How to Pack Pictures for Moving in the Safest Way

Get All the Packing Materials and Supplies

Before you start with the work, you should prepare and gather all the packing materials for moving. All your pictures in frames should be packed in s materials, and that is why we have singled out a list of supplies down below:

• Cardboard corner protectors;
• Single cardboard pieces;
• Soft packing paper;
• Sheets of plastic bubbles;
• Strong duct tape and painter’s tape;
• Markers;
• Old blankets.

Acquire the Right Cardboard Boxes

Your paintings are very fragile things that need to be packed in suitable cardboard boxes. Be sure to acquire cardboard containers in different and adequate sizes, as well as some cylinder cardboard tubes for unframed artworks.

Consider Picture Packer Box

Your artworks are among other fragile items from your household that should be properly packed. That is why you should ideally acquire specialty boxes. These containers have many advantages and are specially designed to keep your artwork and other similar objects safe during transportation. These boxes are made for DIY packers and movers, so it’s easy to assemble one. Besides being very strong and large, they can stock any 2.2″ thick rectangular object, and store up to 65 lb.

How to Pack Pictures for Moving: Step by Step Guide

With all the appropriate supplies, you can start packing. You have to cover each picture in protective material, put it in a proper container, and seal it for protection. However, for detailed instructions, follow our step by step guide and prepare your wall frames for shipping.

Wrap Artwork for Moving

Unframed canvases can be rolled up in cylinder cardboard tubes. You should grab the canvas and roll it up slowly with the painted surface on the outside. For the framed works, be sure to follow the next crucial steps:

• Choose a flat surface big enough to fit your largest frame. Be sure to clean it and throw a blanket over to protect the artwork when wrapping.
• Throw a couple of soft paper sheets over the blanket.
• Remove your picture from the wall and clean it.
• You need to use the painter’s tape and stripe a big X over the glass surface. That way, your canvas will be safe if the glass breaks.
• To additionally secure the artwork, put one sheet of the cardboard on glass.
• Lay down the picture in the middle of the soft paper and wrap the rest of the frame with it. Make sure the whole frame is covered.
• Every edge of a wrapped frame must be sealed with duct tape. For extra safety, place cardboard corner protectors. After that, seal the entire frame with a bubble wrap.
• The bubble wrap must be taped as well.

Prepare the Box for Shipping

After finishing the first step of careful wrapping, you can start placing wrapped artwork in a box:

• If you are using specialty boxes, you can arrange paintings by the size of their frames. Be sure to cover their corners and sides with a thick layer of bubble wrap.
• If you are using a regular box, be sure to tape it all over for protection. Protect the insides with a lot of crumpled paper for cushioning. To save some money, be sure to find free moving boxes.
• Place wrapped frames into the cushioned boxes and be sure that they won’t move around during transportation. If there is enough space, you can pack more than one picture. However, protect them by placing some cardboard dividers in between.
• Seal the box tightly with tape all over and make sure it won’t open during transportation.
• You have now packed your artworks, and the final step is to put moving labels. Remember to write in big letters on at least three sides.

Consider These Useful Tips

Now let’s look at some additional tips on long-distance relocation of these fragile objects that you should remember:

• Don’t use newspapers because ink can cause damage.
• Besides the big and thick letters, remember to label them as “fragile.”
• Make sure to load these boxes carefully in a truck; put them someplace where they won’t fall over during transportation.
• In a truck, you need to load these on top, possibly over some other packed cardboards; otherwise, the glass will crack under pressure.

How to Pack Mirrors for Relocation

You can follow the same method when packing mirrors for relocation. Remember to cover the mirror entirely before you place it in cardboard. Once you packed it, make sure to fill in all the gaps with crumpled paper. You can also put more than one mirror in the same container, but be sure to provide sufficient padding in between to prevent breakage.

Each Detail in Your Home Interior is Important

Following all the steps mentioned above, you probably realized that the most important thing is to safely pack these fragile items. Otherwise, they will be damaged during transportation. Hopefully, these tips will keep you alerted and help you to pack your precious artworks securely. As Hubert de Givenchy said – luxury is in each detail – and you want your interior “details” transported in one piece to adorn your new home.

And if you are still unsure about whether it can be done on your own and want your delicate artworks to come to your new home in one piece, contact professional moving services. They can provide all the packing materials and transport all paintings safely to your new residence.