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Essential Guide: How to Pack Large Artwork for Moving Safely

Published: 19 Jun, 2023

Last Updated: 29 Jun, 2023

Understanding how to pack large artwork for moving can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with valuable and delicate pieces. As an art collector or enthusiast, you know the importance of keeping your treasured items safe during the moving process.

In this guide, we will walk you through all the necessary steps for securely packing framed art pieces, wall art, canvas art, entire sculptures, framed photos, and even mirrors. We’ll cover everything from gathering essential packing supplies like bubble wrap, painter’s tape, and cardboard boxes to properly preparing your artwork for packing.

You’ll learn how to safely place your wrapped artwork in a box or crate and seal it effectively using packing tape. Furthermore, we’ll provide useful tips on labeling these moving boxes to ensure they are handled with care during transit.

If done correctly following our advice on how to pack large artwork for moving could save you from potential heartbreaks caused by damaged or lost artworks.

1. Gather Necessary Supplies

Moving can be stressful, especially when packing big art. First, gather the goods.

You’ll need bubble wrap, the bouncy bodyguard for your artwork. Get top-notch bubble wrap that won’t pop under pressure.

Packing paper is another must-have. It fills empty spaces and keeps your art from doing the shuffle inside the box.

Don’t forget the tape. It’s like the superhero that secures your art and seals the deal.

Bubble Wrap: Cushions delicate items like art. No popping allowed.
Packing Paper: Fills empty spaces, keeping art in place during transit.
Tape: Wraps it all up and seals the deal.

Last but not least, find a sturdy box or crate that fits your art like a glove. It needs to be tough enough to handle bumps along the way. Check out Uline for wooden crates that’ll keep your art safe and sound.

2. Prepare Artwork for Packing

Moving your cherished artwork can be a daunting task, especially for those big pieces. But fear not. With the right approach and careful preparation, you can ensure your art arrives at its new home in perfect condition.

First, remove any glass or frames from the artwork. They might seem protective, but during transit, they could break and damage the piece. If possible, disassemble frames carefully and wrap each component separately using bubble wrap.

If removing frames isn’t an option because of how they’re attached or their aesthetic value, take extra precautions while wrapping them up with the rest of your piece.

Bubble Wrap: Bubble wrap is your art’s best friend. Lay out a sheet with bubbles facing up, place your frame or glass on it, and wrap it snugly from all sides.
Tape: Once securely wrapped in bubble wrap, use packing tape to hold everything together without applying too much pressure.

This process will protect your precious works from bumps on the road or accidental drops during handling. Remember, always handle artworks gently, framed or unframed, as even minor impacts can cause irreparable damage.

3. Place Artwork in Box/Crate

Now comes the fun part – putting your precious artwork in a cozy little box or crate. But hold your horses, there are a few things to consider first.

Size matters, my friend. Choose a box or crate that’s just right – not too tight, not too loose. You don’t want your artwork doing the cha-cha in the moving truck.

If you’re scratching your head about the right container size, why not ask the fine folks at SEKA Moving? We’re experts in handling delicate framed artwork.

When you’re sliding your bubble-wrapped masterpiece into the container, make sure it fits like a glove. No wiggle room, please. If there’s any extra space, fill it up with crumpled newspaper or packing paper or packing peanuts. Safety first.

Packing Paper: Crumpled paper or foam peanuts are like little shock absorbers, protecting your art from unexpected bumps.
Cushioning: Add extra cushioning at both ends of the box/crate to keep your artwork cozy and safe during its journey.

By taking these precautions, you’ll give your artwork a smooth ride to its destination. No turbulence allowed.

4. Seal Box/Crate

Once you’ve carefully placed your artwork in the box or crate, it’s time to seal it up. This is a crucial step in ensuring that your precious art pieces remain secure during transit. The last thing you want is for the box to accidentally open and expose your artwork to potential damage.

To seal the deal, close the flaps of the box or crate. If using a cardboard box, interlock the top flaps to create an ‘X’ shape when closed. For wooden crates, make sure all sides are properly aligned before proceeding.

Now it’s time for the tape. Use high-quality packing tape to keep everything securely shut and protect against dust and moisture. Avoid masking tape or duct tape – they’re not up to the task.

Packing Tape: Apply several layers of packing tape across all seams where two cardboard edges meet on both top and bottom sides of your box.
Filament Tape: If dealing with heavier artworks packed in wooden crates, consider using filament (or strapping) tape for its superior strength and durability.

In addition to horizontal strips along each seam line, add vertical strips at regular intervals around the circumference of your package for added security. Think of it as creating a grid-like pattern on every side, including the bottom.

With extra care being paramount in protecting large-scale artworks, it is essential to go beyond the bare minimum when creating a secure package. So take some extra time here – after all, better safe than sorry, right?

5. Label Box/Crate

The final step in packing your large artwork for moving is labeling the box or crate. This is crucial because it’s like giving your art a VIP pass.

First, slap on some “Fragile” stickers. These little red and white wonders scream, “Handle with care.” You can find them at any office supply store, so no excuses.

Next, don’t forget the “This Side Up” stickers. These babies make sure your art stays right-side up during its journey. No upside-down masterpieces here.

Fragile Stickers: These bright labels catch attention and tell handlers to treat your art like a delicate flower.
This Side Up Stickers: Stick these labels on every side of the box, so there’s no confusion about which way is up.

It’s always better to be cautious and take extra steps to ensure your art is kept safe. Secure your artwork to ensure its preservation.

To sum up: Gather supplies, protect your art, seal it up, and label it like a boss. Your art will thank you for the VIP treatment.

FAQs in Relation to How to Pack Large Artwork for Moving

How to Transport Paintings When Moving?

To transport paintings, wrap them in protective materials like bubble wrap or foam, place them in a sturdy box or crate that fits the painting size, and secure it with packing tape. For more details on how to pack artwork safely, check out our guide on packing artwork.

How to Protect Art When Moving?

You can protect your art by using acid-free paper, corner protectors, bubble wrap, and placing it in a custom-sized box or crate. Don’t forget to label the package as fragile.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a foolproof guide to packing your precious artwork for a move.

Gather your supplies, prep your artwork, box it up, seal it tight, and label it like a pro.

Whether you’re moving to a new home or stashing your art in storage, these tips will keep your masterpieces safe and sound.