How To Pack Framed Art For Moving Without Damage

Can you pack framed art for moving without it getting damaged? Yes, you absolutely can. With the right materials and techniques, you can protect your precious artwork during a move. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right packing supplies to safely loading your art onto the moving truck. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, following these steps will help ensure your framed art arrives at its new home in pristine condition.

Moving cherished framed art requires careful attention. These pieces are often sentimental, valuable, or both. Protecting them from bumps, scratches, and pressure during transit is paramount. This detailed guide will provide you with everything you need to know to pack your framed art safely, covering everything from preparing the artwork itself to choosing the best packing materials and techniques. We’ll explore how to handle different types of frames, protect glass surfaces, and secure your artwork within moving boxes to prevent any unwanted accidents.

Gathering Your Packing Supplies

Before you begin packing, you’ll need to gather the right materials. Using the correct supplies is the first and most crucial step in ensuring your framed art survives the move intact. Don’t skimp here; investing in quality packing materials will save you heartache and potentially costly repairs later.

Here’s a list of essential supplies:

Moving Boxes: Choose sturdy, double-walled moving boxes specifically designed for fragile items or art. Look for boxes that are appropriately sized for your artwork. Too large and the art can shift; too small and it might not fit properly.
Bubble Wrap: High-quality bubble wrap is your best friend. Opt for the large-bubble variety for better cushioning.
Packing Paper: Clean, acid-free packing paper is essential for wrapping the artwork and filling voids. Regular newspaper ink can transfer to artwork, so avoid it.
Glass Protection: For pieces with glass, specialized glass protection materials like V-boards or firm cardboard sheets are vital.
Corner Protectors: Cardboard or foam corner protectors are a must-have for safeguarding the delicate corners of your picture frames.
Packing Tape: Strong, reliable packing tape is needed to seal boxes securely.
Markers: A thick marker for labeling boxes clearly.
Scissors or Box Cutter: For cutting tape and materials.
Gloves: Clean cotton gloves can prevent fingerprints and oils from transferring to the artwork or frame.
Mirror/Picture Boxes: These are specially designed, often expandable boxes that are ideal for packing framed art.

Selecting the Right Moving Boxes

The choice of moving boxes is critical. For framed art, you want boxes that offer superior protection.

Double-Walled Boxes: These are significantly stronger than single-walled boxes and can withstand more weight and pressure, which is essential when stacking items in a moving truck.
Picture Frame Boxes: These are specifically designed for art and mirrors. They are often adjustable in size, allowing you to create a snug fit. Some come with built-in padding.
Consider Custom Solutions: For exceptionally large or valuable pieces, you might consider custom-built crates.

The Importance of Quality Packing Paper

Packing paper serves multiple purposes. It acts as a primary layer of protection, a buffer against surface scratches, and a filler to prevent movement within the box.

Acid-Free Paper: This is vital. Acid in regular paper can degrade artwork over time. Acid-free paper ensures longevity.
Softness: Use soft paper that won’t abrade the surface of the artwork or the frame.

Choosing the Best Bubble Wrap

Not all bubble wrap is created equal. The size of the bubbles and the quality of the plastic matter.

Large Bubbles: Offer more cushioning and are generally preferred for delicate items like framed art.
Multiple Layers: You’ll likely need several layers of bubble wrap for adequate protection.

Preparing Your Framed Art

Before you even think about wrapping, take a moment to prepare the artwork itself. This pre-packing check can prevent potential issues.

Inspecting the Artwork and Frame

Before you wrap anything, carefully inspect the artwork and its frame.

Check for Loose Parts: Are there any loose hanging wires, screws, or decorative elements on the frame? Secure them with a small piece of tape, but be careful not to tape directly onto the artwork or the frame’s finish if it’s delicate.
Clean the Surface: Gently dust the frame and, if accessible and safe to do so, the glass. Use a soft cloth.
Document Condition: It’s a good practice to take photos of the artwork before packing, especially if it’s valuable. This serves as a record of its condition prior to the move.

Protecting the Glass

The glass in your picture frames is particularly vulnerable.

Painter’s Tape “X”: For glass that is not already secured, apply painter’s tape in an “X” pattern across the glass surface. This helps to hold the glass together if it breaks, preventing shards from scattering. Use painter’s tape (also known as masking tape) as it removes cleanly without leaving residue. Avoid duct tape or strong packing tape directly on the glass as it can be difficult to remove and might damage the glass or surrounding material.
Cardboard Overlay: Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard to fit the exact dimensions of the glass. Tape this cardboard securely over the painter’s tape “X.” This provides an additional rigid layer of protection.

Addressing Gaps and Loose Elements

Examine the back of the frame. Are there any loose canvas edges, or is the backing board secure?

Secure Backing: If the backing board feels loose, consider securing it with a few small pieces of tape. Again, be cautious about the type of tape used, opting for something that won’t damage the frame.

The Packing Process: Step-by-Step

Now that you have your supplies and your art is prepped, it’s time to get packing. This is where the magic happens, transforming your valuable pieces into secure packages ready for transit.

Step 1: Wrapping the Artwork

This is the core of protecting your framed art. Proper wrapping creates a protective cocoon.

First Layer: Packing Paper: Lay down several sheets of acid-free packing paper. Place the framed art face-up on the paper. Fold the paper up and around the artwork, ensuring the entire front and sides are covered. Use enough paper to create a soft buffer.
Second Layer: Bubble Wrap: Cover the entire piece, including the frame and the packing paper, with at least two to three layers of bubble wrap. Ensure the bubbles are facing outwards, away from the artwork.
Securing the Wrap: Use packing tape to secure the bubble wrap in place. Wrap the tape around the entire piece, but avoid taping directly onto the artwork’s surface or the frame itself if the finish is delicate.

Step 2: Protecting the Corners

The corners of picture frames are often the most exposed and susceptible to damage.

Apply Corner Protectors: Place cardboard or foam corner protectors over each corner of the wrapped artwork. These are readily available at moving supply stores.
Secure Protectors: Use tape to firmly attach the corner protectors to the bubble wrap, ensuring they won’t shift during the move.

Step 3: Boxing Your Framed Art

The box is the final line of defense. Choosing the right box and packing it correctly is crucial for securing art.

Choose the Right Box: As mentioned, use double-walled or picture frame boxes. The box should be just slightly larger than the wrapped artwork to allow for additional padding.
Padding the Bottom: Line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper or a layer of bubble wrap for extra cushioning.
Placing the Artwork: Carefully place the wrapped artwork into the box. For multiple pieces in one box, ensure they are separated by layers of cardboard or padding. Never place heavy items on top of framed art. If packing multiple pieces, place the largest or heaviest piece at the bottom.
Filling Voids: Use crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces in the box. The goal is to prevent the artwork from shifting inside the box during transport. The artwork should feel snug and secure, with no room to move around.
Sealing the Box: Close the box flaps and seal them securely with strong packing tape. Apply tape along all seams and edges.

Step 4: Labeling Your Boxes

Clear labeling is essential for fragile items.

“FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP”: Clearly mark the box with “FRAGILE,” “HANDLE WITH CARE,” and “THIS SIDE UP” on multiple sides.
Content Description: Briefly describe the contents, e.g., “Framed Art,” “Painting,” or “Mirror.”
Destination Room: If you know where the art will be placed in your new home, label the box with the room name (e.g., “Living Room,” “Bedroom”).

Special Considerations for Different Art Types

While the general principles of packing framed art apply widely, some specific types of artwork or framing might require extra care.

Artwork Without Glass

Some framed art, like stretched canvases or pieces with fabric coverings, may not have glass.

Surface Protection: Even without glass, the surface can be susceptible to punctures or tears. A layer of acid-free packing paper followed by bubble wrap is still highly recommended.
Frame Rigidity: Ensure the frame itself is sturdy. If it’s a delicate antique frame, extra padding might be necessary.

Artwork with Matting

Matting around artwork can be susceptible to damage if not packed correctly.

Ensure Secure Mat: The mat should be securely attached to the artwork and frame.
Prevent Shifting: Extra packing paper or thin cardboard between the glass and the mat can prevent the mat from shifting or rubbing against the artwork.

Very Large or Heavy Artwork

Large pieces present unique challenges.

Specialized Boxes: You may need to purchase or construct custom-sized boxes. Mirror or art shipping boxes are often available in larger dimensions.
Multiple People: Moving large artwork often requires two or more people to lift and maneuver safely.
Reinforced Packing: Use extra layers of bubble wrap and ensure the box is reinforced with tape. Consider using specialized art shipping crates for extremely valuable or large pieces.

Unframed Art

Unframed pieces, such as prints, photographs, or unframed canvases, need different handling.

Protect Surfaces: Lay acid-free packing paper over the artwork.
Rigid Support: Sandwich the artwork between two pieces of rigid cardboard or foam board.
Secure the Sandwich: Tape the cardboard sandwich together, then wrap the entire package in bubble wrap.
Box Appropriately: Place this protected package into a sturdy moving box.

Transporting and Loading Your Framed Art

How you handle your packed art during the move is just as important as how you pack it.

Handling During the Move

Treat every box containing framed art as a fragile item.

Carry Carefully: Always carry boxes with the “THIS SIDE UP” label facing upwards.
Avoid Dropping: Never drop or toss these boxes.
Stacking: Never stack heavy items on top of boxes containing framed art. If you must stack art boxes, place lighter ones on top of heavier ones, and always ensure the bottom box is strong enough.

Loading the Moving Truck

Proper loading is key to securing art during transit.

Vertical Placement: Ideally, framed art should be transported vertically, not flat. This reduces the risk of pressure damage and makes it easier to manage.
Against Walls: Place the boxes upright against the walls of the moving truck, ideally at the front or back, where they are less likely to be bumped.
Secure the Load: Use moving blankets and straps to secure the boxes and prevent them from shifting during transit. Ensure no other items can fall onto them.
Consider Professional Movers: If you have a significant amount of valuable or delicate artwork, consider hiring professional movers who specialize in handling fragile items and art. They have the experience and specialized packing materials to ensure safe transport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to pack a mirror for moving?

Packing a mirror is very similar to packing framed art. Use painter’s tape to create an “X” on the glass for safety. Cover the glass with cardboard cut to size, tape it securely, then wrap the entire mirror with several layers of bubble wrap. Place it in a mirror or picture frame box, filling all voids with packing paper, and label it clearly as “FRAGILE MIRROR.”

Can I use regular packing tape to secure bubble wrap?

Yes, regular packing tape is fine for securing the bubble wrap and sealing the box. However, avoid applying packing tape directly to the surface of the artwork, the frame finish, or the glass itself, as it can leave residue or damage the surface upon removal. Painter’s tape is best for any temporary application on the artwork’s surface (like the “X” on glass).

How should I pack paintings?

Paintings, especially those without glass, require careful attention to their surface. Wrap them first in acid-free packing paper, then in several layers of bubble wrap. For canvases, consider adding a layer of cardboard or foam board in front of the canvas before wrapping to prevent punctures. Use corner protectors and place them in sturdy moving boxes, filling all voids to prevent movement.

What if my framed art is extremely valuable?

For extremely valuable or antique artwork, it is highly recommended to consult with or hire professional movers who specialize in art shipping. They can provide custom crating, specialized packing techniques, and insurance to ensure the highest level of protection. You might also consider insuring the artwork separately for the move.

Can I stack framed art in a moving box?

It is generally best to pack each framed artwork in its own box, or at most, two smaller, similar-sized pieces back-to-back in a box with adequate padding between them. If you must pack multiple pieces in one box, ensure they are separated by sturdy cardboard or foam board and that there is ample padding. Never stack boxes containing framed art on top of each other if the contents could be crushed. Prioritize vertical packing and secure placement in the truck.

By following these detailed steps and utilizing the right materials, you can confidently pack and move your framed art, ensuring it arrives at its new destination safely and without damage. Happy packing!