How to Pack Paintings for Moving: Protect Your Valuable Artwork

Zachary DeLorenzo
Jun 27
3 min read

Moving artwork requires special care and attention to prevent damage during transport. Paintings, drawings, and other valuable art pieces are often fragile and can be easily damaged by improper handling or packing. Using the right materials and techniques protects your investment and preserves these meaningful pieces for years to come. This guide covers everything you need to know about safely packing artwork, from selecting the right materials to working with a professional moving team in Tampa.

Choosing the Right Packing Materials

The right packing materials make all the difference in protecting your artwork during a move. Start with acid-free packing paper, which protects the surface of paintings from scratches and won't cause damage over time, unlike regular paper. Use bubble wrap to create a cushioning layer that absorbs impacts during transport. Get foam corner protectors to shield the vulnerable edges and corners of frames from dents and chips. Select sturdy cardboard boxes that are slightly larger than your artwork, leaving sufficient room for padding. Keep packing peanuts or additional bubble wrap handy to fill empty spaces and prevent movement inside boxes. For valuable pieces, consider wooden crates or custom boxes that provide extra protection. Investing in quality materials is often more cost-effective than repairing or replacing damaged artwork.

Securing the Artwork Properly

Proper securing techniques keep your artwork safe throughout the moving process. Start by placing the artwork between two pieces of sturdy cardboard, then tape them together securely to create a protective sandwich. Wrap the piece in acid-free paper to protect the surface from direct contact with other materials. Add foam corner protectors to shield vulnerable edges from impacts. Carefully place the wrapped artwork into a box that fits snugly but not too tightly. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent the artwork from shifting during transport. Seal the box completely with strong packing tape and mark it as "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" so movers handle it with extra care.

Packing Techniques for Different Types of Art

Different types of artwork need specific packing approaches for the best protection:

Canvas Paintings: Wrap the canvas tightly with acid-free paper, add cardboard corner protectors, and then pack it in a custom wooden crate or a sturdy box with plenty of padding.
Framed Artwork: Use glassine paper to protect the glass surface, add corner protectors to the frame, and wrap it with bubble wrap before placing it in a picture box designed for framed pieces.
Sculptures: Wrap delicate sculptures in foam or bubble wrap, secure any loose parts with tape, and pack in a strong box filled with packing material for cushioning.
Antique Art: Consider professional packing services for valuable antique pieces, as they may need custom crating and specialized handling techniques.

Labeling and Organizing for Easy Unpacking

Good labeling and organization make unpacking much easier and help prevent confusion or damage. Write specific details on each box, including the artist's name, the title of the piece, and any special handling instructions like "glass" or "very fragile." Number each box and create a master list that indicates the contents of each numbered container. Organize boxes by size and fragility level, keeping smaller and more delicate pieces separate from larger, sturdier items. Plan where boxes will go in your new space and mark them accordingly. This systematic approach helps you unpack artwork safely and get pieces back on display quickly in your new home.

Transportation Tips for Safe Delivery

Safe transportation requires careful planning and proper handling techniques:

Use Proper Packaging: Double-box extremely fragile items, wrap all paintings in bubble wrap, and secure everything with strong packing tape.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Opt for a vehicle with smooth suspension to minimize vibrations and bumps that could damage artwork during transportation.
Secure Artwork Inside the Vehicle: Keep paintings upright rather than laying them flat, use straps to prevent movement, and never stack heavy items on top of art boxes.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Protect artwork from direct sunlight, heat, and cold by using climate-controlled transportation when moving valuable pieces.