Nearly everyone who owns art will have the occasion to send it somewhere, even if only during a household move. Most moving companies have cardboard containers designed to hold art, and many moving company personnel are conscientious packers. Generally, the more concern you express to the movers, the more care will be taken. If the art is of great value, it might be wise to organize the packing and shipping personally. Remember, the only way to ship art is with the maximum protection. Art shipped without adequate protection often arrives damaged. It is always a good idea to ship art by air or the fastest way to reduce the possibility of it sitting in a warehouse or truck where environmental conditions can cause problems.
If proper wrapping or crating is not available or if you prefer not to do the packing, there are companies that specialize in packing and shipping art listed in the telephone directory or online, or get referral from your picture framer, conservator, or local museum.
Care in packing regardless of the inconvenience is cheaper than restoration or replacement and insurance companies will often deny a claim if it is obvious the packing was inadequate.