Don’t let moving masterpieces be a nightmare!

The thought of moving fragile items, especially artwork and family photos, can cause anxiety. Large pieces can be awkward to handle; even frames and glass meant to protect them can become liabilities during a move.

The good news is that special boxes and clever packing techniques ensure your artwork arrives at your new place without a scratch. By carefully packing large framed pieces and smaller photos, you can ensure your treasured memories and artwork arrive at your new home safe and sound.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pack your art for a move, giving you peace of mind and guaranteeing a smooth transition for your precious pieces. No shattered glass or damaged photos to greet you on unpacking day!

Gather the Right Supplies

Before moving artwork, you must gather supplies to keep it safe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boxes
  • Picture shippers: These are great for smaller pieces of art.
  • Mirror boxes: ideal for fragile items because they often have padding and a secure design.
  • Oversized boxes: If you have large artwork, these boxes can handle the size and weight.
• Packing materials
  • Plastic wrap
  • Artist tape
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Parchment Paper
  • Shipping Tape

How to Pack Paintings for Moving with Bubble Wrap

This affordable material creates a protective bubble shield around your paintings and sculptures.

Unlike expensive packing solutions, bubble wrap offers a budget-friendly way to keep your art safe. Just ensure you get enough to cover your artwork in all directions. Wrapping is easy, but secure the bubble wrap tightly with tape to ensure it stays put during transport.

Even if you’re a packing newbie, bubble wrap is a user-friendly option to keep your art collection safe on its journey.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving with Plastic Wrap

Just like museums protect priceless art, you too can ensure your paintings’ safekeeping during a move. Here are several reasons why you should use plastic wrap for art packaging:

• Protection from Contaminants: A layer of plastic wrap acts as a barrier, preventing dust, dirt, or other unwanted particles from settling on the canvas and potentially damaging the paint.
• Moisture Control: Plastic wrap helps maintain the paint’s integrity by trapping moisture and preventing it from evaporating. This keeps the paint layer from becoming dry or brittle.
• Peace of Mind: No need to worry about unexpected spills or rain showers ruining your artwork during transport. The plastic wrap creates a waterproof shield.
• Long-Term Storage: Plastic wrap is also a preferred choice for long-term storage of valuable paintings, offering an extra layer of protection.
• Professional Presentation: Beyond functionality, plastic wrap can enhance the appearance of your artwork. A neatly wrapped canvas gives a polished and professional look, similar to how art is presented in galleries.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving Using Parchment Paper

Moving wall art requires special care because scratches on canvas are notoriously tricky. Imagine the heartbreak of damaging a treasured Van Gogh self-portrait during a move! To prevent such a disaster, take extra precautions to safeguard these delicate pieces.

• Secure Wrapping: Ensure the artwork is meticulously wrapped with protective materials to prevent scratches and tears.
• First Line of Defense: Before using bubble wrap or other packing materials, consider parchment paper as a first layer of protection. This budget-friendly option creates a barrier against dust, insects, and minor scratches that might occur during the move.

By following these steps, you can ensure your cherished portraits arrive at their new home in pristine condition.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving Using Shipping Tape

The humble shipping tape might be the unsung hero of the packing world. Its strength, durability, and ability to create clean seals make it an essential part of your art-packing arsenal.

• Brand Power: Custom tape can benefit businesses and individuals. Consider using personalised tape to add a fun touch and brand your moving experience!
• Art Protection: Shipping tape’s strength makes it ideal for securing your artwork during a move.

Taping Tips

• Tape Talk: Not all tapes are created equal! Choose acrylic tape for artwork needing extra protection, while polypropylene tape works well for lighter items.
• Bubble Wrap Buddy: Once your artwork is safely wrapped in bubble wrap, secure it with shipping tape. Opt for longer pieces of tape for a more secure hold.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving with Moving Box

The key to a stress-free art move starts with the right boxes! Paintings come in all shapes and sizes, and squeezing a tiny portrait into a giant box is a recipe for disaster.

Resist the Tetris Trap: Cramming as much artwork as possible into a few boxes is tempting, but don’t take shortcuts! Take the time to find moving boxes that are properly sized for each piece.

• Small & Mighty: For smaller works, “artwork boxes” or “mirror boxes” offer a secure fit.
• Big & Bold: Consider investing in sturdy wooden crates for oversized paintings for maximum protection.

Remember: Choosing the right box is only half the battle. Proper cushioning inside the box is essential for keeping your artwork safe during transport.

Loading Your Artwork on Moving Day

Packing your art carefully is only half the battle. Here’s how to ensure it arrives safely at your new home:

• Box Orientation Matters: Stand frame boxes upright inside the truck. This distributes pressure more evenly and reduces breakage risk.
• Find Sturdy Neighbours: Surround fragile boxes with heavier items that won’t shift during transport, creating a protective barrier.
• Double-check the Seals: Ensure all cardboard boxes are securely taped shut to prevent the artwork from falling out during the move.
• Fragile Boxes Deserve Special Treatment: Avoid stacking boxes containing artwork or placing anything on them.
• Take Charge on High-Value Pieces: For irreplaceable artwork, consider transporting it yourself in your vehicle. This gives you more control over handling and minimises potential risks.
• Call in the Experts: When dealing with extensive art collections or valuable pieces, consider hiring professional art handlers or speciality moving companies. These trained professionals have the expertise and experience to ensure your artwork is meticulously stored and transported.

Professionals Know How to Pack Paintings for Moving

Consider taking the stress out of the equation with professional smooth movers specialising in art packaging and moving art.

Here’s what they offer:

• Full-Service Packing: They’ll provide all the necessary packing supplies, including sturdy boxes, and handle the packing process for you.
• Expert Care: You can rest assured knowing your artwork is in the hands of experienced professionals who understand how to pack and transport art safely.
• Long-Distance Expertise: For long-distance moves, they have the network and resources to ensure your artwork arrives securely, even with potential stopovers. Secure storage facilities are often available along their routes.
• Real-Time Tracking: Many movers offer GPS tracking, which allows you to monitor the location of your valuables throughout the journey.
• Peace of Mind: Professional movers can offer insurance coverage for added peace of mind for priceless pieces like a Gustav Klimt masterpiece. In the unlikely event of damage, you’ll be compensated for the value of your artwork.

By choosing to hire professional movers, you can ensure a safe and smooth journey for your treasured art collection, even for long distances.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving: What You Shouldn’t Do When Packing

Moving can be chaotic, and mistakes can happen when you rush to get things done. Here are some common missteps to avoid when packing your artwork:

• Packing on the Fly: Don’t pack artwork wherever you stand. Find a clean, designated area with a flat, stable surface to minimise the risk of your artwork slipping or falling.
• Skipping the Cushion: Never lay your artwork directly on the floor or table. Always provide a layer of cushioning, such as bubble wrap or thick wadded newspaper, to protect it from scratches and damage.

Following these simple tips can avoid unnecessary headaches and ensure your artwork arrives at its new home safely.

Best Way to Pack Wall Art for Moving: Art Packaging Tips

• To prevent frame damage, don’t pack large framed pieces together in one box.
• Protect unframed art by wearing clean, thin gloves (cotton, latex, or nitrile) to avoid oil stains on your hands.
• Use artist’s tape instead of regular masking tape on framed pieces. It removes easier.
• Consider buying cardboard corner protectors for your picture frames.

Don’t Squeeze Multiple Artworks Into a Single Box

It might be tempting to squeeze multiple artworks into a single box, but resist the urge! Here’s why:

• Damage Central: Stacking artwork creates friction, especially during transport. Bumpy roads can turn these snuggly fits into disaster zones, leading to scratches, tears, and even cracks that may be impossible to repair.
• Lost in the Shuffle: Moving is a whirlwind, and misplaced items are common. By packing each artwork separately, you can easily locate everything at your new home and put your art collection back on display.

Sacrificing a few extra boxes can prevent heartbreak and costly repairs later.

You Can Use Newspaper

Looking for a cost-effective way to wrap your artwork? Newspapers offer a readily available solution.

• Easy to Find: No need for a special shopping trip – you might already have newspapers, or you can easily borrow some from neighbours.
• Affordable: Newspaper is a budget-friendly way to add a layer of protection to your artwork.

But use with caution because of these reasons:

• Not Ideal for All Art: Newspaper can be acidic and damage artwork over time. It’s best for short-term protection or less valuable pieces.
• Risk of Scratches: Newspaper can be abrasive and scratch delicate surfaces.
• Tearing and Staining: Newspapers can tear easily, and ink can be transferred to your artwork.

While a newspaper can be a budget-friendly option in a pinch, it’s not ideal for all situations. Consider using acid-free paper or other archival materials for valuable artwork or long-term storage.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving FAQs

How can I pack my artwork for long-term storage to minimise the risk of damage?

For safe long-term storage of artwork, choose materials that let the artwork breathe, like tissue paper, blankets, or wooden crates. While bubble wrap, foam, and plastic are fine for short-term transport, they can trap moisture and harm the artwork over time. Ideally, use breathable materials that protect the piece while allowing air circulation.

Store your artwork in a climate-controlled space to avoid damage from extreme temperatures and humidity. At home, avoid storing art in basements, attics, or anywhere with fluctuating temperatures.

Is it safe to fold a canvas painting?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to follow the instructions below:

• Make sure the paint on your canvas is completely dry before packing.
• Gently roll the canvas loosely, with the painted surface facing outwards. Avoid tight rolling.
• Choose a sturdy tube slightly wider than your canvas to prevent creasing.
• Skip the bubble wrap as it can trap moisture inside the tube.
• Consider placing the rolled canvas in a larger tube for extra security.
• When unpacking, allow the tubes to reach room temperature before unrolling the canvas. This helps prevent cracking or damage to the paint caused by temperature changes.

What’s the best way to separate unframed paintings for safekeeping?

Storing unframed paintings without harm requires a delicate touch. Here’s a guide to ensure your artwork survives the journey:

• Use interleaf barriers, like sheets between the paintings, for transport. Mylar film works well for most, but avoid it for pastels or charcoal due to static. Kraft paper is an option for bone-dry paintings during transport only, not storage.
• Add rigid, acid-free dividers and padding to keep paintings from shifting during transport.
• Pack your artwork upright, just like hardcover books, in a sturdy, acid-free cardboard box.

Final Thoughts

Even though moving can be a whirlwind, properly packaging your artwork can reduce stress. Using the right packing supplies not only makes the process smoother but also ensures your precious pieces arrive safely.

Thanks to these handy tips on how to pack paintings for moving, even packing newbies can now confidently navigate the moving art process. Remember, with a little planning and organisation (and proper lifting technique!), your prized possessions will arrive at their new home ready to grace the walls again.

Check out our in-depth moving day checklist for more organisational tips to keep your entire move running efficiently.

Looking for a Smooth Move for your paintings?

Look no further than The Smooth Movers! Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring your precious pieces arrive safely at their new destination.

Don’t trust your cherished artwork to just anyone. Contact The Smooth Movers today for a free quote and experience the difference of a truly smooth move.