Frames hold much more than just art and pictures – they capture moments and memories. Knowing how to pack frames for moving can make all the difference, turning a potentially stressful task into a breeze. Here’s everything you need to know so that your cherished memories travel securely and stylishly.
Let's take a look at how your prized collection can arrive safe and sound
How to Pack Frames for Moving
Start by wrapping each frame individually in protective paper or bubble wrap to shield against scratches. Secure any loose parts and add corner protectors for extra safety. Place the frames snugly in sturdy moving boxes, filling any gaps with soft protective material so that everything stays in place.
Clearly label the boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to ensure they’re handled with care. For a completely stress-free relocation, there are plenty of cross-country moving companies experienced with the safe transportation of frames.
Don't forget to properly label all boxes
Frame by Frame – The Different Types and Their Packing Needs
Not all frames are created equal. There’s the average store-bought piece for $5.99, perfect for a family photo or an art print. Then, there’s custom framing – an entirely different beast. The Artists Frame Service reports that just choosing museum glass, the so-called Cadillac of protection, can add $200 to the cost! And that’s before you even pick the frame itself.
Naturally, knowing how to pack framed pictures for moving starts with knowing what each material and design needs for safe transport. Here are the basics:
- Wood pieces – Sturdy but can dent easily, so they need cushioning to protect their corners and edges,
- Metal frames – Durable but prone to scratches, requiring padding to prevent surface damage,
- Ornate frames – These intricate pieces are delicate and often have small, fragile details that need extra protection,
- Framed mirrors – Packing mirrors is a skill in itself, requiring secure wrapping to protect both the frame and the glass,
- Framed canvases – Canvases are sensitive to pressure and punctures, so they need to be kept flat and cushioned.
Create an Inventory List to Know What You’re Working With
A home inventory is the MVP during these trying times. It helps you keep track of everything, including cherished items, such as those framed pictures. By creating a relocation inventory of the pieces you have, you can easily figure out what packing materials you’ll need. Plus, it makes unpacking boxes a breeze. So, grab a pen and start the list – moving framed art can begin!
A detailed inventory will help with keeping everything organized
Start by Gathering the Necessary Frame Packing Materials
Some frames, like Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi and Edvard Munch’s The Scream, can be as valuable as the artwork itself. Imagine handling those masterpieces!
And, while your pieces might not come with a million-dollar price tag, they do hold invaluable memories. Just like these famous artworks, they deserve the best care and a completely safe move.
The frame for da Vinci's Salvator Mundi comes with a $50,000 price tag
You don’t need to own The Scream to care about secure transport when moving cross-country. It all starts with gathering the right packaging materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bubble wrap offers excellent impact absorption, protecting against shocks during transit,
- Packaging paper prevents surface scratches and keeps artwork clean,
- Corner protector is essential for safeguarding the vulnerable edges,
- Cardboard sheets add an extra layer of protection between pieces or on top and bottom of boxes to prevent damage,
- Sturdy boxes, especially double-walled, are great for enduring the stresses of transport,
- Adhesive tape is crucial for securing boxes, ensuring they remain intact during the whole ordeal,
- Markers for labeling boxes with their contents and handling instructions, facilitating careful handling and efficient unpacking.
Don't try to save up on bubble wrap - it's absolutely crucial
How to Pack Picture Frames – Tips and Techniques for Safe Transport
Alright, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and get down to business. You’ve gathered materials, and now you’re ready to tackle the task at hand. With a few expert long-distance relocation tips, your cherished memories will get a cozy, protective hug – just what they need for the road ahead.
Clean and Inspect Each Piece Carefully
First, dust off each frame and give them a gentle clean. This ensures no hidden grime damages them. While cleaning, check for any pre-existing damage and take notes. Snap a few photos for the inventory – it’s a great way to track their condition and remember where each piece goes.
Wrapping Each Frame With Plenty of Protective Materials
Knowing how to wrap picture frames for moving is all about knowing how to handle the materials. First, wrap each piece in packaging paper, making sure all surfaces are covered to prevent any scratches.
Corners and edges are like the frames’ Achilles’ heel, so apply protectors to these vulnerable areas and secure them with tape. For added reinforcement, use cardboard strips along the edges. Give each frame a snug bubble wrap jacket for added shock absorption, also securing it with tape. For glass, apply masking tape in an X shape – this simple relocation hack helps prevent shattering in case of impact.
Boxing Up the Collection
You need to carefully select the best-sized boxes according to the pieces’ dimensions. Line the boxes with bubble wrap or foam sheets to create a cushioned base. Place the frames vertically, adding cushioning between them to prevent them from knocking against each other. Fill any empty spaces with additional padding to make sure they won’t shift during transit. Label the boxes clearly with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to guide careful handling.
Insider’s Tips on Packing Picture Frames With Special Requirements
As we’ve already underlined, not all pieces are created equal. This means that some require extra care and attention due to their size, value, or overall sentimental worth. These unique challenges can turn the whole ordeal into a head-scratching puzzle.
Luckily, cross-country moving services are masters at handling anything you throw their way, no matter how intricate it is. Hiring long-distance movers can make or break the experience. But if you think you’re ready for a DIY adventure, let’s dive into some insider relocation tips to tackle these special requirements with a smile.
How to Handle Oversized Pieces
Oversized pieces are a challenge because they’re, well, oversized! They don’t fit into standard boxes and can be awkward to handle. Here are a few tips to help you out with handling these giants:
- Invest in custom boxes that fit the oversized pieces snugly,
- Reinforce with extra padding, including foam sheets, bubble wrap, and generous amounts of packaging paper,
- Don’t try to move these alone. Instead, always have a buddy to help you lift and carry these pieces,
- Use straps or ropes to keep them secure and prevent shifting during transport,
- They might be big, but they’re still fragile items, so make sure to label them accordingly.
What About Those Valuable Antique Pieces?
Valuable antiques can be a source of major relocation stress. These pieces are not only financially valuable but often hold immense sentimental value. While there’s always the option of doing it yourself and engulfing them in as much padding as possible, professionals such as the Cross Country Moving Company might just be the best bet for these treasures.
The right long-distance moving company can handle all the intricate pieces
The Power of Professional Frame Packing Services With Cross-Country Movers – Custom Crating and Much More
When it comes to handling delicate frames during relocation, the power of professional packing services can’t be overstated. This will bring expertise, precision, and a touch of magic to the process. From delicate antiques to intricate details, they’ve seen it all and handled it with ease. Plus, letting the pros take over means you can kick back and relax, knowing your cherished memories are in good hands.
One standout cross-country moving service is custom crating. It’s like giving frames their own tailor-made suit of armor. It’s specially designed to fit each piece perfectly, providing maximum protection for the road ahead. It’s the crème de la crème of packing fragile items for moving.
They Are the Masters of Loading and Unloading Stuff
These pros aren’t just good at boxing up – they’re also masters of loading and unloading. They expertly fit each box and crate into the moving truck, making sure everything stays secure. When they arrive at your new home, they’ll carefully unload each item, handling it with the same care they used to pack it.
And what about those things that can’t fit in the truck, such as the prized ride? Long-distance moving services offer auto shipping, too! All aspects of the move will be handled with expert care, letting you focus on settling in.
The Fun Part – Creating Personal Gallery at the New Home
Did you know that it takes the average person 182 days to fully unpack after relocation? This doesn’t sound that fun, but setting up the new home can really be an exciting adventure. That is, if you don’t let yourself be one of these people with a chronic case of unpacking procrastination.
With careful labeling and using a hands-on approach, you’ll be able to do it in no time. Here are some tips to help you with this process:
- Decide where each frame will go before unpacking, saving time and making the process smoother,
- Unpack one room at a time, starting with the most important areas like the living room and bedroom,
- Lay the frames out on the floor to visualize the gallery wall before hanging them up,
- Have a toolkit ready with all the necessary items like a hammer, nails, and a level,
- Use appropriate wall anchors and hooks to ensure that all pieces are securely hung.
Make Sure to Inspect Each Piece for Any Damage
As you unpack, check for cracks, scratches, or other issues that might have occurred during the move. Not only does this help you address any problems immediately, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that precious memories made it safely. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to admire the collection and plan where each piece will shine.
As you unpack, make sure that everything has arrived in one piece
Wrapping Up the Masterpiece of Adventure in Protecting Framed Photos and Artwork
Your masterpiece of boxing up and protecting is complete! With these tips and a touch of creativity, all of your pictures are ready for the journey. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the new place and the beautiful personal gallery you’ve created.
Need a helping hand to make sure everything goes smoothly? Our team at Cross Country Moving Company is experienced at handling precious artwork and oddly shaped frames. Let the pros handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on settling in and making new memories. Contact us today to find out about our long-distance moving services – let’s create this masterpiece together!
