How to Pack Artwork and Paintings for Moving Safely

Moving artwork requires more care than packing everyday household items. Whether you own framed pictures, canvas art, oil paintings, or large wall art, improper packing can lead to cracks, scratches, warped frames, or permanent damage. That is why understanding how to pack artwork for moving correctly is essential before moving day arrives.

This guide walks you step by step through how to pack art for moving, including paintings, canvas pieces, framed pictures, and oversized artwork. You will also learn how art movers protect valuable pieces and how to pack wall pictures for moving on a budget.

Why Artwork Needs Special Care During a Move

Artwork is vulnerable to vibration, pressure, moisture, and temperature changes. Paintings can crack, canvas can stretch, and frames can break if packed improperly. Professional art movers use specialized materials and techniques to prevent damage, but homeowners can still pack artwork safely with the right approach.

Understanding how to protect paintings when moving reduces risk and saves money by avoiding repairs or replacements.

Supplies Needed to Pack Artwork Properly

Before packing, gather the right materials. Using the correct supplies is the foundation of safe artwork transport.

Recommended packing supplies:

• Glassine paper or acid free paper
• Bubble wrap
• Cardboard corner protectors
• Painter’s tape
• Foam sheets
• Flat cardboard or picture boxes
• Packing tape
• Marker for labeling

Avoid newspaper directly on artwork, especially oil paintings, as ink can transfer and damage surfaces.

How to Pack Paintings for Moving

Packing paintings correctly depends on whether they are framed, unframed, canvas-based, or oversized.

Step by step: How to pack a painting for moving

1. Clean the surface gently

Remove dust using a soft microfiber cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners.

2. Protect the painted surface

Place glassine paper over the front of the painting. This prevents sticking and surface damage.

3. Add corner protectors

Use cardboard or foam corner guards to protect frames and edges.

4. Wrap with bubble wrap

Wrap the entire painting with bubble wrap, bubbles facing outward.

5. Secure with tape

Use painter’s tape or packing tape to hold the wrapping in place. Never tape directly on artwork.

6. Place in a picture box

Use a snug box with padding on all sides.

This method works for packing paintings for moving, framed artwork, and most wall art.

Best Way to Pack Paintings for Moving

The safest method is vertical packing. Paintings should always travel standing upright, never laid flat, especially if they have glass.

If packing multiple pieces:

• Place cardboard sheets between each painting
• Never allow glass surfaces to touch
• Label boxes clearly as FRAGILE

This is also the preferred method used by professional art movers.

How to Pack Large Paintings for Moving

Large paintings require extra support and rigidity.

Tips for large artwork:

• Use custom cardboard sleeves or telescoping picture boxes
• Reinforce edges with foam board
• Add an extra layer of cardboard on both sides
• Avoid bending or flexing during transport

If a painting is extremely valuable or oversized, hiring professional art movers is strongly recommended.

How to Pack Canvas Art for Moving

Canvas art is more flexible than framed paintings, but still delicate.

How to pack canvas pictures for moving:

• Do not wrap bubble wrap directly on painted canvas
• Always place glassine paper between the canvas and bubble wrap
• Use foam sheets for added protection
• Keep canvases upright in the truck

This applies to packing canvas art for moving, including gallery wrapped pieces.

How to Pack Oil Paintings for Moving

Oil paintings are especially sensitive to heat and pressure.

Special care tips:

• Allow the painting to fully cure if recently completed
• Never stack oil paintings face to face
• Use rigid backing boards
• Keep away from extreme temperatures

Knowing how to pack oil paintings for moving prevents cracking, sticking, and surface distortion.

How to Pack Framed Art and Wall Pictures

Framed artwork requires extra protection because glass is fragile.

How to pack framed pictures for moving:

• Tape an X across the glass using painter’s tape
• Cover the glass with cardboard
• Add corner protection
• Wrap securely with bubble wrap

This applies to how to pack framed art for moving, framed photos, mirrors, and decorative wall pieces.

How to Pack Wall Art for Moving on a Budget

Packing safely does not have to be expensive.

Budget friendly packing tips:

• Use towels or blankets as padding
• Repurpose cardboard boxes from furniture or TVs
• Use clothing for cushioning
• Stack carefully and label clearly

Knowing how to pack wall pictures for moving on a budget is ideal for short distance or local moves.

How to Wrap Paintings for Moving

Wrapping is one of the most critical steps.

How to wrap a painting for moving correctly:

• First layer: glassine or acid free paper
• Second layer: foam or bubble wrap
• Third layer: cardboard or box

Never allow plastic to touch paint directly. This applies to how to wrap paintings for moving and framed artwork.

How to Move Paintings Safely on Moving Day

Once packed, placement matters.

Best practices for transport:

• Load artwork last
• Keep paintings upright
• Secure with straps to prevent shifting
• Never place heavy items against artwork

These steps are essential when learning how to move paintings safely.

How to Pack Artwork for Moving When Using Movers

If movers are handling transport, always:

• Inform them which boxes contain artwork
• Label boxes clearly as FRAGILE and ART
• Ask if they offer specialty art handling

Professional art movers use custom crates, padding systems, and climate awareness for valuable pieces.

How to Pack Art for Moving Long Distance

For long distance moves, additional protection is required.

Extra precautions:

• Double box artwork
• Use moisture resistant materials
• Avoid extreme heat or cold
• Consider insurance coverage

This ensures long term protection for paintings and framed art.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Artwork

• Using newspaper directly on artwork
• Laying paintings flat
• Skipping corner protection
• Overpacking boxes
• Allowing glass surfaces to touch

Avoiding these mistakes protects artwork from damage.

Final Thoughts on Packing Artwork and Paintings

Knowing how to pack artwork, paintings, and framed pieces properly makes a major difference in preventing damage during a move. Whether you are packing canvas art, oil paintings, wall pictures, or large framed artwork, preparation and proper materials are key.

For valuable or irreplaceable items, working with experienced art movers provides added peace of mind. For everything else, following the steps in this guide ensures your artwork arrives safely at its new home.