How to Pack Paintings for Moving Safely

Moving cherished paintings demands careful planning and the right tools. Whether you’re an art collector or a homeowner with a few special pieces, knowing how to pack paintings for moving can prevent devastating damage. This comprehensive guide, based on best practices and local insights from Little Man Moves, covers the supplies, techniques, and nuances that keep your art pristine from one St. George home to the next.

Why Paintings Require Special Packing

Paintings and artwork are highly sensitive to pressure, moisture, and temperature. Glass, canvas, and delicate framing can easily be scratched or broken with a careless bump. St. George’s dry climate adds another consideration: dust and temperature swings can impact canvas tension and vibrant colors if not properly protected. The experts at Little Man Moves see all kinds of art and know the difference that proper packing makes for safe arrival.

Gather Your Essential Packing Materials

Investing in the right supplies protects both the artwork and its value:

Acid-free glassine or tissue paper: Prevents direct contact with other materials, absorbs moisture, and avoids ink transfer.
Micro-foam or bubble wrap: Provides cushioning. Use micro-foam for originals to avoid bubble impressions; bubble wrap is fine for posters or prints.
Museum-grade or foam corner protectors: Prevents crushed or bent corners.
Artist or painter’s tape: Low-tack, so it won’t leave residue.
Rigid cardboard or adjustable artwork boxes: Sized to fit paintings with minimal movement; double-wall boxes preferred for valuable art.
Packing paper or foam peanuts: For filling gaps in the box.
Stretch wrap/plastic wrap: Secures protective wrap in place and guards against dust and humidity during transit.
Packing tape and a permanent marker: For full closure and clear labeling.

Little Man Moves supplies high-grade packing materials for every St. George move and can pack your artwork for you if preferred.

Step-by-Step: How to Pack Paintings for Moving

1. Clean and Prepare Each Painting

Gently dust both sides of the artwork with a dry, soft cloth.
Remove any hanging hardware and tape to the back of the frame so it doesn’t scratch.
For glass-covered frames: Use glass cleaner, dry thoroughly, and mark an “X” with masking tape across the glass (this helps hold shards together if glass breaks during transit).
For acrylic or oil paintings: Avoid direct plastic contact. Use acid-free tissue or glassine paper first.

2. Protect the Surface

Lay the painting face down on glassine or acid-free paper.
Gently fold the paper around all sides, taping at the back without touching the artwork itself.
Avoid newspaper or recycled paper directly on the surface, the ink or chemicals can transfer and ruin your painting.

3. Cushion With Micro-Foam or Bubble Wrap

Place a layer of micro-foam or bubble wrap over the wrapped painting, bubbles facing outward so they don’t leave marks on paint or glass.
For particularly fragile or valuable works, double-wrap.
Secure with painter’s tape, making sure the wrap is snug but not too tight.

4. Use Corner Protectors

Slide custom foam or cardboard protectors onto all four corners of the frame. This step is vital, corners are most vulnerable to drops and bumps during transit.
DIY tip: Cut corner pieces from spare cardboard if you don’t have pre-made protectors.

5. Box Each Painting Properly

Choose a rigid, snug-fitting picture box or adjustable art box. Double-walled boxes offer the best crush resistance.
Line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper, foam peanuts, or extra bubble wrap for a soft landing.
Place the wrapped painting upright (like it would hang), never flat, inside the box.
Fill all remaining space with packing paper, foam, or bubble wrap to immobilize the painting. No movement means less risk.

6. Seal and Label

Close and seal all seams with packing tape, no gaps for dust or humidity.
Mark each box as “Fragile – Paintings/Art,” “This Side Up,” and label the room or destination clearly with permanent marker. Indicate which side must face up for paintings, especially those with glass.
For high-value pieces, number the boxes and maintain a simple inventory or photograph for insurance.

Special Packing for Large, High-Value, or Oddly Shaped Art

Large pieces (typically over 40 inches): Use custom wood crates or moving company-provided crating. These offer unmatched protection for valuable art or sculpture.
Sculptural or 3D artwork: Use custom-cut foam inserts in a rigid box or crate.
Consult Little Man Moves for specialty crating and art transport needs in St. George; they have the expertise and equipment for even museum-grade items.

How to Pack Canvas, Framed, and Glass-Covered Art

Canvas (Unframed): Wrap face with acid-free paper, then micro-foam, then layer with bubble wrap. Secure corners as above.
Framed Art: Add extra support by placing foam boards on both front and back before wrapping.
Glass: Mark an X with masking tape on glass. Wrap as above but be careful not to press bubble wrap directly on glass.

Moving Day: Loading and Handling Tips

Paintings should travel upright, never lay them flat at the bottom of a stack, which can warp frames or stretch canvas.
Load art last so it’s unloaded first. Allot a dedicated space against a solid surface inside the moving truck, cushioning both sides.
Avoid placing heavy or sharp objects near artwork.
Keep artwork away from extreme heat or cold, move paintings in temperature-controlled conditions if possible.

Long-Term Storage Preparation

Store art in climate-controlled spaces if you aren’t hanging them immediately in your new St. George home.
Paintings need airflow, so never wrap in plastic for long-term storage.
Always keep upright and prevent leaning that could warp the frame.

Pro Packing Tips from Little Man Moves

Document each painting with a quick photo before wrapping, for insurance and easier unpacking.
For moves across St. George’s hilly roads or sudden summer dust storms, add extra moisture and dust protection.
Inform your movers about exceptionally valuable or fragile artwork up front, special accommodations may be needed.
Don’t rush the process! Art packing is a detail-oriented job, take your time or hire professionals like Little Man Moves for peace of mind.

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes

Don’t use regular paper, newspaper, or direct plastic wrap on artwork.
Don’t pack art too loosely in boxes or stack heavy boxes on top of art.
Never force a painting into a box that’s even slightly too small.
Avoid storing artwork in garages, attics, or moving vans exposed to temperature extremes for long periods.

Little Man Moves: St. George’s Art Moving Experts

For all moves in and around St. George, trust Little Man Moves to handle your paintings with the same care they would give their own. Our local team is trained in professional art packing, from affordable family portraits to rare collectibles. We use premium, museum-grade materials and proven methods to ensure every artwork arrives in perfect condition. Our flexible services range from providing materials and DIY advice to full-service specialty packing and custom crating for high-value or oversized items.

Ready for a safe, seamless art move in St. George? Contact Little Man Moves today to discuss your art, your timeline, and the protection plan you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do I need to pack a painting for moving?

Use acid-free paper or glassine, bubble wrap, corner protectors, and a sturdy picture box or crate. Avoid newspaper or plastic directly on the artwork. These supplies guard your painting from scratches, moisture, and movement in transit.

How do I protect glass or frames during moving?

Clean glass, mark an 'X' with masking tape to contain shards if it breaks, and use foam corner protectors and bubble wrap. Always keep the painting upright and label the box as fragile for the safest handling.

Should I hire movers for valuable or large paintings?

Yes, for art that's expensive, large, or sentimental, use experienced movers with specialty packing materials. Professionals like Little Man Moves have tools and techniques for safe transit, reducing damage risks and offering insurance for high-value artworks.