Tips for Packing Your Artwork Safely for Moving Home
Moving means packing up all your belongings in preparation for the journey. There are probably going to be a lot of things that can be thrown around – into boxes, travel bags, etc. – but there are a few important ones that need special attention and care in handling! In this short article, we’re going to discuss a few tips that can help you to safely pack your artwork when moving, taking care not to ruin such beautiful handiworks in any way.
How to Pack Art for Moving
Special Care for Special Artwork!
How to pack artwork for moving? I’m sure we all agree that artworks need special attention, whether it is your priceless piece or your kid’s framed drawing (face it, it’s a doodle, a special doodle, perhaps), or that special soapstone-work you got from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe during your trip to Southern Africa. All of it must arrive at the new home still intact and undamaged.
The sentimental value that you bestow upon your artwork means the artwork needs to be preserved in the pristine condition that it is currently in. Your artwork represents the innate feelings you harbor that you want your home to exude also. The new house or apartment should not necessarily be a new home because your artwork and furniture will usher in the familiar homeliness.
These tips will guide you on how to pack your artwork safely when moving home. When dealing with priceless paintings, people often become unsteady, so it’s important to do the artwork packing in a sober state of mind, calmly, and diligently. Instead of rushing through, take each step with ease as it comes!
Packing Materials, Tools and Equipment Needed:
- Boxes – different sizes for different artworks.
- Crates – come in handy when you have large artwork that boxes cannot handle.
- Sheet(s) of flat cardboard – to cover the top of frames.
- Packing tape – the name says it all.
- Styrofoam corners and/or cardboard folded edges – for frame edges.
- Bubble Wrap – an essential material in all movements of fragile things. Have enough to completely wrap up all surfaces
- Markers and labeling pens
- Glassine or Wax paper
NOTE: The equipment you need is mostly dictated by the type of artwork that you are moving. Some of the listed equipment and material might not be ideal for your case. Choose and use what your situation needs. Here are some easy steps to follow
How to Pack Paintings for Moving Checklist
- Sort Artwork by Size
Group your artwork into the same sizes, from small to large. Small and medium-sized artwork can be packed in the same boxes for convenience and space management. Packing for moving is not packing for Christmas: you are allowed to group pack along as the artwork is secured safely. We recommend packing large items individually in separate boxes. The size of the packing boxes must be slightly larger than the frame and picture
- Secure Glasses on Frames
Make a large “X” with the packing tape across the face of the glass. You are securing the glass. In case the glass cracks or breaks during transit, the tape will keep it from shattering, gouging, and damaging your artwork.
- Cover the face
For artwork with frames but no glass, use flat cardboard, cut to the size of the frame. You can overlap it and secure it with tape at the back.
For artwork without frames, cover the face with glassine or wax paper. Secure with tape without it touching the canvass. Glassine is a specialized grease and waterproof paper readily available in most Art stores. You can still cover with cardboard after using glassine first.
For some artworks, you can use kitchen plastic wrap. Wrap it over in several layers. Secure all four corners of the frame with Styrofoam corner protectors or the cardboard folded edge. This increases the protection of the edges. Some canvases are foldable, and you can use an ‘artwork tube’ to store your rolled artwork (never fold squarely with pronounced corners!).
- Wrap it
After covering the face of your artwork, it is time to wrap it. You can use brown paper first. Make sure it covers all sides of the frame. For easy maneuvering, lay the frame ‘face down’ and wrap it. Secure with packing tape making sure the paper stays in place.
Bubble wrap it. One layer of bubble wrap is considered to be enough, but if you have some to spare, you can wrap it twice. For small artworks being packed into one box, make sure that each artwork or frame is individually wrapped. Avoid using newspapers as the print can damage the artwork since the newsprint leaves ink marks on frames and glasses.
- Packing Time
Next up is packing your parcels into the respective boxes. Pack the frames upright with cardboard pieces placed between items. Make sure that all items tightly fit into the box. Check for looseness and movement. If there are loose items, add more dunnage or a larger piece of cardboard. Packing peanuts can also help fill up empty spaces.
Place larger artworks in crates. Crates are sturdy and help carry artworks like sculptures, etc. Once satisfied that there is no movement and shifting, seal the box. If it does not fully fit, improvise to secure it. Secure with packing tape and make sure there is no shifting again. Those using specialty boxes should first close the other end before placing the wrapped frame inside the box. This can be tricky to do alone, so always ask for a helping hand.
- Annotate the boxes
Each box must be marked with an indicator for its position e.g. kids room, bedroom, kitchen, etc. Do not forget to mark “FRAGILE” and/or “HANDLE WITH CARE”. You also need to indicate which side goes UP and which side is FACE etc. This is important if you have contracted a moving company. A marked box will not only receive the needed special care but also indicate where it is going, which will help at unpacking.
- Load into moving truck or van
If possible, carry your fragile artwork in your vehicle. Place pictures on the side, not flat. Make sure it will not fall during transit. If possible, wedge it between an unmovable object that will secure it without damaging it.
NOTE: If you have sensitive artwork, which you are not sure how to handle, consult professional artwork handlers. They will help you pack but for a fee. Safe Trip!
