How to Pack Artwork For Moving
Whether you are moving your office space or your home, any sculptures, wall hangings, or other artwork you own is treasured and needs to be packed with care. The best way to ensure the safety of your valuable pieces is to hire a reputable and trustworthy moving company that is adept at handling delicate pieces. If you’re packing the items yourself, use this guide from the experts at All Day Moving.
Framed Paintings & Prints
What You’ll Need:
- Cardboard corners
- Plastic wrap
- Bubble wrap
- Newspaper
- Appropriately sized cardboard boxes
How to Pack Framed Items:
- Start by lining the bottom of the cardboard box with the newspaper.
- If the artwork does not have a piece of glass on the frame to protect it, seal it in plastic wrap to prevent damage to the canvas.
- If the artwork does have glass over it, tape the glass with tape that is safe for glass. In the event that the glass breaks during the move, this will prevent it from hurting the painting.
- Cover the corners of the frame with cardboard corners to protect the edges.
- Wrap the piece several times in bubble wrap.
- Place the bubble-wrapped piece into the box and line all sides with newspaper for extra padding.
- You will need to make sure the piece is secure in the box and doesn’t have space to move. Test this by closing (but not sealing) the box and moving it back and forth. If you feel anything shifting, add more newspaper lining until it is secure.
- Seal the box with packing tape and make sure to clearly mark it as fragile. Both you and professional movers need to be aware of what is inside these boxes so you can be extra careful!
Moving Sculptures
Sculptures can be all shapes and sizes and need to be packed according to the individual piece. While some materials are more durable than others, they all need to be packed with care as it is more difficult to fill the empty space in the box. Keep in mind that small sculptures with parts that extend are especially vulnerable.
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic wrap
- Bubble wrap
- Newspaper
- Appropriately sized cardboard boxes OR a wooden crate, depending on the size of the piece.
How to Pack Sculptures:
- Start by wrapping the sculpture in plastic cling wrap to protect its finish.
- After it is wrapped with cling wrap, begin wrapping the sculpture in bubble wrap. Roll it around the sculpture as tightly as possible.
- Like with framed artwork, make sure to line all edges and empty space in the box with newspaper and pack the item in tightly. Test until you are sure there is no shifting in the box when it is moved.
- Mark the box as fragile and mark which side it should be placed on.
Hiring Responsible Movers
Hiring a responsible moving team is a great way to ensure none of your belongings are damaged in your move. The All Day Moving team has decades of experience moving residential and commercial properties and will even help you pack delicate items to ensure they are safe. For your move in the Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire area, contact us today!