How to pack artwork for moving

Moving artwork can be stressful, especially if your pieces are fragile or valuable. Knowing how to pack artwork for moving is essential to protect your collection from damage during transit. Whether you're moving locally or relying on interstate furniture removals, following the right steps will help ensure your artwork arrives safely at your new destination enhancing your new home with your familiar treasures.

Steps for how to pack artwork for moving

Proper preparation and careful packing are key to protecting your artwork and other precious items. For additional help in moving, check out our moving house packing guide. Here's a step-by-step guide to make sure your art pieces stay secure throughout the move.

1. Gather the right packing materials

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

• Acid-free paper or glassine paper for artwork
• Bubble wrap or foam sheets
• Cardboard or styrofoam corner protectors
• Plenty of packing tape, tape gun and “Fragile” labels
• Strong cardboard boxes or wooden crates for large pieces
• Markers for labelling
• Strapping and buckles for added strength to your packages

If you’re working with interstate furniture removals, ask if they offer special packaging for artwork or can assist with larger or more delicate pieces.

2. Prepare the artwork

Clean the artwork lightly with a soft cloth to remove dust. If your piece is framed and covered by glass, consider taping an "X" or grid pattern across the glass with masking or painter’s tape. This will help prevent the glass from shattering in case of impact thereby reducing potential damage to the painting itself. 

Dust the framework also and for artwork that is not covered by glass use glassine paper across the face of the painting. Glassine paper is by nature acid free and also Ph neutral with resistance to chemical, structural and optical properties. 

Make sure you remove any hanging hardware such as wires, nails, screws or eyes from the frames to avoid them damaging any other paintings they may be stored against.

3. Wrap the artwork carefully

• Unframed artwork: Use acid-free paper or glassine to wrap the surface to prevent smudging or damage. Add a layer of bubble wrap around the artwork for cushioning.
• Framed artwork: Wrap the entire piece, including the frame, with bubble wrap or foam sheets. Secure the wrapping with tape, ensuring it stays tight but not too constricting. The bubbles of bubble wrap need to be facing out away from the art pieces to avoid them damaging the painting.
• Protect the corners: Place foam or cardboard corner protectors on framed pieces to protect against bumps.
• Avoid using newspaper against artwork as the print can rub off and diminish the artwork.

4. Use proper boxes or crates

Place smaller artwork in sturdy cardboard boxes, adding crumpled paper or soft foam to fill any gaps. For larger or more valuable pieces, consider using a wooden crate for maximum protection, especially if your artwork is going through interstate furniture removals.

• Double box fragile pieces: For added safety, place the wrapped artwork in one box, then pack that box inside a second, slightly larger box with padding in between.
• Avoid stacking other items on top of artwork boxes in the moving truck.
• Place crossed-over strapping around the cartons or crates to increase the strength of the whole

5. Label the boxes

Clearly label the boxes with “Fragile – Artwork” and mark which side should stay upright. If you're using a furniture removalist, these labels will help the removalists handle the items with care. A clearly marked address can ensure delivery to your chosen location in the event of some individual paintings getting separated from the whole.

Tips for moving artwork safely

• Consider climate conditions: Some artwork can be damaged by extreme temperatures, so plan the move accordingly taking into account the time of year seasonally in addition to daily temperatures and humidity.
• Consider time in the moving trucks too as artwork can be affected by being enclosed particularly in humid conditions.
• Insure high-value pieces: For valuable artwork, it’s worth taking out additional insurance, especially for interstate moves.
• Consult with professional removalists if you’re unsure how to pack larger or fragile pieces. Our moving consultants are happy to help with any queries that you may have.

Learning how to pack artwork for moving is essential to keep your collection safe, whether you’re moving locally or using interstate furniture removals. Proper preparation, the right materials, and careful handling will help ensure your artwork arrives in perfect condition.

Taking the time to pack your pieces carefully gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your artwork in your new space without any unexpected damage.

Happy Moving!