If you are an aficionado of fine art and equally valuable, eye-catching paintings, you’ll want such treasures to get to your new location safely. When it’s time to transport high-value items like this to your new home, there are necessary precautions to take. Below you’ll find some tips and suggestions that you can use when you pack and move your fine art and paintings.
1. Find the Right Boxes
Before you get started, take some time to find boxes that are right for valuables of this nature. One option is to use the original boxes for these items if you still have them. If you don’t, other possibilities include:
- telescope boxes: suitable for rectangular and flat-lying objects
- heavy-duty picture boxes: ideal for framed artwork that’s not excessively large or oddly shaped
- an appropriately sized crate: an option to consider if you are unable to find a box that’s the right size and shape
2. Use Protective Wrapping
You’ll also need added protection against jostling and other movements. One option with anything that has glass on it, either with the artwork itself or the frame if we’re talking about paintings, is Glassine. It’s a smooth and glossy type of packaging that’s resistant to grease, water, and air. You can also wrap artwork or canvases securely in plain brown paper – but avoid newspapers, so you don’t get ink transfer.
3. Add a Protective Layer of Bubble Wrap
Now it’s time to break out the bubble wrap. Place it over your initial wrapping to create an added layer of protection. Wrapping the bubble wrap around your cherished items at least once should be sufficient. You don’t want to create too much bulk.
4. Use Corner Protectors and Blankets
It’s the corners that are most susceptible to damage when moving pieces of fine art and bigger paintings. Styrofoam or cardboard corner protectors can be placed firmly on corners to reduce the chance of damage around the edges. For extra protection, throw a moving blanket on top of your packed-up treasures.
5. Place Fine Art and Paintings Upright
Laying highly valued pieces down flat presents the possible risk of somebody accidentally stepping on your boxes during the loading and unloading process. Instead, place artwork upright. Also, label the boxes “this end up” to avoid damage to the hanging hardware often located towards the top of hangable pieces.
6. Move Art/Paintings Separately or Be Strategic
If possible, move your fine art and paintings separately from your heavy furniture and other items. If this isn’t an option for you, strategically place these more vulnerable and fragile items in the truck/van. Do this by:
- designating a particular spot for such things
- using moving blankets if you’ll have heavier items around the area where you will place your art and paintings
- securing heavier items, so they don’t accidentally run into your more delicate belongings during transport
One other way to make sure your fine art and paintings safely get to their new destination is to hire professional movers. But if you keep the hacks discussed above in mind as well, you’ll enjoy added peace of mind and a move that’s less stressful and more productive.
