Your Checklist of Essential Materials for Moving Artwork

If you’re packing artwork or other valuable items for a move, you need to follow a few extra steps to ensure everything arrives safe and sound. We’ve put together a list of the supplies that will make packing easier to help you prepare.

Paper or Plastic Wrap

In order to protect your artwork from dust or minor damage while it’s in transit, we suggest you place the piece in either a sealed plastic bag or wrap it in a layer of paper.

The paper should be a clean newsprint or, ideally, acid-free paper. Either one will help keep dust from settling on your work and minimizes the chance that the piece will suffer water damage. The plastic bag should be acid-free, too, for the same reasons.

Dry Goods Boxes or Crates

You may have a lot of artwork, books, or other items that you want to ship across the country. While they may fit inside a standard moving box, they are likely to move around even if you’ve carefully packed them.

For your fragile or valuable items, we suggest investing in some heavy-duty boxes or crates specifically designed to protect things. However, if you only have a couple of paintings or other items that you need to move, you can still place them inside a sturdy box. 

Ideally, you’ll want to make sure they’re wrapped in paper then put into the box before filling it with packing paper or crumpled newspaper.

Packing Paper

You’ll want to use packing paper to fill any empty spaces in your boxes, and you’ll also utilize it for wrapping your artwork as you pack it. For instance, if you’re packing shoes, books, or other lightweight items, you may opt not to use a box and pack the items in your packing paper.

Packing paper will help you keep your items from moving around. In addition, it will soak up liquids if something spills during transit. If you’re packing items that shouldn’t get wet, you’ll want to line your box with packing paper to keep any condensation or moisture out of the box.

Disposable Gloves

It’s always a good idea to wear gloves when handling your valuables to avoid getting any fingerprints on them. You can use paper or latex gloves. 

If possible, you’ll want to avoid using rubber gloves, which can leave a foul smell once they become damp.

Duct Tape

While you probably shouldn’t use duct tape to tape up your artwork, you can use it to secure packing paper. If you’re using paper to line your boxes, you may want to attach sheets of paper to the bottom or sides of your box for added protection.

Before you tape up your box, drop some crumpled newspaper or packing paper into it to give the tape something to stick to.

Rolling Cart

If you have a lot of artwork to move, you’ll probably want to invest in a rolling cart. You can put some of your artwork on the cart then move it to the truck. 

But if you don’t want to take the time or expense to buy or rent a cart, you can use a hand truck or dollies to move the pieces safely out of your home and into the truck.

Tape Measure

If you’re packing your artwork in a box, it’s important to ensure that your box is the size you need to fit the item inside. You can measure each side of your artwork first, then measure the dimensions of the box you’re using.

If you’re stacking your box with other items, it’s essential to make sure they will all fit safely in the truck. Use your tape measure to ensure your boxes’ heights, widths, and depths work together.

Conclusion

Depending on the moving company you choose and how big your move is, you may or may not need to pay an additional fee to have your artwork shipped with your other items. However, if you’re moving across the country, you’ll probably have no choice but to pay a separate fee, as a lot of moving companies don’t offer this service.

Take the time to find a reliable and affordable mover for your artwork and other valuables, and you can move your belongings with peace of mind.

Do you need help with fine art moving in the US? Rely on 1 Stop Pack n Ship. We are a full-service packing and moving company committed to meeting your shipping needs seamlessly. Call us now!