Moving is an exciting chapter in anyone’s life, but when you have a collection of art pieces to transport, things can get a little more complicated. F
rom
paintings to sculptures, these cherished pieces require extra care.
If you're
planning a move and want to make sure your art arrives at its destination in
perfect condition, here’s a guide to packing your art expertly—without the
stress.
Before
diving into the packing process, it’s essential to gather the proper materials.
You’ll
need:
Sturdy boxes: Choose boxes specifically designed for artwork. These are typically made from thicker cardboard, offering better protection than standard moving boxes.
Bubble wrap: This will serve as a cushion to protect delicate frames and canvases.
Packing paper: It’s a softer alternative to bubble wrap and works well for wrapping delicate items.
Corner protectors: These can be made from foam or cardboard and will protect the corners of framed pieces.
Stretch film: Use this to secure frames or artwork that might be loose inside their frames.
Packing tape: Make sure it's heavy-duty to keep everything securely sealed.
According to a report, nearly 1 in 3 moves include fragile items such as art, which makes proper packing even more critical.
Step 2: Prepare the Art for Packing
No matter how big or small your art pieces are, preparation is key to ensuring their safe transit.
Remove any hanging hardware: Take off any nails, hooks, or wires from the back of framed art. This prevents damage to both the art and the frame during the move.
Wrap each piece individually: If you have multiple pieces, don’t try to wrap them together. It’s important to keep each item separated to avoid friction or contact that could lead to scratches or breaks.
Use glassine paper or packing paper: For framed artwork with glass, cover the glass with a layer of glassine or packing paper. This prevents the glass from touching the bubble wrap and reduces the risk of scratching.
Step 3: Pack the Art Securely
Now comes the packing process itself. The key here is to make sure each piece is snug and protected in its box.
Wrap the artwork: Start by wrapping the art with bubble wrap or packing paper, depending on the type. For framed art, place it with the front facing out, and wrap the edges first.
Add corner protectors: For framed art, place corner protectors on each corner. This is especially important for paintings or prints under glass, as the corners are more vulnerable.
Place the artwork in the box: Carefully place the wrapped art in its box, and make sure there’s no extra space inside. Use packing peanuts or more bubble wrap to fill in any gaps so the art doesn’t shift during transit.
Step 4: Label and Secure the Box
Once
everything is packed securely, it’s time to seal the box and label it.
Seal
the box: Use
packing tape to securely close the box, ensuring the flaps are tightly sealed.
Label the box: It’s essential to mark each box clearly as “Fragile” or “Artwork” so movers know to handle it with extra care.
Step 5: Consider Professional Help
While
packing your art yourself can be a rewarding challenge, sometimes it’s best to
enlist help, especially if you have valuable or delicate pieces.
A study
from the American Moving & Storage Association shows that 28% of people who
hired professional movers noted that packing fragile items was one of the most
significant stress-relieving decisions.
If you're in New Jersey, hiring Best Moving Companies in New Jersey ensures you’ll get professionals experienced in handling fragile items like art.
Final Thoughts
Packing
art doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With the
right materials and careful planning, you can ensure your pieces make it to
their new home safe and sound.
Whether
you’re an art collector or simply moving a few treasured pieces, these tips
will help you protect your valuable items during the move.
And if you
ever feel overwhelmed, remember that hiring Best Moving Companies in New
Jersey can give you the peace of mind that your art will be handled by
experts.
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