How to Pack Your Art Safely for Moving

We understand that your carefully chosen art pieces make your home warm and inviting. Each piece brings a unique character to your space; the last thing you want is for it to be damaged when moving to a new home or office. 

The most stressful thing about moving art is that it is vulnerable to loss or damage during transportation!

A study shows that 60% of art damage claims result from transportation.

Let’s face it: The chances of your art getting damaged are higher than other household items.

Therefore, packing these valuables requires special care, diligent wrapping, and safe handling.

Equally important is ensuring they reach the new destination in the right shape and condition. 

This brings us to an important question: How can you protect your art from dents and scratches while packing it for a move?

The answer is simple: Master the art of packing and lifting! 

When packing for a move, always use good-quality wrapping paper to protect the art before placing it in a cardboard box.

Alternatively, leave it to the experts and hire professional moving companies that provide good-quality packing supplies and sturdy moving equipment, ensuring the safe transportation of your art. 

Below are detailed steps for packing framed art, large sculptures, canvases, and paintings for a move.

9 Best Practices for Packing & Moving Framed Art

1. Gather Essential Packing Supplies

The first step is to choose the right packing paper, bubble wrap, and box to keep your valuable art safe.

When the artwork is nicely packed and securely placed inside the box, the chances of dents, cracks, or edge crusts decline. Also, you will get an idea of your moving budget. 

What Packing Materials Do You Need to Pack and Move Your Art Safely

• Picture Shippers

Picture shippers are durable boxes for transporting your framed art. They come in different sizes and have padding at the top and bottom to prevent punctures.

In these shippers, your artwork is cushioned between thick, soft foam, protecting it from damage caused by movement. 

• Mirror & Picture Boxes 

Mirror & Picture boxes often come with custom-fit sizes and additional padding inside.

They are highly suitable for packing and moving large pictures, mirrors, artwork, large paintings, and other framed items.

They can even fit larger artwork in a telescopic box up to 72″. They often have a high weight capacity with special instructions like “Fragile, do not lay flat,” or  “Place it upright.” 

• Glassine Paper

Glassine paper is appropriate for protecting original drawings, photographs, and framed art. This packing paper is an acid-free barrier and resists grease, air, and moisture. 

• Bubble Wrap

Bubble wraps are highly suitable for packing and storing fragile artwork.

The air-filled bubbles provide extra cushioning and padding, protecting the artwork from dents, dings, or breakage during transportation. 

• Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are great for filling spaces between larger paintings to keep them from shifting.

The key to protecting your artwork is to place it in the center with packing peanuts around to create an extra cushion layer. 

• Corrugated Board

Corrugated cardboard is ideal for packing artwork and delicate items, protecting against breakage.

It is available in various sizes, including cube, flat, tall/telescopic, and multi-depth boxes. These options help you securely pack oddly shaped frames, paintings, and art pieces. 

• Honeycomb Board

A honeycomb board is a lightweight, sturdy, recycled kraft paper that fills gaps and provides internal support between the box and the framed art.

These cost-effective pallets do not shatter easily, protecting fragile items from damage during transport. 

• Foam Sheets

Neoprene foam sheets provide extra padding for delicate items. They are also anti-compress and anti-scratch, preventing your art from sliding and breaking. 

• Stretch Wrap/ Shrink Film 

This plastic wrap is ideal for securing single items and keeping them intact, adding another layer of protection.

• Packing Tape

Good-quality packing tape is essential for sealing boxes safely. A great tip is to seal the bottom of each box with extra tape to withstand heavy weight easily. 

• Permanent Markers

Permanent markers are essential for labeling and writing special instructions on boxes. Ensure you read each box thoroughly before loading and unloading. 

2. Prepare your Art For Packing – Don’t Let the Dust Settle!

First, remove your framed art from the walls. Then, clean it using a streak-free glass cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and paper towels.

Pro Tip: Gently wipe the framed art by spraying the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the frame. Also, avoid oversaturating the cloth with the cleaning solution.

3. Measure Your Framed Art for Finding the Perfect Cardboard Box 

The next step is to find the right box for your art, particularly for oddly shaped frames and paintings.

The key is to select high-quality, sturdy boxes explicitly designed for packing large artwork.

For example, picture shippers or corrugated boxes are excellent for protecting large art items from damage, while art and mirror-moving boxes are ideal for standard-sized art pieces.

4. Mark your Glass Covering with an “X” 

For framed art pieces with a glass top, use blue masking tape and place an X across the glass.

The blue painter’s tape withstands the rigors of painting without tearing or lifting.

It is also easily removable without crizzling the glass covering, which will prevent the glass covering from shattering or moving around.

5. Use Bubble Wrap to Secure your Framed Art

Bubble wrap is a must when packing delicate artwork. It prevents the art from getting cuffed at the edges and, most importantly, from getting damaged when loading and unloading during the move.  

The Importance of Using Bubble Wrap for Packing Artwork

• Easy-to-Use Packing Material – Simply wrap it around the framed art and secure it with tape. Due to its flexibility and soft texture, bubble wrap can fit easily into any space within the box.
• Resistant to Moisture and Air – Bubble wrap features air-filled pockets that provide soft cushioning. Its film is tear-resistant and moisture-resistant, protecting items from dirt, dust, and chipping.
• Lightweight – Bubble wrap is filled with air, adding minimal weight when placed inside a moving box.
• Reusable – Bubble wrap can be reused, so don’t just throw it away after your move. Store it for future moves or other packaging needs.

How to Use Bubble Wrap to Pack Your Art

• Know the Size – Measure the framed art and cut a strip of bubble wrap that is large enough to cover the piece, including the corners.
• Place It Correctly – Position the framed art in the center of the bubble wrap strip. Fold one end of the wrap over the left side of the framed art. Avoid packing tape at this stage, as it might damage the glass. Secure the other end of the wrap over the right side of the art.
• Use Strong Tape – Once your framed artwork is snugly wrapped in bubble wrap, secure it with strong, adhesive packing tape. This adds an extra layer of protection and prevents shifting during transport.
• Apply the Tape – Extend the tape both vertically and horizontally to ensure a secure wrap.

6. Place the Art, Shake the Box, and Fill the Void. 

Before sealing the box, double-check to ensure your art is securely packed inside the box.

Despite careful wrapping, damage or breakage can still occur during loading and unloading. 

How to Place the Art into the Moving Box

After wrapping your framed art, gently place it into the box. Before you seal the box, ensure your art doesn’t shift or move when transporting.

For that, filling the gaps around it is essential. Use packing peanuts or packing paper to fill the spaces in between. 

How to Ensure the Framed Art is Safe and Protected Inside the Box

Once the framed art is safely packed and placed, test its stability. You can softly wiggle the box to check whether the art moves around or slides inside. 

How to Fill Space Inside the Moving Box

If you notice any movement, insert void-filling materials such as paper pads, moving blankets, or crumpled paper.

These materials provide cushioning and protect your valuables from shifting and potential collisions. 

7. Seal the Box with Good Packing Tape

Use robust, adhesive packing tape that sticks better when closing the box. Reinforce the bottom of the box and all corners using high-quality packing tape and a dispenser.

To ensure nothing gets crushed while lifting the box, gently shake the box again.

If you hear the framed art moving around, unpack the box and add more packing paper to keep it intact. 

Packing Art Can Be Creative, You Just Need To Know: 

H-tape Packing Method

The H-tape method involves three long strips of packing tape. The first two tapes should parallel each other along the box’s side flaps.

Then, place a third strip horizontally across the middle, connecting the parallel strips and forming an “H” shape. Repeat the same process at the bottom of the moving box. 

Snowflake Method

First, take two strips of packing tape and make an “X” on the box from one edge to another.  Next, use two more strips to make a “+” sign on the top.

This way, you have successfully made a snowflake shape with your tapes that secure the moving box from eight sides. 

8. Label your Boxes Clearly

Labels make it easier for you to identify your boxes. Labeling every moving box is essential for quickly spotting your valuable and fragile items box.

In case of packing artwork, write special instructions such as “fragile,” “this side up,” and “handle with care.”

This alerts you or your local mover to safely handle the artwork when placing it on moving dollies, hand trucks, or carts. 

9. Load Your Boxes Onto a Moving Truck

There are two ways to position your artwork boxes on a moving truck: either do it yourself or ask professional movers to help you. 

In both ways, the trick is to keep the box with framed art upright rather than lay it on a flat surface.

Chances of breaking and crushing are higher when they are lying flat.

When loading your boxes on the moving day, keep them in a place from where they won’t fall or between heavy objects that will prevent them from shifting. 

How to Pack Sculptures

Packing sculptures requires careful attention to detail to ensure they arrive at their destination undamaged. 

Follow these steps to protect your sculptures during the move – 

• Start by wrapping the sculpture from the top to the bottom and securing it with adhesive tape.
• Repeat this process with 1-2 additional layers to provide extra padding.
• Next, wrap the entire sculpture in bubble wrap and place it upright inside the moving box.
• Once the sculpture is in the box, fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or paper to cushion and protect it.

How to Pack Larger Sculptures

Packing more extensive sculptures requires additional care and caution. Fitting large sculptures inside the box is challenging.

The key here is to use more cushioning materials, such as moving blankets, to secure them from splintering. 

Hire a Moving Company to Pack Valuable Art

Precision and technique matter when moving heavy, oddly shaped sculptures, statues, or artwork. Professional moving companies send well-equipped movers to pack your valuables safely.

Although the cost of hiring movers is higher as compared to a DIY move but, experienced movers can give you peace of mind and assurance that your fragile and delicate items will remain unscratched throughout the moving process. 

How to Pack Canvas Art, Paintings, or Photography For a Move

Packing canvas art, paintings, or photography requires special care to preserve their integrity during a move. Follow these steps to ensure your artwork is safely transported to its new location.

• Gather the right packing and wrapping materials for fragile items. For larger art pieces, gather foam padding, cushioning material, and moving blankets. 
• Safely pack and wrap each item with additional layers. 
• Store boxed artwork upright and on the side edges of a moving truck to prevent sliding. 
• Wear gloves or hold your paintings and photographs from the edges to avoid smudgy fingertips. 
• When packing canvas wall art, cover it with bubble wrap or packing paper to add extra protection. 
• Wrap and box large art items separately. When wrapping paintings and canvas, use glassine or acid-free packing paper. Their neutral pH will protect your artwork from dirt and damage.

Bonus Tip: Avoid using printed packing paper or newspaper when wrapping paintings, as the ink of these wrapping materials is easily transferable.  

Additional Tips For Moving Art 

1. Use Climate-Controlled Moving Trucks to Transport Your Art

Artwork is temperature sensitive. Thus, hiring professional moving companies is essential when moving art.

Their moving vehicles can set the humidity and cooling levels, ensuring the art remains unaffected by extreme climate conditions. 

2. Buy Moving Insurance for the Safety of Your Art.

Moving insurance is essential to protect and safeguard your delicate art from damage or theft during the moving process.

When you buy an insurance policy, evaluate the cost breakdowns and reimbursement amounts to prepare you for the claims. 

What is the cost of moving insurance?

The cost of moving insurance will vary depending on the type of coverage you opt for. Released value insurance typically includes the fee in the moving cost.

Alternatively,  full-value protection costs 1% to 2% of the total value of your artwork. 

The exact cost will vary depending on the weight and the value/pound (usually around $0.60 per pound per item) fixed by your moving company.

Your moving insurance helps you repair your item, replace it, or cover the repair cost through reimbursements. 

3. Hire Local Movers

Moving artwork is tedious, especially when it’s an oddly shaped, heavy item.

Consider hiring professional movers who wrap your fragile items with extra care and attention, ensuring they remain unaffected by shocks or damage. 

Another advantage of hiring a moving company is that it offers affordable storage unit options to keep your artwork in a secure place for short-term or long-term storage. 

At Let’s Get Moving, you can trust that your artwork will be professionally packed, wrapped, and organized in a climate-controlled storage unit, giving your valuables the utmost protection. 

Conclusion 

Moving artwork, whether it’s fragile paintings, sculptures, or posters, can be both challenging and stressful.

The risk of damage or loss during transportation is a concern no one wants to face.

By following the steps outlined above, you’ll know how to gather essential packing materials, properly pack and wrap your items using picture shippers or bubble wrap, and safely load them onto the moving truck with the right equipment.

Whether you handle the move yourself or hire experienced movers, your goal remains the same: to give your fragile artwork the utmost protection and ensure it arrives at your new home or office unharmed.

FAQs 

How Do You Safely Pack Paintings and Artwork for Long-Term Storage?

Use tissue paper, foam sheets, or any other breathable material to protect your paintings from extreme temperatures for long-term storage.

Place the paintings or your framed art vertically with suitable cushioning to avoid damage and shattering.

Finally, consider placing your art in a climate-controlled storage unit that frees it from dust, dirt, and moisture. 

Can You Fold a Canvas Painting?

Never fold a canvas painting, as this can cause permanent marks and creases. To move your canvas paintings safely, carefully roll the canvas and place it in a sturdy packing tube for transit.

For oil canvas paintings with textured surfaces, roll the canvas with the paint facing outward to protect the artwork.

How Can You Prevent Acrylic Paintings From Sticking Together?

When packing and storing acrylic paintings, place a layer of glassine or wax paper between the two paintings like a “sandwich.”

This non-sticky material is a barrier between the paint, preventing it from smudging.

Avoid using bubble wrap or plastic wrap directly against the acrylic surface, as they can leave impressions and cause damage.

Instead, consider using acid-free paper or silicone sheets, which are also excellent choices for protecting acrylic paintings. 

Is it Safe to Use Newspaper When Packing Artwork? 

Avoid using newspapers to pack artwork, paintings, and canvases. While eco-friendly, newspapers carry heavy ink that can easily transfer onto your art, leaving smudgy prints and stains.

This risk makes them unsuitable for protecting valuable pieces.

How to Transport Artwork?

Before transporting artwork, make sure it is correctly packed and wrapped. Ensure you have chosen a suitable cardboard or art box with extra cushioning to protect it.

Once the artwork is safe in the cardboard box, you need a climate-controlled moving vehicle to transport it without worrying about moisture, dirt, or humidity.

In such cases, consider professional moving companies that offer specialized moving services. 

How Far in Advance Should You Start Packing For a Move?

Plan your packing two to three months before your moving day for a local move and six months before your moving day for a long-distance or cross-country move.