How to Pack Artwork for Safe Moving
The Best Ways to Pack Artwork for Moving
Whether you're a serious art collector or simply enjoy showing off artwork created by you and your family, you should make sure you pack your artwork correctly in preparation for your move. Knowing how to pack art for moving is essential for protecting those treasured paintings, photographs, or sculptures. Here is an eight-step guide of professional tips for packing artwork for Moving Day.
Step 1: Find a large, clear area to work.
Identify a clear area, such as a large table, before packing artwork for moving. Consider wearing a pair of lightweight cotton gloves when handling valuable prints or paintings. This step will prevent any oils from your skin from coming into contact with the paint or paper and causing stains or damage.
Step 2: Choose the right materials.
Learning how to pack artwork for moving requires knowing the correct materials to use, such as packing tape, packing paper (unprinted newspaper), Mirror Pak boxes (moving boxes specially designed to hold artwork and wall mirrors), and paper pads (packing material that is thicker and larger than packing paper).
Step 3: Tape the bottom of the Mirror Pak moving box before you start packing.
This step is crucial and easy to forget—until you pack the box, lift it, and find everything sliding out from the bottom!
Step 4: Wrap each frame in one sheet of paper pads, then repeat.
Paper pads are thicker and larger than regular packing paper. One sheet is large enough to completely envelope most artwork. Using two sheets to wrap a piece of wall art will provide plenty of protection while in transport. Here are ideas on how to pack specific artwork pieces for moving.
The best way to pack artwork for moving that is already framed is to wrap the piece with bubble wrap and use packing tape to seal it.
Unframed artwork requires one more step. First, use a clean plastic sheet to cover the painting and seal the edge with packing tape, ensuring the tape doesn't touch the canvas.
For any three-dimensional artwork, like sculptures, pottery, or ceramics, pack like the pros know how to pack the artwork for moving by using plenty of packing material. Use packing paper and paper pads to completely envelop the item a few times and fill any vacant spaces (such as inside a pot or vase). You may also opt to wrap it with bubble wrap over the paper. Secure the packing material with packing tape. Place the item in a box filled with crumpled packing paper or newspaper so that the item will not shift while in transit. Choose a box large enough to maintain its shape (no bulging) while containing the item.
Step 5: Line the bottom of the Mirror Pak with packing paper.
Many people don’t know the secrets of how to pack artwork for secure moving. An essential step in keeping your artwork safe is to put a layer of crumpled packing paper along the bottom of the Mirror Pak before placing your artwork inside it. You can use newspaper, but don’t let it come into contact with the artwork, as it will leave ink and smudge marks.
Step 6: Stack the frames vertically in the box.
When learning how to pack artwork for moving, keep in mind the best way to orient your artwork. Keep artwork stacked upright and avoid laying them on top of each other. Mirror Paks are designed so that their contents will be held securely and upright, and they are marked so that they will be handled and loaded properly.
Step 7: Fill the remaining space and seal the box with tape.
Using crumpled packing paper, fill all remaining space so the artwork is snugly in the box. Place a layer of packing paper along the top before closing and sealing the box.
Step 8: Label the box!
Mark the box "FRAGILE" on two sides and the top. Also, be sure to note of the contents by room or by items on your moving inventory list.
Bonus Tips:
How to Pack Artwork for Moving: Packing Artwork for Long-Term Storage
The best way to pack artwork for moving into a storage space is to ensure that the storage facility offers the right conditions necessary so that the paint, canvas, or frame will not be damaged. Generous usage of bubble wrap will protect your artwork from bumps and scrapes, but a storage space that isn't temperature-controlled can cause damage to paint and canvases.
When looking for a space to store artwork, ensure no significant temperature changes will occur. Also, look for a storage space that reduces humidity and moisture levels, as dampness can damage paper and canvases. Finally, when packing artwork for moving and storage, always ensure that your artwork is stored in a location that does not receive direct sunlight and is away from high-wattage light bulbs. Taking the extra time to find a professional storage facility that offers conditions favorable to artwork preservation will be worth it in the long run.
Camelot Moving & Storage: Your Trusted Source for Professional Moving and Storage Services
Skilled at professionally packing artwork for moving and offering climate-controlled storage, Camelot Moving & Storage will protect your artwork throughout transport and storage. Read our tips for how to pack artwork and items for moving and storage to learn more. If you want to know more about us and discuss scheduling a move, visit our contact page to connect with our relocation team.