Especially the things that are most dear to us must be packed with particular care for the move. This includes artworks, as a picture often holds many memories and emotions. In this article, you will learn what you should definitely keep in mind for the safe packing of your pictures.
What you need to consider for preparation
You should take enough time for preparation to ensure that your beloved pictures survive the move intact. First, you need to make some fundamental decisions. For example, “Will I conduct the transport myself and save money, or should I hire professionals?”
When weighing these costs and benefits, you should not only consider the purchase value of your artworks but also take into account the emotional value they hold for you and base your decision on that.
If it is worthwhile for you to hire a moving company and what advantages this brings are explained in our guide.
If you choose to go with a moving company, it is advisable to thoroughly review both your own insurance and the liability insurance of the moving company beforehand. And be careful: if you have packed the artworks yourself and they are damaged during transport due to inadequate protection, you will be liable for that.
To prevent this from happening, you should at least procure the following packing materials in advance: moving boxes in suitable sizes, i.e., slightly larger than the artworks themselves, packing tape, and, if possible, bubble wrap.
How to pack your pictures
Once all inquiries have been made and preparations are complete, it’s finally time to pack your artworks for a damage-free move.
No matter which packing method you choose, you should follow these steps: Find a stable surface for packing. If the artwork is framed in glass, use tape to create an “X” on the glass surface. This way, if the glass breaks during the move, the adhesive will at least hold larger pieces together, reducing the risk of scratching the artwork. Next, place a piece of cardboard on top that fits exactly over the glass. If necessary, you can also use a cloth or foam to cover the glass, but only for that purpose: Never place fabrics directly on the dried paint of an oil painting, for example, as the fibers could get caught on the surface.
For further packing of your pictures, you have two options:
If you are more of a practical, hands-on person, you will surely appreciate these creative packing solutions. To protect the corners and edges of a framed picture, you can purchase simple plastic foam tubes, cut them along the seam, and clamp them around the frame. To provide extra protection for the corners, you can also use cardboard corner protectors. Once you have completed the preparation with the tape in an “X” shape and the cardboard on top, you can wrap the picture in bubble wrap and secure it with tape.
If you don’t have bubble wrap on hand, you can also use plastic wrap: Wrap it generously several times around the picture, securing the previously applied corner and edge protection, and then place the well-wrapped artwork in a shipping box. If there is still too much space in the moving box, allowing the picture to move during transport, you should definitely fill the extra space with newspaper, fabric scraps, packing paper, or wood wool as cushioning material. Once the painting is securely placed in the box, you just need to seal it thoroughly with tape.
If you are the cautious, perfectionist type, it is worth asking at a specialty store for special boxes with integrated protective packaging material—ideal for safety-conscious individuals.
Extra tip: Many people are involved in a move, whether it’s with volunteers, a moving company, or both. Remember: these people do not know which boxes contain your artworks. Therefore, make sure to label the boxes prominently and legibly with “Caution: Fragile.”
With these tips, you can transport your artworks safely
If you have hired professionals for the transport of your artworks, you can rest easy at this stage. There are moving companies that specialize specifically in the transport of art and usually offer a packing service as well.
If you are organizing the transport yourself, you should make sure to transport the securely packed pictures standing upright and facing forward. This helps avoid exposing your artwork to strong vibrations. Additionally, you should consider the potential negative effects of temperature fluctuations on your pictures: if the outdoor temperature deviates significantly from the usual temperature in your home, it could even lead to cracks. To mitigate this risk, for example, you should wait until the cool evening to transport your pictures during hot summer temperatures or tackle the transport first thing in the morning.
By following these tips, you are sure to succeed in transporting your pictures safely. Now all that’s left is to hang them up in your new home. You can learn how to hang pictures effectively—even without drilling—in our guide.
