If you have valuable artwork, sentimental paintings, or precious photographs, you’ll want to be careful when packing them during your move. These items are fragile and can be easily damaged if packed incorrectly. Using the correct packing techniques will ensure the movers get your art to your new home safe and sound.

How to Pack Your Art Properly

1. Choose the Right Box

Start the moving process by picking the correct boxes for your artwork. Sort your paintings and photographs by size, as small and medium artwork can be moved together. Large artwork will probably fare best in a specialty box purchased from a moving supply store. Make sure the box is a little larger than your paintings so you have room to pad the art, especially if you’re putting several smaller paintings together.

2. Use Tape on Glass

No matter how careful your movers are, paintings with a glass covering are more likely to shatter. To prevent this, use masking tape to create an “X” over the front of your painting. This will keep the glass from shattering and damaging your artwork. If the glass does break, the tape will keep the artwork and glass from moving around. Don’t use duct tape for this step, as you’ll end up with sticky residue that’s difficult to remove.

3. Wrap Your Artwork

If your artwork doesn’t have a glass covering, you’ll need to wrap it in plastic wrap. You can use kitchen wrap, or ask your movers about purchasing palette wrap. Use several layers to increase protection. 

Then, wrap all of your artwork in brown paper to prevent scratches. Next, use bubble wrap to pad the corners and keep the art safe.

4. Test Your Packing Job

Before you move, you’ll want to make sure the boxes are structurally sound. Close the box, but don’t tape it. Then, lightly jostle it around to test if you can hear or feel anything moving. If you can, add some bubble wrap to the box until your paintings are safe for the movers to take.

5. Accurately Label Your Boxes

Finally, label your boxes carefully. Write “artwork” on the outside, as well as marking it as fragile. In addition, write the room the painting goes in. This makes unpacking simple.
 

Looking for a reliable moving company? Check out Firefighters on the Move, located in Omaha, NE. This large, full-service moving company can help you move locally or all the way across the country. Their movers provide packing services if you need help securing your artwork, or you can purchase moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Visit their website or call (402) 850-0145 to request a free estimate for your move today.