Packing and Shipping

Packing

Reserve 3-5 working days if you are packing your objects yourself. 

If you have hired a professional packer and shipper, reserve 1-3 days for packing, depending on the number of objects being shipped. They will confirm in advance whether they will bring or build packing supplies for your shipment.

Recommended Supplies:

• acid-free tissue paper or butcher paper

• blue painter's tape 

• reinforced cardboard boxes 

• box cutter

• bubble wrap

• sharpies / permanent markers

Tips for Packing:

• Wrap each of your objects in 2-3 layers of tissue to prevent tape from possibly adhering to the object if one layer is torn. 

• Tape seams with blue painter's tape, which is more visible, easier to remove, and less damaging than scotch tape. 

• Label your wrapped object on the tape in permanent marker with the case number and object number. This will help organize unpacking and intake when your objects arrive at the Club.

• Line your boxes with two layers of bubble wrap. Remember to tape the bottom of the box before your pack your books! 

• Pack your objects flat, with the heaviest objects on the bottom. Only pack books on their edges if you feel they are particularly sturdy and supported by the books and bubble surrounding it. 

Shipping

Curators are responsible for the costs of packing and shipping, and there are a few options available: 

• Direct transit: If you are lending objects from your personal collection and live within driving distance of the Club, you can hand-deliver and hand-retrieve your loans yourself.

• USPS, UPS, FedEx: Many private lenders opt for these standard shipping options, which are usually more cost-effective than fine arts shippers. 

• Fine Arts Shippers: Most institutional lenders and international lenders will need to hire professional fine arts shippers to pack and ship their materials. We can recommend a shipper depending on your needs and we are happy to liaise with your chosen shipper to coordinate arrival dates. Previous partners include USArt, Crozier, Maquette, and Bonsai. 

We will coordinate all arrival and departure dates as part of our exhibition preparation workflow.