Moving day. The boxes are packed, the van is waiting, and the chaos is in full swing. But while dishes and clothes can handle a little jostling, your artwork? That’s a different story.
Art is personal. Whether it's a gallery-worthy piece, a beloved family heirloom, or something your kid painted that you simply can’t part with, your artwork deserves more than bubble wrap and a prayer. The truth is, moving art requires strategy, the right materials, and a touch of patience.
In this guide, we’re diving into how to wrap paintings for moving, along with other best practices and materials that will help you protect your precious art like a pro. From prepping to unpacking, here’s everything you need to know to keep your collection safe during the big move.
Why Protecting Artwork During a Move Matters
Let’s face it, moving is stressful enough. But when it comes to artwork, the stakes are higher. A small tear in a canvas or a cracked glass frame can mean thousands in lost value or damage to an irreplaceable memory.
Risks During a Move:
Scratches and abrasions
Punctures and dents
Exposure to moisture and humidity
Broken glass or shattered frames
Lost or mislabeled pieces
If you think tossing a blanket over a painting is good enough, think again. Art needs special care, and if you don’t give it the attention it deserves, you might open up your moving box to an expensive (and heartbreaking) disaster.
Take Inventory of Your Artwork
Before you even think about tape and bubble wrap, take the time to assess your collection. Make a detailed inventory of every piece you plan to move.
Tips for Inventorying:
Photograph each piece – front, back, and any special markings
Measure dimensions – width, height, and depth
Note the condition – include any existing damage or quirks
Estimate value – especially if you have insurance
This step might feel tedious, but it’s your safety net if anything goes wrong during the move. Bonus: it helps movers understand which pieces need extra care.
Gather the Right Materials
Here’s where preparation pays off. Using the wrong packing materials is one of the biggest reasons artwork gets damaged during transit. So skip the leftover newspaper and invest in the right supplies.
Must-Have Packing Materials:
Glassine paper or acid-free paper – for safe surface protection
Corner protectors – especially for framed artwork
Bubble wrap (with large bubbles) – for cushioning
Foam boards or cardboard sheets – to create protective sandwiches
Plastic wrap or stretch film – to secure layers
Painter’s tape or masking tape – gentle on surfaces
Custom-size art boxes or mirror boxes
Packing peanuts or soft filler
Labels and fragile stickers
The goal is to protect the art from friction, pressure, and shock while keeping it sealed from moisture and debris.
How to Wrap Paintings for Moving
Ah, here we go to the main event. Learning how to wrap paintings for moving is the key to ensuring they arrive in the same condition they left. This applies to canvases, framed prints, oil paintings, and even stretched artworks.
Here’s a human-friendly, step-by-step breakdown that you’ll actually want to follow.
Clean and Prepare the Painting
Gently dust the surface using a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
Remove hanging wires or hardware (they can scratch during the move).
If it's framed with glass, put painter’s tape in an X across the glass to prevent shattering.
Cover the Surface
Lay the painting face down on a clean, flat surface.
For glass or canvas, place a layer of glassine or acid-free paper over the artwork. Avoid wax paper that can stick.
Add Corner Protection
Use cardboard corner protectors or make your own by folding cardstock.
These prevent dings and blunt force from damaging the edges.
Wrap with Bubble Wrap
Use large-bubble wrap, not the tiny stuff, and always wrap with bubbles facing out.
Wrap the painting like a present, secured with painter’s tape (never regular tape it can damage finishes).
Sandwich Between Foam Boards
Cut two foam boards or cardboard sheets slightly larger than the painting.
Place the wrapped painting between them like a sandwich and secure with plastic wrap.
Box It Up
Slide the painting into a mirror box or telescoping art box.
Add filler around the edges of foam, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper to keep it snug.
Seal the box with tape and clearly label it as “FRAGILE – ARTWORK – DO NOT LAY FLAT.”
Repeat for each piece don’t stack multiple paintings together unless they’re separated with foam and secure dividers.
Transporting Your Art Safely
Once your artwork is packed, how you transport it is just as critical. Tossing art into the back of a truck is a recipe for regret.
General Transport Guidelines:
Always keep art upright, not flat.
Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure pieces in place.
Avoid placing anything heavy or sharp near your artwork.
Maintain climate control if possible extreme heat or cold can warp or crack pieces.
And while DIY can work for smaller local moves, larger or high-value pieces deserve professional handling.
Should You Hire the Pros?
If your art is valuable financially or emotionally, hiring a packing and moving company for fine art can make all the difference.
What Fine Art Movers Offer:
Custom crating for large or delicate pieces
Trained handlers who know how to pack and lift artwork
Climate-controlled transport
Full insurance and valuation coverage
White-glove service, including placement and unpacking
When you hire specialists, you’re not just paying for muscle, you're paying for peace of mind. Look for companies with verified experience in fine art and solid reviews from collectors, galleries, or museums.
How to Unpack Art Like a Pro
You’ve made it to your new space. Before you tear into those boxes like it’s Christmas morning, take a deep breath and follow a few steps.
Safe Unpacking Tips:
Open boxes on a clean, soft surface.
Carefully remove filler and cut tape with a dull knife.
Lay paintings flat (face-up) while removing layers.
Inspect each piece for damage and refer back to your inventory photos.
Reattach hanging hardware and give each piece time to acclimate to room temperature before hanging.
Rushing this step can result in accidental damage, especially if a painting has been exposed to temperature fluctuations during the move.
When in Doubt, Ask an Expert
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress. There’s no shame in reaching out to an art professional or a trusted packing and moving company for fine art. They can assess your collection, recommend packing strategies, or even do the entire move for you.
Moving Your Art Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
Art is more than decor, it's a reflection of your story. And like any good story, it deserves to travel safely to its next chapter.
By understanding how to wrap paintings for moving, using the right materials, and being intentional with every step, you’re setting yourself (and your collection) up for success. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, protect your art like it matters because it does.
And if you need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to work with a packing and moving company for fine art that knows how to treat your masterpieces with the respect they deserve.
Happy moving, and may your walls soon be filled with the art you love most safely, sound, and ready for a new beginning.
