How to Expertly Pack Art When Moving

Moving is an art, and when you’re literally moving art, things get even trickier. Whether you’re relocating an original Monet or your child’s cherished finger painting, ensuring that your artwork arrives intact is essential. Let’s face it, nobody wants to see a masterpiece turn into a disaster piece. So, how do we avoid this? We’re about to dive into everything you need to know about packing art when moving—consider this your ultimate guide.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Proper Art Packing Matters
3. Assessing Your Artwork
   • 3.1. Understanding the Value
   • 3.2. Different Art Mediums, Different Challenges
4. Essential Packing Supplies
   • 4.1. Basic Packing Materials
   • 4.2. Specialty Materials for Artwork
5. Pre-Packing Preparations
   • 5.1. Documenting Your Art
   • 5.2. Cleaning and Conditioning
6. Packing Framed Artwork
   • 6.1. Choosing the Right Box
   • 6.2. Corner Protectors Are Your Friends
   • 6.3. Layering for Protection
7. Packing Sculptures and 3D Art
   • 7.1. Choosing the Right Crate
   • 7.2. Securing Delicate Parts
   • 7.3. Padding and Stabilization
8. Packing Unframed Canvas
   • 8.1. Rolling vs. Flat Packing
   • 8.2. Using Glassine Paper
   • 8.3. Securing the Canvas
9. Protecting Art from Environmental Damage
   • 9.1. Temperature and Humidity Concerns
   • 9.2. Using Climate-Controlled Vehicles
10. Transporting Your Artwork
    • 10.1. DIY vs. Professional Movers
    • 10.2. Insurance: Don’t Skip It!
11. Unpacking and Setting Up
    • 11.1. Careful Unwrapping
    • 11.2. Checking for Damage
12. Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Art
13. Final Thoughts on Art Packing
14. FAQs

Why Proper Art Packing Matters

Let’s start with the obvious: art isn’t just another item in your house. It’s personal, often expensive, and irreplaceable. Proper packing is crucial because the last thing you want is for something irreplaceable to get damaged. Imagine arriving at your new home, only to find that your favorite piece has been ruined in transit. Heartbreaking, right? By following the right steps, we can avoid this.

Assessing Your Artwork

Understanding the Value

Before you start packing, take a moment to evaluate the value of each piece. Is it an original? A limited edition print? Or perhaps a sentimental piece with more emotional value than monetary? Understanding the worth will help you decide on the level of care needed.

Different Art Mediums, Different Challenges

Paintings, sculptures, mixed media—each art form presents unique challenges when it comes to packing. Knowing what you’re working with is half the battle. For instance, oil paintings need to breathe, while watercolors need to stay dry. Sculptures might have fragile extensions that require extra padding. Tailoring your packing strategy to each medium is key.

Essential Packing Supplies

Basic Packing Materials

Let’s talk basics. You’ll need sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. These are your go-to supplies for most of your household items, but when it comes to art, we’ll need to take things up a notch.

Specialty Materials for Artwork

For artwork, we need to go beyond the basics. Think acid-free paper, glassine, corner protectors, foam boards, and custom crates for sculptures. These materials help prevent damage from pressure, moisture, and environmental changes. Trust us—these supplies are worth the investment.

Pre-Packing Preparations

Documenting Your Art

Before you even touch a piece of bubble wrap, document your artwork. Take photos from different angles and note any existing damage. This isn’t just for insurance purposes; it’s also a handy reference for how each piece was packed.

Cleaning and Conditioning

Clean your artwork gently before packing. For paintings, a soft, dry brush works wonders, while sculptures might require a more detailed dusting. Conditioning the frame or sculpture with the appropriate products can prevent cracking or other damage during the move.

Packing Framed Artwork

Choosing the Right Box

For framed pieces, the box size is crucial. A box that’s too big allows for movement, increasing the risk of damage. A box that’s too small might put pressure on the frame. You want a snug fit—like the artwork and box were made for each other.

Corner Protectors Are Your Friends

Corners are often the first to get dinged, so investing in corner protectors is a no-brainer. They’re easy to apply and provide an additional layer of security for your frame.

Layering for Protection

Layering is the secret sauce to protecting framed art. Start with a layer of glassine paper to prevent scratches, then wrap the piece in bubble wrap. If you’re feeling extra cautious (and we always are), add a layer of foam board on each side before placing it in the box.

Packing Sculptures and 3D Art

Choosing the Right Crate

Sculptures are tricky because they’re not just flat, uniform objects. Custom crates are often the best way to go, especially for larger or more fragile pieces. These crates can be built to the exact dimensions of the sculpture, offering the best protection.

Securing Delicate Parts

Sculptures often have delicate extensions—think arms, legs, or other protrusions—that need special care. Use foam or padding to secure these parts, ensuring they don’t move during transit.

Padding and Stabilization

Fill the empty spaces in the crate with padding materials like foam peanuts or shredded paper. The goal is to prevent any movement within the box or crate, which could lead to damage.

Packing Unframed Canvas

Rolling vs. Flat Packing

Unframed canvases give you two main packing options: rolling or flat packing. Rolling can save space but may not be suitable for all canvases, especially older or brittle ones. Flat packing, while more cumbersome, offers the best protection.

Using Glassine Paper

Glassine paper is your best friend when packing unframed canvas. It’s a smooth, glossy paper that provides a barrier against moisture and dirt. Lay it over the canvas before rolling or packing flat.

Securing the Canvas

If rolling, secure the canvas with a tube, ensuring it’s wide enough to prevent tight rolling. For flat packing, use sturdy cardboard on both sides to protect the surface and edges.

Protecting Art from Environmental Damage

Temperature and Humidity Concerns

Art is sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Extreme conditions can cause warping, fading, or cracking. If you’re moving in hot or humid weather, be extra cautious. Consider using a climate-controlled truck for added protection.

Using Climate-Controlled Vehicles

A climate-controlled vehicle maintains a steady temperature and humidity level, ideal for transporting art. It might cost a bit more, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Transporting Your Artwork

DIY vs. Professional Movers

When it comes to transporting art, the choice between doing it yourself and hiring professionals is a big one. If you’re confident in your packing skills and have the right vehicle, DIY might be a good option. However, for high-value pieces or complex moves, hiring professional movers who specialize in art transport is often the safer bet.

Insurance: Don’t Skip It!

No matter how carefully you pack or how skilled your movers are, accidents can happen. This is where insurance comes in. Make sure your art is covered for its full value during the move. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Unpacking and Setting Up

Careful Unwrapping

Unpacking is just as important as packing. Take your time, and be gentle. Remove each layer one at a time, checking the condition of the artwork as you go.

Checking for Damage

Once unpacked, inspect each piece carefully. Look for any signs of damage that might have occurred during the move. If you find any issues, document them immediately and contact your insurance provider.

Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Art

• Using the Wrong Materials: Not all packing materials are created equal. Avoid using newsprint or anything that could leave marks on your artwork.
• Skipping the Documentation: Failing to document your art before the move is a big mistake. It’s essential for insurance claims and for ensuring that you packed everything correctly.
• Ignoring Climate Concerns: Art is sensitive to the environment. Ignoring temperature and humidity can lead to irreversible damage.

Final Thoughts on Art Packing

Packing art might seem daunting, but with the right approach and materials, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving a small collection or a house full of masterpieces, following these steps will help ensure your artwork arrives safely. Remember, the key is in the details—don’t rush the process, and always err on the side of caution.

About Sparta Movers

If you are reading this article, the chances are you are in the process of either renovating, upgrading your furnishings, or moving to a new place. Let Sparta Movers help you with planning as well as the execution of your project.

Sparta Movers is a trusted name in the moving industry, dedicated to providing top-notch services to individuals and businesses alike. Our experienced team prides itself on ensuring that each move is seamless, efficient, on time, on budget, and stress-free. Whether you’re relocating within Calgary, moving across Canada, or anywhere around the world, Sparta Movers is here to assist you with every step of the way.

Sparta Movers is a full-service moving and storage company, certified by the Canadian Association of Movers, recommended by Bryan Baeumler, and A+ rated by Better Business Bureau (BBB). We are also an active member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Sparta Movers is a Calgary agent of Atlas Van Lines, a major player in the moving industry in Canada. Atlas Van Lines has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality local, long distance moving , and international moving services since

FAQs

1. What’s the best material to wrap artwork in?

The best material is glassine paper, followed by bubble wrap. Glassine provides a protective barrier, while bubble wrap offers cushioning.

2. Can I pack art myself, or should I hire professionals?

You can pack art yourself if you’re confident in your abilities and have the right materials