How to pack paintings for moving

Packing paintings for moving is crucial to ensure they arrive at their destination safely and without damage.

Step-by-step guide on how to pack paintings for moving:

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard boxes: Choose boxes that are slightly larger than the paintings to allow for padding.
• Packing tape: To seal boxes securely.
• Bubble wrap: For cushioning and protection.
• Packing paper or foam sheets: To wrap paintings and provide additional padding.
• Cardboard corners: Protect corners of frames.
• Plastic wrap or shrink wrap: To secure multiple paintings together.
• Markers: To label boxes.

Steps:

1. Prepare the Paintings:
   • Remove paintings from walls carefully, ensuring no damage to the frames or canvases.
   • If paintings have glass, consider applying masking tape over the glass to prevent it from shattering in case of impact.
2. Wrap Each Painting:
   • Lay a clean sheet of packing paper or foam on a flat surface.
   • Place the painting face down on the paper/foam.
   • Wrap the painting with the paper/foam, ensuring all sides are covered and taped securely. For additional protection, you can wrap the painting with bubble wrap after wrapping with paper/foam.
3. Protect the Corners:
   • Attach cardboard corner protectors to all four corners of the framed paintings to prevent damage to the frames during transit.
4. Secure Multiple Paintings Together:
   • If packing multiple paintings in one box, place a layer of bubble wrap between each painting.
   • Use plastic wrap or shrink wrap to secure the paintings together as a bundle. This helps prevent them from shifting during transit.
5. Prepare the Box:
   • Line the bottom of the cardboard box with crumpled packing paper or foam peanuts for cushioning.
   • Place the wrapped paintings upright in the box, with the painted side facing the interior of the box.
   • Fill any gaps with additional packing material to prevent shifting.
6. Seal and Label the Box:
   • Seal the box securely with packing tape.
   • Label the box clearly with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” markings to ensure careful handling.
7. Special Considerations:
   • For very valuable or delicate paintings, consider custom-built crates for maximum protection.
   • If moving paintings during extreme weather conditions, take precautions to protect them from temperature and humidity fluctuations.
8. Transporting the Paintings:
   • When loading the boxes into a moving vehicle, place them upright and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them.
   • If possible, transport paintings yourself or ensure they are handled with care by professional movers.