If you are worried about moving your most cherished and loved artwork, your concern is justified. Moving artwork demands special attention, given that it can be fragile and expensive at the same time. During the process of moving, the frame and glass can get broken, and damage can occur to the artwork itself. The painting’s colors may get affected, and paper- or cloth-based artworks may get torn.
So how do you ensure the safe movement of artwork? If this question has plagued your mind, you don’t need to worry; this blog will provide you with all the information you need about how to relocate artwork. So, without wasting any time, let’s get on with discussing the inside-out information on how to safely move artwork by discussing the first step, which is to assess your artwork.
Steps And Tips To Safely Pack And Move Artwork
1. Assessment Of Artwork
Before you even begin with the process of packing or getting supplies ready for your artwork, you must do a thorough inspection of your artwork. Just take a moment, get a pen, and copy to note down the details like their approximate worth, their level of fragility, and the expected type of packing they may need. You should also think about what kind of vehicle your artwork will need for transportation.
2. Arranging Packing Material
After the assessment of your packing material, you need to get the required packing material. These include acid-free paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, custom crates of boxes, packing paper, newspaper, plastic ropes, and cardboard boxes. You can obtain all of these packing supplies at the nearest supply store, on online websites selling such packing products, or you can contact professional movers or even ask your neighbors or relatives if they have moved recently.
3. Getting Your Artwork Ready For Packing
Before you even start packing your artwork, it is important that you clean and dust it gently. Dusting will help remove any dirty debris that may cause scratches or damage during the moving process. During the relocation of framed pieces, you need to decide whether you want to pack them along with their frames or whether you want to separate the glass and the artwork. You can decide on it after looking at the other stuff you are going to move. Generally, packing and moving the frame along with the artwork is a better option since it takes less time. However, there are ways to ensure that your artwork remains undamaged during transportation, even with the glass frames. For example, you can secure the frame along with the artwork by attaching tape in an “X” shape and then securing it with packing paper and bubble wrap.
Not sure whether to go DIY or hire professionals? Our post “DIY Vs. Professional Movers: Here’s How To Decide” helps you weigh your options.
Packing of different artworks
The packing techniques for different types of hard work can be different. Go through the information given below about the different artworks and the ideal packing techniques for them.
1. Painting and canvas
To pack paintings and canvas, one needs to be very careful. The following steps can be used to pack the painting:
- Get bubble wrap, tracking paper, cardboard sheets, and packing tape.
- Wrapped painting/canvas using acid-free paper, making sure that all corners are covered.
- Put wrapped paintings or canvases between layers of bubble wrap and secure them with good-quality packing tape.
- If you have valuable paintings, you can think about using custom crates for added protection.
2. Framed artwork
To pack the framed artwork, you can opt for either separating the frame from the artwork or separately wrapping the frames in bubble wrap. Use the form corner protectors to safeguard the corners of the frame.
Another way is to keep the frame attached to the artwork when packing it. You can put tape over the glass to secure it. Use packing paper to wrap the framed artwork, and then use bubble wrap over it to secure it properly. Once you have wrapped the framework, you can create layers of it one upon another while keeping the bubble wrap in between them. Put them in the cardboard boxes in a standing, vertical manner, one upon another, according to their weight and size.
3. Sculpture and delicate 3D artwork
To pack these cultures and delicate 3D artwork, the following steps can be taken:
- First of all, you need to disassemble the movable parts of the sculpture.
- In the second step, you need to wrap each disassembled part with protective material using bubble wrap, as these help prevent scratching and breaking.
- When you are putting the movable parts into the cardboard boxes, you must use padding and form to fill any gaps so that the work can be reduced during transportation.
Read our post on “The Ultimate Guide to Home Moving Insurance in India” covers everything you need to know about selecting the right coverage for your valuable items.
Organizing and labeling the packed artwork
Once you have secured all your artwork, you need to make sure that you are putting the right label on the boxes. The label should indicate the kind of thing that is inside the respective box, along with information about the upside and bottom sides. Moreover, you can also create an inventory list that should give details about each artwork. This particular inventory list will help you keep track of all the items that are being transported to the new location.
Loading and transporting the artwork
The selection of the vehicle is also an extremely important consideration when you move artwork. especially if you have the kind of artwork that is both very expensive and fragile at the same time. Generally, fragile artwork can be very susceptible to changing atmospheric temperatures and other climate factors. So to make sure you are not putting your work in any kind of danger, you can pick a climate-controlled vehicle for moving.
Another thing you can do while moving the artwork is to place them along with other items of your house in such a way that they suffer the least amount of momentary jerks during transportation. For example, if you secure your blankets and pillows inside a cardboard box, it can be the perfect place for some of your paintings and framed artwork to be secured. By placing them inside, you can provide them with a natural cushion against movement and jerking.
Unpacking the artwork and setting it up at the new location
After reaching the new location, the first thing you should do is check your secured artwork for any damage that may have occurred during transportation. Be cautious when you get your items out of the packing material, and in the last step, you should place them at the chosen place with utmost care. If there happens to be any significant damage to the artwork, make sure that you contact the transportation company right away and put in your complaint and request for the clean money right away.
Read our post on “Is It Worth Paying For Packing While Moving?” explores the pros and cons of hiring professional packers, helping you decide if the investment is right for your situation.
Some extra tips when moving out
Some tips can help you move artwork without damaging it while at the same time keeping your moving process hassle-free.
- Never compromise on the quality of the packing supplies when moving artwork since even a little mistake can cause big damage to your expensive paintings or canvases.
- Never forget to buy insurance coverage when moving artwork, and make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the coverage so that you are not confused in the case of any unforeseen damage or accident.
- Look for a transporter with a climate control vehicle, or if that is not possible, make sure you hire a transport company that has extensive experience in moving artwork in particular.
Safely packing the artwork and making sure that it reaches the destination without any damage or getting lost requires extensive planning and attention to detail. By following the right technique and methods, as mentioned in this particular blog piece, you can decrease the risk of damage occurring when moving your artwork. Moreover, some particular steps, like buying insurance coverage and choosing the right kind of vehicle, along with an experienced moving company, can go a long way towards making sure that your artwork remains secure during transportation. And if you are looking for the nearest company to move your artwork professionally, you can visit the 6 Packers and Movers company that will help you find the right option for your needs to move the artwork.
Our blog on “How Do You Transport Household Goods By Indian Railways?” provides a comprehensive guide on the process, benefits, and tips for ensuring a smooth transition.
FAQs Pack And Move Artwork
Can I Roll Up Canvases To Pack Them For Moving?
Yes, it is a wise decision to roll up the canvases after separating them from their frames. You can use the tape to secure the rolled canvases and then put them in sturdy tubes for moving.
What Kind Of Packing Supplies Should Be Used For Artwork?
To secure the artwork, you will need multiple types of packing supplies, such as bubble wrap and cardboard boxes. corner protectors, packing paper, markers, and more.
Is It A Good Option To Remove The Paintings From The Frames When Moving Them?
Generally, it is considered a good idea to remove the painting from the frame, as it helps pack and secure both of them separately. However, the other approach is also a good one if you can secure the outer glass with the help of tape and bubble wrap.
