The Definitive to Moving Paintings & Art

If you have a piece of valuable artwork at home that you don't want to lose, you should move it with care. Artwork deserves protection when moving. Many people consider ensuring that valuable art arrives safely to be just as important as moving all their furniture.

Considering the sentimental and real value attached to the artwork you want to transport, you should be willing to go the extra mile! To help you preserve the pristine condition of your artworks, we at Octopus Moving Company are here to help. We’ve compiled useful information for packing paintings for moving.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Moving Art

Before we get to the steps on how you can successfully move art to your new house,

1. DO label each piece of artwork as FRAGILE. You don't want to deal with guesswork during the moving day;
2. DO take your time with packing. It’s better to do it right the first time than deal with issues later on;
3. DO learn the appropriate packing materials for various types of artwork. And never skimp on quality;
4. DO get insurance for valuable art. Even with your best efforts, something can go wrong. You’d want some financial cushion should that happen;
5. DO NOT pack your artwork at the last minute. Chances are you don't have experience with how to store paintings. It’s best to allow time for any potential mistakes;
6. DO NOT hesitate to seek help. Especially if you’re moving out of state, you’ll want long-distance movers with experience moving artwork to help you out;
7. DO NOT forget that many factors can affect the condition of the artwork. Your valuable paintings can sustain damage from extremely high or low temperatures, humidity, contact with certain surfaces, and much more besides.

The General Steps to Packing Your Artwork

Unlike a dinner table that can get a few bumps without anyone noticing, even the smallest damage to the artwork in your possession can ruin the entire thing. Here’s what you should do when packing your art:

1. Prepare all the packing materials you need

You may need specialized packing materials depending on the type of artwork you have. This includes the frame you use to protect it. So, while old newspapers would work in giving certain items some padding, they may do more damage than good for artwork.

If you want to know how to pack framed pictures for moving, you’ll need corner protectors. You’d also want to have Glassine in hand to protect glass from scratches.

1. Prepare for packing

Prepare the box by putting in padding before inserting the artwork. Then after successfully inserting it, fill out the remaining space with even more padding.

This means that the box should be slightly bigger than the artwork. If it’s too small, the art becomes more susceptible to damage. But if it’s too big, you’ll be using a lot of padding.

1. Test your packing skills

Before sealing the box, you’ll want to move it back and forth to ensure that everything stays put. If it doesn’t, it’s time to diagnose the problem.

You’ll either need to put more padding to secure the item or switch to a slightly smaller box for a better fit.

Packing and Various Types of Artworks

Do you want to know why art piece moving companies are entrusted with getting your most precious items to their destination safely? Although the general instructions for preparing your beautiful art for moving are fairly similar, there are differences in the specifics of how each item should be handled. We've detailed these for you below:

How to Pack Canvas Paintings

Line your canvas painting in bubble wrap of at least twice its width. Wrap it with tape around the painting for security. Then, you’ll want to insert it in a cardboard box that gives the painting a snug fit, so it doesn’t move around.

To prevent damage while on the road, load the painting upright. You’ll also want to minimize movement by securing it between two heavy pieces of furniture.

How to Pack Acrylic Paintings

The wrapping process is essentially the same as with a canvas painting. But here, you’ll add an extra step: use glass line paper or wax paper to wrap your acrylic painting. This will prevent the paint from sticking to anything.

What you should really be wary of is the truck’s temperature while moving artworks. If it’s too cold, the paint will crack. If it’s too hot and you didn’t pack it properly, it may stick.

How to Pack Oil Paintings

Extreme temperatures are also an issue here. That’s why we advise that you avoid humidity by using breathable materials to make sure you’re not trapping any moisture. This will save its top layer from getting roughed up.

Most importantly, make sure that it’s completely dry before packing to avoid the different paint colors from blending. This is especially true if you’re availing of a storage rent where it could stay for a long time.

How to Pack Drawings

Most drawings can be rolled during the transportation process, but keep in mind the medium used to create them. For example, pastel drawings will definitely smudge, so don't roll them up.

But even for those that you roll, line them with wax paper beforehand. Then, bubble wrap them separately before storing them in their individual cardboard boxes to store paintings and drawings.

How to Pack Sculptures

Use cling wrap on everything, and don't skimp on it. You should build up on vulnerable parts and areas, then cover the entire sculpture. What you should get in the end is a somewhat egg-shaped item before putting it in a padded box.

For larger sculptures, it’s virtually the same. But a wooden crate may be more appropriate if it’s fairly heavy.

Make transporting precious artworks a breeze with professional movers from Octopus Moving Company. Whether for long-distance or local moving, you can expect the best from our team for expertly moving paintings and art with utmost care. Get a free, no-obligation quote from the top Boston movers today by calling (781) 333-5383.