Learning how to pack artwork for moving goes beyond simply placing items in boxes it requires protecting pieces that often carry significant sentimental and financial value. Improper packing techniques can result in scratches, shattered glass, frame damage, or moisture infiltration that permanently ruins a treasured artwork. Whether you’re relocating locally or undertaking a long-distance move, proper packing methods safeguard your pieces against vibrations, impacts, and environmental fluctuations during transit. From valuable paintings to delicate photo frames, every packing decision matters. For those seeking professional expertise, Chamomile Go provides specialized art packing services in Sherman Oaks, ensuring your artwork reaches its destination in pristine condition without unnecessary stress.
Why Proper Artwork Packing Matters
When it comes to packing artwork, the right technique matters. Artwork often has meaning and value; whether it’s a childhood heirloom, a painting you purchased with your hard-earned money, or a signed print of your favorite artist, handling it the wrong way will result in scrapes, smudges, rips, or could potentially cause irreparable damage. Taking the time to pack your art for moving correctly will ensure it maintains its integrity, aesthetic appeal, and sentimental meaning for years to come. Packing art for moving professionally also guarantees your art will survive the shocks, vibrations, and climate changes during transit.
Protecting Sentimental Value and Financial Value
Art is more than decoration it may serve as a marker of your personal history or it may serve as an investment. Damaging an artwork (a painting, sculpture, or print) can result in both irreplaceable memory or significant loss in value. This is precisely why packing art with the appropriate materials (acid-free paper, bubble wrap, and reinforced crates) is so important. When packed correctly, a piece of art can endure a prolonged journey, as well as a change in climate and the vessel-inherent movement that occurs when moving art, and maintain its conditioning and valuability.
Frequent Mistakes People Make When Moving Artwork
A lot of people do not realize how fragile art pieces can be, leading to damage that could have been avoided. Some mistakes are using newspaper (which will put ink on the piece), placing tape directly on either the piece or the glass, and removing protective shipment layers. Others will also choose too large of a shipping box, even if there’s some sandwiching like we just described, which can allow the piece to shift when it’s being transported. The bottom line is that art pieces should never be treated like a standard item in someone’s home when it comes to packing and suction boxes (it’s too risky!). To be thoughtful when packing it for moving, a piece of artwork takes a lot of time and preparation to ensure it is protected and secured.
Difference Between Packing Framed vs. Unframed Artwork
Framed artwork, or artwork that’s matted out can require some additional attention to not only protect the frame, but the art inside as well. Start with corner protectors on the frame, bubble wrap, and a secure wrap (where no tape is attaching to the actual work). With glass-front-framed art, use painter’s tape and tape it in an “X” on the frame, to help to minimize shattering. However, unframed artwork must be covered with acid-free paper or glassine, and placed between cardboard before wrapping it. Both unframed and framed artwork, require the same thought and detail with different packing approaches but require that same type of formal handling and buying quality materials.
You may read How To Pack Paintings For Moving?
Essential Packing Supplies for Artwork
When packing artwork or packing art for moving, using the proper materials is crucial to preventing damage:
- Bubble wrap for protective cushioning
- Packing paper for initial surface wrapping
- Corner protectors to shield frame edges
- Glassine paper to cover art surfaces without adhesion
- Packing tape for reliable sealing
- Stretch wrap for additional protection
- Foam boards to prevent warping
- Sturdy boxes for secure transport
Tools to Make the Process Easier
- Measuring tape – ensures appropriate box dimensions
- Utility knife – for precise cutting of materials
- Labels – to categorize items
- Fragile stickers – to notify movers of delicate contents
How to Pack Artwork for Moving in Six Easy Steps
Whether you’re packing picture frames for a shorter, local move or packing art for a longer-distance and possibly professional move, it is important to take a few steps to protect your pieces from scratching, dinging, and breaking. Below is a simple six-step process:
Step 1: Clean the Art
Before packing your art, dust cloth, gently dust the frame, glass, or canvas with a microfiber cloth. Removing dirt and fingerprints ensures that, during transport, nothing will settle into a permanent nature. If you are processing a valuable piece of art, it is a good idea to wear cotton gloves and, as it is with all packing processes, be sure to remove jewelry or anything that could scratch the piece.
Step 2: Wrap the Artwork with Acid-Free Paper or Glassine
Acid-free paper or glassine is important because it creates an important barrier on the surface against moisture, dust, and smudging to clarify. Ensuring the entire piece – especially the corners and the edges – is covered. If packing a picture frame, be sure to slightly overlap the paper as you fold it around to avoid gaps anywhere in the wrap.
Step 3: Add Buffing or Protective Layer
Next you will want to wrap the piece again adding a buffing layer such as crumpled paper, foam sheets, or bubble wrap. You may also want to put corner edge protectors or bumpers to prevent a duck in the edge of the frame. You should always have this secondary layer when packing art with troublesome glass or frames such as intricate wood.
Step 4: Place in a Custom-Sized Box or Crate
Choose a box or crate that fits the artwork snugly, but not tightly. Too much space will create shifting, and too tight of a fit may create pressure damage. Slim, and somewhat sturdy boxes work well when packing photo frames, as they can stay upright.
Step 5: Fill any Open Space with Fill (Packing Peanuts, Crumpled Packing Paper, or Foam Inserts)
Once the item is in the box, ensure that there are not any spaces inside of the box (besides the item). Filling an empty space with packing peanuts (or crumpled packing paper if they are not available) or foam inserts will keep the item secure and prevent movement during transport. In case of a box being dropped or stacked, the fill will act like a cushion, absorbing the impact.
Step 6: “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on Box
After you seal up the box, be sure to mark as follows. Overall labeling each box will help identify each box, but adding a “FRAGILE” label will also identify that as the box that needs to be handles an extra layer of caution. A “THIS SIDE UP” label will help maintain the same upright position of the item, specifically for framed-glass pieces which should never go flat.
How to Pack Framed Artwork for Moving
When packing framed artwork or preparing to pack art with glass fronts, extra protection is especially important to avoiding cracks, scratches, or breaks.
Special Consideration for Glass Frames
Be sure to apply painter’s tape prior to wrapping your art in an “X” shape across the glass. This way, the pieces remain contained in the event glass does break so there is less chance the art will be damaged in the process.
Adding Cardboard Cut-outs for Additional Glass Protection
Take a piece of rigid cardboard, slightly larger than the dimensions of the glass frame and using painter’s tape for the best adherence, hold it over the taped area. This provides a protective barrier for walking or bumping into while the art is being handled or during travel/transport.
Avoid Pressure Points
When packing art with frames, especially ornate or vintage frames, it is best to make sure there is even cushioning on all sides of the frame, so there will not be any uneven pressure that could cause a crack in the glass or a stress mark on frame corners.
Using Mirror Boxes or Wooden Crates for Large Art
When packing art that is oversized and framed, adjustable mirror boxes or custom wooden crates are the best choice as a tight and secured fit. Mirrors or crates have added structural strength to ensure the art remains damage free from bumps, stacking, and moving during travel.
Choose Chamomile Go for Packing Services in Sherman Oaks
When it comes to packing artwork and preparing to pack art for a safe move, Chamomile Go is the trusted choice for professional packing service in Sherman Oaks. Our team specializes in handling delicate, high-value items such as fine art, framed photographs, and valuable collectibles with precision and care.
With years of experience in the moving and packing industry, we understand the materials, tools, and techniques required to keep your artwork safe from start to finish. From acid-free wrapping to custom crates, we treat every piece as if it were our own.
We proudly serve Sherman Oaks and the surrounding Los Angeles areas, ensuring local residents have access to professional, reliable, and detail-oriented packing services in Sherman Oaks.
Book your professional packing service in Sherman Oaks with Chamomile Go today and let us protect your art so it arrives at its new home in perfect condition.
Final Thoughts
Careful packing is the key to keeping your artwork safe, whether you’re moving across town or across the country. Using the right materials and techniques ensures your pieces arrive without scratches, cracks, or other damage. While some people prefer a DIY approach, it’s important to honestly assess whether you have the time, tools, and experience to handle fragile and valuable items.
If you feel unsure or overwhelmed, it’s always safer to rely on professionals. Chamomile Go offers expert packing services in Sherman Oaks and surrounding Los Angeles areas, with proven experience in handling everything from framed art to rare collectibles. For more tips and guidance, check out our related moving and packing guides or contact us today to make sure your art is protected every step of the way.
FAQs
1. What Materials Do I Need For Packing Artwork?
You’ll need acid-free paper or glassine, bubble wrap, corner protectors, sturdy boxes or crates, packing tape, and cushioning materials like foam boards or packing peanuts. These protect the artwork from scratches, moisture, and impact during the move.
2. How Do I Pack Framed Artwork With Glass?
Apply masking tape in an “X” pattern across the glass to prevent shattering, add a cardboard cutout over the glass for extra protection, then wrap the frame in bubble wrap and place it in a custom-sized box or mirror box.
3. Can I Use Regular Boxes For Packing Art?
Regular boxes are fine for small, lightweight pieces if reinforced properly, but for valuable or large artwork, custom crates or mirror boxes provide much better protection.
4. How Do I Pack Unframed Artwork?
Cover it with acid-free paper or glassine, place it between sturdy cardboard sheets, and wrap it in bubble wrap before boxing. This prevents bending, moisture damage, and surface scratches.
5. Should I Hire Professionals For Packing Artwork?
If your artwork is valuable, oversized, or fragile, professional movers with art-handling experience can ensure it’s packed with the right materials and techniques for safe transport.
