Moving to a new home or office can be an exciting adventure, but it also involves carefully packing and transporting your belongings. When it comes to your artwork and other prized possessions, you want to take extra care to make sure they arrive at the new location undamaged. We are experts in safely packing and transporting artwork, and we’ve helped many clients relocate their collections. Here are our tips for how to properly pack and transport artwork for moving.
Prepare the Artwork for Packing
Before you start wrapping and boxing your artwork, take some time to prepare each piece to make it moving-ready.
Inspect and Clean the Art
Carefully inspect each piece of art, including the frame, glass, mat, canvas, sculpture, etc. Check for any loose parts, flaking paint, warped surfaces, or other damage. Repair any minor flaws. Next, thoroughly clean each artwork to remove any dust, dirt, or grime accumulated over time. A clean surface will be easier to wrap.
Remove Loose Items & Attachments
If the artwork has any loose items attached like hanging wires, remove those prior to packing. Take off any hanging hardware as well. Make sure to pack screws, bolts, hanging equipment, etc. separately so you have everything ready for reinstallation later.
Unframe Valuable Pieces
It’s often recommended to unframe valuable paintings, prints, photographs, works on paper, and other art before moving it. This prevents damage to both the art and the frame. You can pack the empty frame separately. Consult a professional art handling company if unsure about unframing a particular valuable piece.
Mark the Back
Before wrapping any art, mark the backside or bottom with identifying information using permanent marker or removable labels. Include your name, the artwork’s title, and a numbering system like “Box 1 of 5.” This helps ensure all pieces can be identified if the wrappings become dislodged.
Add Padding to Corners and Edges
For artworks with ornate frames, canvas stretchers, or delicate edges, add extra protection by padding the corners and sides with bubble wrap or acid-free tissue paper before wrapping. This cushions protruding areas from bumps during transport.
Choose Appropriate Packing Materials
Packing artwork securely requires using the right materials to cushion and protect each piece. Some key supplies to have on hand:
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap allows you to wrap artworks of varied shapes and sizes. Small bubble wrap is good for delicate items as it provides more cushioning. Opt for plastic bubble sheets over the bubbled paper, which can tear more easily.
Acid-Free Tissue Paper
archival-quality, acid-free tissue paper is essential for protecting fine art and works on paper. Sheet offcuts can pad corners and edges. Crumpled tissue paper makes excellent void fill for packing sculptures and fragile items.
Cardstock and Foam Core
Sturdy cardboard sheets offer rigid support when used as backing boards behind canvases or prints. Thick foam core boards also prevent bending. Cut them a few inches larger than the art to protect the edges.
Kraft Paper
Plain brown kraft paper is ideal for wrapping paintings since it cushions without sticking to surfaces. You’ll also need kraft paper for lining boxes.
Boxes & Crates
Use sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes to hold different shaped artworks. For oversized pieces, professional art crates may be necessary.
Filler Materials
Packing peanuts, air pillows, or foam sheets control movement inside boxes and prevent artwork from shifting.
Tape
Use good quality packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or gummed paper tape to secure the wrappings and seam the boxes closed. Avoid using masking tape or duct tape which leaves adhesive residue.
Wrap and Box Artwork Securely
With your materials gathered, you can now properly wrap and pack each piece of artwork using these techniques:
Wrap Canvas Paintings
- Place the canvas facing forward in a clean cardboard box several inches larger than the piece. Center it and brace both sides with filler like crumpled kraft paper or bubble wrap to prevent sliding.
- Seal the box and mark which side is up. Pack multiple small canvases together this way. For larger pieces, build an inner wood crate or buy an artist’s packing crate.
Wrap Framed Works
- Fully wrap the frame in several layers of bubble wrap or kraft paper secured with tape. Wrap the whole front first, then do the back and sides.
- Place the wrapped frame facing forward in a cardboard box with a couple of inches of padding around all sides. Pack multiple framed pieces together when possible.
Wrap Works on Paper
- Sandwich drawings, prints, photos, posters, etc. between two rigid sheets of cardboard or foam core slightly bigger than the piece.
- Wrap the entire protected sandwich in tissue paper, then kraft paper or bubble wrap. Packing flat items between rigid boards prevents bending.
Wrap Sculptures and Fragile Objects
- Fully encase small sculptures and fragile art objects in bubble wrap, using plenty of sheets and tape to create a secure cocoon.
- For medium or large sculptures, build an inner wood crate padded with foam to cradle the object snugly so it doesn’t shift.
- Pack fragile wrapped items in boxes with liberal void fill like crumpled paper, air pillows, or foam packing peanuts.
Create Inventory Sheets
Keep detailed inventory sheets listing every artwork being moved and the box number it is packed in. Place copies in multiple boxes in case one sheet gets misplaced. Update the sheet as you unpack.
Label Boxes Clearly
Number and label every box using permanent marker. Include your name, room assignments like “Office Art 1/5,” and a description of the contents like “Framed Prints.” Apply arrows pointing up.
Double Box Valuables
For high value artwork, antique frames, or very fragile pieces, it’s smart to double box them for added protection. Pack the wrapped art in an inner box with void fill, and place that box inside a slightly larger outer box.
Secure Boxes Well
Reinforce the bottoms of boxes with extra tape. Tape down the box flaps securely using reinforced packing tape or paper tape less prone to peeling. Kraft paper tape offers a strong box seal.
Transport Artwork Safely
If you are moving locally, here are some tips for safely transporting your carefully packed artwork in your own vehicle:
Load Boxes Smoothly
Lift boxes gently without dropping, tossing, or scraping them over the bumper. Sliding or sudden shifting can damage contents. Arrange boxes upright in uniform layers for even weight distribution.
Use Blankets as Padding
Line the bed of a truck or vehicle interior with moving blankets or padded quilts to buffer boxes during transport. Don’t let boxes touch exposed metal.
Secure the Artwork
To prevent shifting, tie down boxes securely using rope, netting, or ratchet straps. Put larger, heavier boxes on the bottom. Avoid overstacking.
Drive Smoothly
Go slowly and avoid quick stops, fast turns, and speed bumps when transporting artwork. Take it easy over rough terrain if absolutely necessary. Defensive driving prevents jostling.
Watch Heat and Cold
Don’t leave artwork boxes in hot vehicles or unattended trailers for very long. Excessive heat or freezing temperatures can damage contents.
Use a Professional Mover for Long Distances
For interstate moves or international relocation, hire professional fine art movers to handle all packaging and transportation door-to-door. This provides climate controlled storage and safeguards during a long transit.
Unpack Artwork with Care
When you reach your new location, carefully unpacking and handling your art completes its safe relocation:
Check Condition
Inspect each piece for damage as you unpack it. Look for punctures, tears to wrappings, or frame damage. Raise any concerns over box handling immediately.
Unwrap Gently
Remove wrapping materials slowly by cutting the tape with a box cutter. Try not to rip the paper or bubble wrap which could scratch surfaces underneath. Save wrappings for reuse or disposal.
Allow Climate Adjustment
Especially for works on paper, let the unpacked art sit and acclimate to the temperature and humidity for a day or more before hanging. This prevents moisture issues.
Reinstall Hardware
Once artwork is unpacked, reattach any hanging wires, bolts, brackets, or other hardware needed to display the piece using original fasteners when possible. Check that connections are secure.
Touch Up Frames
If frames got scuffed during packing, use wood wax crayons to fill nicks and touch up color. Burnished spots can usually be polished out. Professional reframing may be needed for more significant damage.
Record Any Damage
If you do notice damage to the art or frame that wasn’t there pre-move, document it thoroughly in writing and photographs. Get estimates for professional restoration when needed.
With the proper materials and these packing techniques, even the most delicate artwork can be transported safely. Just take your time and handle each treasured piece with care. Follow our tips, and you can successfully move your entire art collection to grace the walls of your new home or office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing and Transporting Art for Moving
Moving artwork safely often raises questions for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of art packing. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
How should I pack large paintings?
For oversized paintings, build an internal wooden crate or stretcher to fit snugly around the canvas without touching it. Attach padding like foam or bubble wrap to cushion the inside. Pack the crate securely in a larger sturdy box or have art movers create a custom padded crate.
What’s the safest way to pack sculpture and three-dimensional art?
Fully wrap small sculptures in bubble wrap to create a tight cocoon that prevents movement. For larger sculptures, build an internal wood crate that cradles the shape securely padded with foam. Always use ample void fill like crumpled paper around wrapped sculptures inside boxes.
Should I remove glass from picture frames before packing?
It’s generally recommended for added protection. Wrap and pack the glass separately from the frame. For extremely fragile antique frames, consult a professional art handler about options like replacing the glass with acrylic for moving.
How do I prevent damage to canvas paintings?
Cushion paintings from front-to-back and side-to-side inside boxes to prevent shifting. For valuable pieces, build internal wood crates that grip the canvas stretcher without touching it. Keep canvases upright and fully wrapped to avoid scratches.
What’s the best way to pack unframed prints, photographs and works on paper?
Sandwich them between rigid boards like foam core covered in plastic sleeves. Wrap the entire sandwich in archival tissue paper and then kraft paper for added protection. Packing flat is essential to prevent wrinkling or creasing.
Should I hire fine art movers or can I move artwork myself?
If relocating especially fragile or high value art a long distance, hire specialized art movers to handle the entire detailed packing and transport process. For local moves, you can safely move most artworks yourself using proper packing techniques.
How do I secure artwork inside a moving truck?
Use moving blankets or quilts to pad boxes and prevent rubbing against the truck bed. Secure stacked boxes with netting and straps to prevent shifting during transport. Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or jolts when moving your own unpacked artwork.
Should artwork be stored flat or upright during a move?
Ideally, store art unpacked and allow it to acclimate before displaying. If boxing artwork, pack it how it should hang – upright for paintings or flat for prints. Use plenty of padding to prevent movement inside the box.
How soon can I hang art after moving in?
Wait at least 24 hours before hanging pieces to allow temperature and humidity acclimation and prevent condensation from damaging works. Avoid hanging art directly above heating vents or fireplaces that may cause drying or damage over time.
Conclusion
Moving your treasured artwork and valuables requires diligent packing and handling to prevent damage. Follow these detailed tips and techniques, from readying pieces before wrapping to safely driving boxes to their destination and the careful art unpacking process. Take time to properly wrap and secure each piece using appropriate archival materials. Hire professional art movers when needed for extra protection during long-distance relocations. With patience and care, you can successfully relocate even the most fragile masterpieces. Your collection will adorn the walls of your new location thanks to your efforts in safely packing and transporting it.