Avoid damage during customs inspection or storage holds
Many international shippers require certified wood crates for customs — which we’re equipped to build.
Why Work with B&B Movers for Custom Crating?
Because we don’t just offer crating — we offer crating with care, expertise, and real protection. Our clients in the DMV area choose us because:
- We build and pack in-house — no third parties
- Our team is trained in art and antique handling
- We provide white-glove delivery and placement
- We offer storage options and coordinated logistics
- Every crate is fully documented and labeled
Whether it’s a sculpture, a grandfather clock, or a mixed-media installation, we know how to protect it from door to door.
Final Thoughts
Custom crating might seem like an extra step — but for art and antiques, it’s the most important one.
A properly built crate can mean the difference between safe delivery and irreversible damage. If you’re investing in the care of your collection, don’t cut corners at the most critical moment.
📞 Need custom crating in Maryland or the DMV?
Contact B&B Movers today for expert fine art and antique moving — with tailor-made crating, storage, and protection every step of the way.