Moving fragile items require extra care and caution. Artwork, paintings, and family photos are examples of such fragile or delicate items. When packing art work for a move, you are faced with several problems and challenges. Nonetheless, the last thing you want is your precious or expensive piece of art to become damaged during your move.
What’s more, the first step to moving artwork is packing the art piece properly and carefully. This will prevent the glass from shattering or scratching before arriving at your destination. Whether you are moving framed art work and prints, art work with glass tops, marble tops, or mirrors, here are some tips for moving and packing art work safely.
Get Your Moving Supplies
Just like every move, the first thing to do is to get your moving tools and supplies. This include:
- Sturdy moving boxes of multiple sizes
- Masking tape
- Bubble wrap
- Flat cardboard sheets
- Markers
- Glassine paper
- Packing tape
- Palette wrap
- Brown packing paper
The moving boxes should be slightly larger than your artwork or painting both in length, height, and width. Get enough bubble wrap that can completely wrap all the edges and surfaces of your artwork. With all required supplies gotten, you are ready for the packing task ahead.
Match Artwork with the Right Box Size
Next, sort artwork into different categories depending on their sizes. This can be small, medium, and large. You can pack the small-sized and medium-sized artwork together. However, large pieces must be packed separately using sturdy moving boxes slightly larger than the artwork, as mentioned earlier.
Mark Glass with “X”
If the frame of your artwork has a glass covering, place an X across the glass using the masking tape. This will help prevent the glass from completely shattering. It will also help secure the glass so that it doesn’t shift around. Also, you can protect artwork without glass frames using a palette wrap. This will help protect the painted face.
Wrap Artwork with Brown Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap
Lay out the brown packing paper on a flat table or work surface. Lay the frame side of your artwork on the packing paper. Just like you are wrapping a gift or present, wrap the ends of the packing paper around the frame. However, never wrap your artwork using newspapers. They can leave newsprint marks on your artwork.
What’s more, wrap the packing tape around the width and length of the frame. This will ensure that the brown packing paper, used to wrap the artwork, stays in place during the move. Wrap the artwork again using the bubble wrap following the procedure above.
However, when packing small frames and photos using the same moving box, ensure that each item is separately wrapped using a packing paper or bubble wrap. This will help prevent the glass frames from getting damaged during the move. For extra protection for your artwork, you can include specialized cardboard corner protectors in your packing supplies.
Test for Movement
With the artwork well wrapped, the next thing is to test for movement. This should be done even before sealing the moving box. Close the box carefully and shake the content gently. This will help you detect if anything is shifting. In case you predict that the frame can shift or move around, add some foam, cushion, or crumpled newspaper to pad the sides.
Seal the Box
Once it passes your movement test, you can then seal the box. Tape one end of the box closed. With the box standing on the sealed end, slide the wrapped artwork into the moving box gently. If you are finding it hard to slide the frame in, you can simply ask someone to help you hold the box in place. It is often advisable to use specialty moving boxes for moving artwork and paintings. After successfully inserting the artwork into the moving box, seal it thoroughly.
Label the Box
Irrespective of the nature of the items or belongings you are moving, labeling the moving box is very important. This allows for easy identification. When packing art work, paintings, and other fragile items, labeling becomes more vital.
Using your marker, label both sides of the box with the word “FRAGILE,” as you may never know the side that is visible. Ensure that the labeling is very bold and clear. This immediately tells anyone handling the items that the content is fragile and needs extra care or caution. You can also include the location or place the item belongs on the box. This can be your bedroom, living room, kitchen, hallway, and so forth. Believe me, doing this will save you a whole lot of stress.
Carefully Load the Boxes in the Truck
Lastly, load the moving boxes into the truck carefully. Ensure that they are placed on sides, and not flat. Place them in places you are sure they won’t fall over. Likewise, you can wedge the artwork between heavy objects that will not shift or exact pressure on the artwork and painting during the move.
There you have it! Above are some tips for moving and packing art work. Moving and packing can be overwhelming. Packing artwork comes with its unique challenges. If you pack your artwork properly and carefully, you can safely move your precious collection to your new home. By using the packing tips provided above, you can ensure that your artwork will arrive at your home, without any single scratch.
Are you packing art work or moving other fragile items? Hire a licensed and certified mover to handle the task. Contact us today at Colonial Van Lines. Our moving experts are highly trained and well-experienced in moving such delicate and fragile items. We offer affordable, well-detailed, and highly professional moving and packing services.
Our trusted experts will handle the item with extra care and caution. With us, you can have the peace of mind that your artwork will be delivered to your destination safely. We guarantee reliable and excellent moving and packing services that give 100% customer satisfaction.