Art is irreplaceable. While you can almost always repurchase the same piece, it’ll never do justice because art is just as much about when and where you bought it, as it is about the piece itself. After all, replacing a piece of art online that you originally purchased on your honeymoon or while traveling Tahiti with a group of friends just isn’t the same. So, you’ll certainly want to take extra precautions when moving art and pictures to ensure they arrive in one piece.
1. Use the Proper Packing Material
Using the right packing material is one of the most important steps to keeping your art and pictures safe during a move. Not only does this pertain to the type of moving boxes you use, but also the type of materials you use to fill the voids.
So, if the artwork is small enough to fit in boxes, steer clear of the free ones found behind the old factory. You need a sturdy frame to deter damage. We recommend purchasing specialty boxes that are designed for keeping your valuables safe during a move.
Once you’ve selected your boxes, it’s time to explore the different types of packing materials you can use to add an extra layer of protection. It’s recommended to use bubble wrap for packing your art and pictures instead of paper, as the extra cushion will help protect each piece.
For large artwork pieces, it’s recommended to purchase specific boxes for each individual piece, instead of simply wrapping and moving them.
2. Wrap and Pack Properly
It’s just as crucial to wrap and pack your art and pictures properly when moving. While it may be tempting to cram as many pictures as possible in one box, this can cause friction on the artwork, which increases the risk of the pieces chipping, scratching or cracking the artwork.
Instead, individually wrap each piece of art in bubble wrap before placing them on their edges in the box. This will help deter any damage to the actual artwork if an impact is to occur; the frame is always replaceable.
Then, fill any voids with leftover packing materials to decrease the amount of movement.
3. Label Properly to Deter Damage
Labeling is key to a successful move. For any boxes that contain art and pictures, carefully write “Fragile” in large letters on all sides. You may also want to use something extra to make these boxes stand out, such as colored or printed duct tape. That way, everyone helping you move will know that these specific boxes need to be handled with care.
4. Be Careful About the Placement on The Moving Truck
Where you place your fragile boxes is incredibly crucial to keeping your art and pictures safe. After all, you can pack properly but if the boxes are banging around, sliding or tipping over, there’s an increased risk that they’ll be broken or damaged. So, always slide the boxes containing your art and pictures into a spot where they won’t move too much.
5. Avoid Dry or Damp Areas
Moisture is a serious hazard for artwork. Fluctuating temperatures can also be just as damaging. So, it’s crucial to avoid placing or storing your pieces in areas that are damp or dry.
Never store your art or photos close to a heating or cooling system, windows, in a damp basement, or on a surface that may become wet. Depending on the value of your art, you may want to take extra precautions by purchasing specialty equipment to help transport the items during the move.
With these tips, your art and pieces will be kept safe throughout the move. Be sure to conduct thorough research on the different types of packing materials available to ensure you pick the that best ones that suit your needs.
