How To Pack Paintings and Artwork for Moving

Moving is one of the most stressful things people do in their lifetimes, but moving artwork is especially harrowing. Whether it’s a valuable family heirloom or a poster you’ve had since college, your artworks mean a lot, so you’ll need to use the right packing techniques to make sure you don’t damage them during the move. 

If you’re not sure how to pack your paintings for moving, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about safely packing different types of artwork, from framed pieces and custom paintings to fragile sculptures.

Buy the Right Supplies

The right supplies can make or break a move where artwork is concerned, so be sure to have the right artwork boxes and packing materials on hand.

Artwork Boxes

You’ll find three main types of boxes designed specifically for moving artwork, all of which can be lifesavers if you’re packing your treasures yourself:

• Picture shippers: These are ideal for standard-sized framed pieces and provide sturdy protection against impact.
• Mirror boxes: These feature custom-fit designs and additional padding that conform to the shape of mirrors.
• Oversized artwork boxes: These are perfect for large mirrors and paintings that don’t fit standard box sizes, ensuring adequate space and protection.

Packing Materials

• Glassine paper: A protective first layer that won’t damage artwork
• Plastic wrap: An outermost layer of defense against moisture and dust
• Blue painter’s tape: Safeguards glass without leaving residue
• Packing paper: Soft padding that fills gaps and cushions impacts
• Packing peanuts: Lightweight filling that provides cushioning and minimizes movement inside boxes
• Bubble wrap: Essential for wrapping and protecting fragile items
• Packing tape: Provides heavy-duty sealing for boxes and wrapped items
• Masking tape: Useful for labeling or temporarily securing materials
• Cardboard corner protectors: Protects a vulnerable part of your artwork from damage

Packing Framed Art

Framed artwork, especially pieces covered with glass, requires extra care during packing. Follow these steps to safely prepare framed art for moving:

1. Create a large “X” on the glass using blue painter’s tape, extending from corner to corner without touching the frame. This step helps absorb shock and prevents the glass from shattering.
2. Cover the artwork and part of the frame with glassine paper.
3. Wrap the piece in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of bubble wrap secured with packing tape to ensure multiple layers of protection.
4. Prepare an artwork box by placing several inches of packing paper at the bottom to provide cushioning against impacts.
5. Gently place the wrapped frame in the box and fill empty spaces with packing paper to prevent shifting during transit.
6. Seal the box and gently shake it to check for movement. If the frame shifts, add more packing paper to stabilize the contents.
7. Label the box as fragile on all sides with stickers or a marker to alert movers to handle it carefully.

Packing Unframed Art

Unframed artwork can cause some extra challenges when moving. Place the piece between sturdy cardboard sheets to prevent bending and protect the surface. Then, use bubble wrap or cardboard corner protectors to safeguard the corners.

Packing Posters

Posters are relatively simple to pack. Purchase a cardboard shipping tube slightly longer than the poster to allow for end caps. Then, gently roll the poster and insert it into the tube.

Once it’s inside, seal both ends of the tube with the caps and tape them shut with packing tape. Then, label the tube so you can identify what’s in it later without having to open up the tube.

Packing Sculptures

Wrap the entire sculpture in plastic wrap to create a uniform protective layer. Then, wrap it with bubble wrap until it resembles a ball or egg shape for even surface protection.

Packing Sculptures in Boxes

If your sculpture is small enough to fit into a box, pack it in one for added protection. Use wooden crates for large, heavy sculptures for greater protection.

Pack small sculptures together in a large moving box, using packing paper to prevent contact between pieces. Label all boxes as fragile and avoid stacking other boxes on top of them to prevent damage.

Labeling boxes as fragile is especially important if you’re hiring movers. Even the best moving companies won’t know a box is fragile unless you tell them, so be sure to mark it on the box so the movers know to handle it with care.

Loading Your Artwork on Moving Day

How you load your artwork into the moving truck is just as important as how you pack it. To be safe, follow these guidelines for loading your artwork on moving day:

• Position fragile boxes between heavy, stable boxes to minimize shifting.
• Double-check that all your boxes have enough tape to remain fully closed.
• Avoid stacking fragile boxes or placing other items on top of them.
• Consider moving high-value artwork in a personal vehicle for better protection.
• If you have a large collection of fine art, consider hiring professional art handlers or movers who specialize in delicate jobs.

Loading your artwork properly is especially important for long-distance moves. If you’re moving across the country and worried about damaging your items, consider hiring one of the best long-distance moving companies to help you with your trip.

Packing Unframed Canvas Paintings

Unframed canvas paintings are especially delicate, so pack them carefully using the following tips:

1. Wrap the painting in glassine paper to protect the surface.
2. Use corner protectors to safeguard the edges of the canvas from nicks and tears.
3. Place the wrapped canvas in a sturdy box with at least two inches of space on all sides for padding.
4. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to ensure nothing shifts during transport.
5. Seal the box and label it as fragile to let movers know it’s delicate.

For extra protection, consider using a custom-made wooden crate for valuable or oversized canvas paintings. When in doubt, consider using a local art handler to pack and ship works of art.

Transporting Artwork Safely

If you’re moving your belongings by yourself, follow a few tips. First, keep your artwork in an enclosed and preferably climate-controlled environment to protect it from moisture, inclement weather, and hazards on the road.

If you do end up putting your artworks in a moving truck, make sure they’re the last items that go into the truck and the first items to come out. This keeps handling them to a minimum, reducing the chance of accidents. Put blankets or padding between each piece to prevent damage.

Secure all items, not just artworks, during transport using ratchet straps or other restraining devices. If you don’t, your belongings can shift and possibly break during the trip to your new home. 

For valuable pieces, consider purchasing additional insurance coverage to protect against financial loss in case of damage. If you have multiple valuable pieces, it’s worth investing in hiring a professional art handler, if only for the peace of mind.

Final Thoughts About Packing Artwork for Moving

Artwork is one of the most fragile things that people move to their new home, but with the right techniques, you can make sure your favorite pieces make it there without a scratch. Choosing the right packing materials can make a huge difference in how easy it is to pack your artwork and how protected it is during the moving process. If you use the tips above, you shouldn’t have any problems come moving day.

Are you stressed about your upcoming move? If you’re worried you’re forgetting something, review our in-depth moving day checklist for more organizational tips before the big day.