How To Pack Artwork For Moving

Knowing how to pack artwork for moving is one of the most important parts of preparing for a safe, low stress relocation. Artwork is often irreplaceable, whether it is a family photo, a canvas from a local artist, or a framed print you have had for years.
With the right materials and a clear plan, you can protect frames, glass, and canvases from bumps, pressure, and changes in temperature during transit. Montford Movers regularly handles delicate and high value pieces as part of our professional moving services in Sun City, SC, so this guide reflects the same careful approach our crews use every day.

Step One: Choose The Right Packing Supplies

Before you start wrapping anything, gather the right supplies in one place so you can work efficiently. You will want sturdy boxes or artwork cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors, painter’s tape, foam sheets, and strong packing tape. Having everything ready makes each step smoother.
Choose boxes slightly larger than your artwork, giving you enough room to cushion all sides without leaving open space for items to shift. For a collection of around 320 small prints or photos, using multiple smaller boxes instead of one large box keeps weight manageable and reduces crushing risk.

Preparing Your Artwork Before Packing

Take each piece of artwork off the wall and remove any hanging hardware that could scratch other surfaces. If a frame has wire, nails, or hooks on the back, put them in a small labeled bag so you can easily reattach them later in your new home.
Dust the frame and glass gently to remove loose particles that might scratch during transit. For very delicate or valuable pieces, take a quick photo of each item before packing; this helps you document condition, remember where everything goes, and plan your new gallery wall layout.

How To Pack Framed Artwork

Framed artwork requires special attention to both the frame and the glass or acrylic front. Start by placing painter’s tape in a large X across the glass. This does not prevent breakage, but it helps keep shards in place if something happens during the move.
Next, cover the front with a sheet of clean packing paper or foam and tape it lightly on the back of the frame. Wrap the entire piece in several layers of bubble wrap, making sure corners and edges are well protected. Secure the wrapping with tape, but do not tape directly to the frame finish.

Smart Framed Artwork Packing Tips

Pack framed pieces upright, not flat, to reduce pressure on glass.

Group similar sizes together in one box, separated by cardboard or foam sheets.

Fill gaps in the box with crumpled paper so nothing can slide or shift.

How To Pack Canvas Art

Canvas art needs protection from punctures, dents, and pressure on the stretched fabric. Lay the artwork face down on clean, soft material so the front does not rub against a hard surface. If the canvas has textured or impasto paint, avoid anything that could snag.
Place corner protectors on each corner of the frame to shield against impacts. Wrap the entire piece in packing paper, then in a layer or two of bubble wrap, covering all sides. For larger canvases, consider using a custom or telescoping box that matches the dimensions of the piece closely.

Protecting Glass And Delicate Surfaces

Glass is often the most vulnerable part of framed artwork during a move. In addition to the tape X and bubble wrap, make sure there is a soft layer on both the front and back of the frame inside the wrapping. This creates a cushion that absorbs shocks and vibration.
Avoid using newspaper directly against artwork or mats, because ink can transfer under pressure or humidity. For prints or photos under glass, make sure nothing inside the frame can slide or rub; if you notice movement, consider having it tightened or resecured before the move.

Boxing Your Artwork Safely

Once pieces are wrapped, prepare your boxes by lining the bottom with crumpled packing paper or foam padding. Place artwork upright, side by side, as if loading books on a shelf, rather than stacking them flat on top of each other. This reduces pressure on glass and canvases.
Fill any side gaps with more paper or padding until nothing moves when you gently shake the box. Finish by placing a cushioning layer on top before sealing with tape. Clearly label each box with “Fragile” and “Artwork,” along with the room name where it should go in your new home.

Special Considerations For Large Or High Value Pieces

Oversized or very valuable artwork deserves extra planning. These pieces may benefit from custom crating or double boxing, where a wrapped item is placed in a snug box and then that box is placed inside a larger one with padding all around. This adds another layer of impact protection.
If you are moving long distance, such as a long-distance or coastal relocation to Hilton Head Island, think about climate and travel time. Sudden temperature shifts and humidity can affect certain materials, so stable packing positions and premium materials are especially important.

When Professional Help Makes Sense

Very large framed pieces that are difficult to handle alone

Original art, antiques, or items with significant financial or sentimental value

Collections with many fragile items that need coordinated, room by room packing

How To Pack Small Prints And Photos

Smaller prints and photos can be packed together, but each piece still deserves protection. Place prints in protective sleeves or wrap them individually in packing paper. Stack them flat in a shallow box with cardboard dividers between stacks to keep edges from bending.
Keep groups compact and well cushioned by filling gaps with soft materials. Remember that even if each piece is light, a stack of small frames can become heavy quickly; use several moderate sized boxes instead of one large, overfilled carton.

Keeping Artwork Organized During Your Move

Labeling is vital when learning how to pack artwork for moving. Clearly mark each box not only as “Fragile” but also with the room destination, such as “Living Room Art” or “Bedroom Gallery Wall.” This helps movers and family members handle boxes correctly and deliver them to the right space.
You can also number artwork boxes and keep a simple inventory list. Note which pieces are in each box and where they came from in your old home. This makes it easier to confirm that everything arrived and to plan new arrangements without opening every box at once.

Unpacking Artwork In Your New Home

When you arrive, resist the urge to rush through unpacking. Choose one room at a time and open artwork boxes in a clear area where nothing will be stepped on or knocked over. Inspect each piece as you unwrap it to confirm that frames and glass are still secure.
Lay out artwork along walls or on furniture before hanging anything. This lets you experiment with new combinations and heights and helps your new space feel like home.

How Montford Movers Protects Your Artwork

Montford Movers handles delicate and high value items every week, so our crews know how to pack artwork for moving with professional care. From framed photos to large canvas pieces, we use padded materials, smart box selection, and careful loading techniques to reduce risk at every step.
If you are planning a move and want added confidence from experienced local professionals, our moving services in Margaritaville, SC are designed to protect everything that matters most to you.

‍