Packing Art? Here’s How to Correctly Wrap Your Pictures for a Move

Moving house is all fun and games until you crack open a box and find your cherished artwork ruined. Scratched frames, shattered glass, and sometimes the canvas itself being torn are the results of poor preparation. To save your precious pieces from becoming tragic post-move casualties, you’ll need to learn how to correctly pack pictures for moving.

Let’s get right to it because we are sure your time is short.

Divide and assess the pictures you need to pack

Begin by separating your artwork into different categories based on their type:

Afterwards, group the artwork by size:

Purchase the needed packing supplies

Now, when you know what you have, it’s easier to figure out what to buy in terms of packing. You can find supplies at your local DIY store, a moving supply shop, or even online. Get everything ready beforehand; you don’t want to scramble for materials mid-pack.

• Sturdy boxes – Not just any old boxes will do. You need sturdy, appropriately sized boxes that can handle the weight and size of your paintings. Look for speciality boxes designed for pictures and mirrors, which come with extra padding and protection;
• Bubble wrap – The more layers you make, the better protected your pieces will be. It’s especially handy for cushioning frames and covering delicate surfaces;
• Packing paper – Use this to wrap artwork and fill in any gaps in the boxes. Packing paper is softer than newspaper, so it won’t leave ink smudges on your precious pieces;
• Corner protectors – They shield the corners from bumps and dings. These are the first to get damaged during a move. You can find foam or cardboard options, both of which work well;
• Heavy-duty tape – You’ll use this to secure the bubble wrap and seal the boxes. Invest in quality packing tape. Cheap tape tends to peel off or snap when you need it most.

Cleaning and other preparations before packing

You might have not guessed it, but you also need to prepare your artwork for packing.

Give your artwork a good cleaning. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove any dust and dirt. For glass-covered pieces, a light spritz of glass cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the glass) should do the trick. Everything should be clean and dry before you start wrapping. If dirt or moisture gets trapped under the packing materials, it could cause damage during the move;

Depending on the type of artwork and how fragile the frame is, you might consider removing the frame. When you remove the frames there’s less bulk to pack, the artwork is easier to handle. However, then the artwork is more exposed to potential damage, and re-framing can sometimes be a bit of a hassle.

If you decide to go this route, carefully lay the picture face down on a clean, flat surface. Use a screwdriver to remove the backing and gently lift the artwork out. Place the frame and the artwork in separate protective coverings.

How to correctly wrap your pictures

There is a right way and a wrong way to do this, but you will learn the right way. Here’s how to correctly wrap your pictures with good old bubble wrap.

How to pack small pictures for moving

Packing large pictures for moving

Bigger pieces need a bit more care. You’ll want to wrap the artwork in a few layers of bubble wrap, ensuring the corners and edges are well-padded. Once wrapped, use tape to secure the bubble wrap snugly, but not so tight that it warps the frame or canvas.

Finally, add corner protectors. Simply slip them onto the corners after wrapping the artwork in bubble wrap. If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own protectors using cardboard cutouts. Fold the cardboard into triangles and tape them securely onto the corners. It’s better than nothing.

Whilst wrapping this up, no pun intended, you might come across the following questions:

Can you wrap canvas paintings in bubble wrap?

Absolutely, and you should! When it comes to packing canvas pictures or acrylic paintings for transportation, bubble wrap is always your best friend. Add a layer of packing paper between the canvas and the bubble wrap. Then, wrap the painting face down on the bubbles.

How do you keep framed art from moving?

Nothing’s worse than opening a box to find your framed art has been doing laps during the move. So, to keep it in place, use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces in the box. This will prevent the artwork from shifting and possibly getting damaged. Always use a box that fits snugly around the frame. If it’s too loose, your artwork will move around; too tight, and it could be crushed.

How do you pack loose pictures for moving?

For small, unframed photos, place them in a photo album or binder with protective sleeves. This keeps them flat and organised. If you have a stack of loose pictures, place them between two pieces of cardboard, then wrap them together with packing paper or bubble wrap. This is the best way to pack artwork for moving when dealing with loose prints or photographs.

When packing for a move, your artwork should be one of the last items you pack. Art pieces are delicate and should spend as little time packed away as possible. There is another plus side. All the other heavy things will already be packed and won’t get mixed up with your paintings.

Arranging the art in the right boxes

Alright, you’ve wrapped your artwork with the care of a museum curator. Now it’s time to box it up. But not just any box will do. Picking the appropriately sized boxes is half the battle. This is how to pack pictures for moving like a pro.

Arrange your artwork inside the box

1. Start like this. At the bottom of the box, place a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap. This provides a cushioned base that helps absorb any shocks during transit.
2. If you’re packing several art pieces in one box, put additional padding between each. Place bubble wrap or packing paper between each wrapped item to prevent them from knocking into each other. Think of it as creating a cosy, padded nest for your artwork.

Label the boxes

Clearly label each box as ‘Fragile’. It’s a simple but effective way to alert movers that the contents require extra care.

Indicate the top side. Add arrows or a label indicating which side should face upwards. This helps prevent boxes from being turned the wrong way, which could potentially lead to your artwork being squashed or damaged.

Load and transport your paintings safely

Now it’s time for the final leg of the journey, how to transport paintings safely.

Positioning within the moving vehicle is key. Always load your paintings upright, just like they would be on a wall. This is one packing tip you must never forget when moving home. Laying the paintings flat can lead to warping or damage if something heavy shifts on top. Use the vehicle’s walls for support and make sure they’re wedged in place so they won’t slide around.

Even though your paintings are packed securely in boxes, it’s a good idea to add extra padding around them in the vehicle. Use blankets or moving pads to cushion the boxes and keep them from banging into each other.

For larger paintings or a substantial collection of artwork, the size of the vehicle can make a big difference. Don’t try to cram everything into a small vehicle as this will increase the risk of damage. The best course of action is to hire a moving van, as it offers more space.

How do movers move pictures when it comes to delicate and expensive art? Well, they are trained to handle fragile artwork. They know how to position and secure paintings to minimise movement and potential damage. They also use specialised equipment and techniques designed specifically for artwork. This might include custom crating or climate-controlled transport, which is ideal for sensitive or valuable pieces.

Do movers hang pictures?

Movers typically don’t handle TV mounting or picture hanging. However, depending on the job, some movers might be willing to help out with these tasks during your move. It’s best to check with your mover directly to see if they offer this service.