Packing up your favorite art pieces at home for a move means needing extra careful handling to ensure that your valuable pieces arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
Here’s a pro art moving guide to expertly packing art for your relocation:
1. Gather Packing Materials
- Don’t just buy any packing materials that you see at the store. You will need art-friendly packing supplies. Spend a little extra money on this to not pay later in damage to your art pieces.
- Use acid-free paper, bubble wrap, and packing paper for safe art protection.
- Get sturdy boxes (preferably double-walled), packing tape, corner protectors, and a knife.
- Have enough supplies on hand for all people at home that will be packing to be efficient and able to pack at the same time. If you lack a roll of tape you’ll get less done.
2. Prepare Your Artwork
- Ensure your hands are squeaky clean, or wear gloves when touching the art to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the artwork.
- Make sure the packing materials you are using don’t have any ink or colors on them that could ruin your pieces.
3. Remove the Frame (If possible without causing damage)
- If the artwork is framed and the frame can be safely removed, remove it to reduce bulk and weight and potential damage.
- Inspect the frame for any damages or pieces sticking out that could harm your artwork.
- Store the frame separately. Keep all the pieces together so nothing gets lost during the move. Pack the frame with enough protection to keep it in great shape.
4. Protect the Artwork
- Cover the artwork itself with paper that is acid free. It shouldn’t have any color or ink on it.
- Lay the artwork flat on a clean surface and cover it with acid-free paper or glassine material to protect the surface.
- Wrap the artwork in bubble wrap, securing it with tape to keep it in place without damaging the art. Use as much as you need, and don’t skimp here to keep your piece very safe. Avoid placing the tape directly on the artwork.
- If you have the ability to safely transport your artwork in your personal car rather than in the moving truck, consider doing so since it is a piece of value. Never leave it inside a hot car turned off.
5. Prepare the Box
- Choose a box that’s slightly larger than the wrapped artwork to allow space for cushioning. It shouldn’t be too large on the piece to avoid it sliding around and getting damaged.
- For this job I wouldn’t recommend using a recycled box but instead a new box without ink stains.
- Line the bottom of the box with a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled acid-free paper for cushioning. Ensure there is no gap here.
- Gently place the wrapped artwork into the box, ensuring it’s snug and not shifting around.
- Fill any gaps around the artwork with additional packing paper or crumpled soft items to prevent movement.
- Close the box securely with packing tape, reinforcing the seams on the bottom and on top of the box.
6. Clearly mark the box with “FRAGILE” and “ARTWORK” tags.
- Indicate the right side up to ensure the box is handled correctly.
- Write the tag labels on all sides of the box. You can even ask your kids to color the box with markers to mark it as extra care being needed so it can be seen from any angle.
- Ensure the box remains upright during the move and avoid stacking heavy items on top. Ask your moving team to take extra care of the boxes marked in certain colors so that you can keep those art pieces extra safe.
- Consider tipping the movers ahead to keep your art extra safe. You would be surprised how far ten dollars goes when you want something done right.
7. Custom Made Art Boxes
- For extra valuable or super delicate pieces, consider using custom-made art shipping boxes or containers designed for artwork. In most cases this isn't necessary but do know that they exist.
- For high-value art or antiques, consider professional crating services to ensure maximum protection.
- When moving the boxes, handle them with care and avoid jostling or dropping.
8. Climate Control
- If possible, transport you special artwork in a climate-controlled environment to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- This means paying extra for the climate controlled moving truck inside or storage facility.
- This is a key point and shouldn’t be overlooked.
9. Inspect Immediately the Art
- Upon arrival at your new home, inspect the artwork and its packaging for any signs of damage. If there is any damage it should be reported along with its value immediately while the moving team is still onsite.
- Carefully unwrap the artwork, starting with the outer layers and moving inward.
- If you removed the frame, reattach it once the artwork is unpacked and in its new location.
- Use appropriate hanging hardware for your walls and the weight of the artwork when hanging it back on the wall. The moving team can assist but make sure they wash their hands first.
- Enjoy that piece on your new wall and be proud of yourself for making the move!
