January 16, 2024 Posted in How-to
Diana Road

A talented writer from Wichita, Kansas, with a passion for helping people navigate the stressful process of moving. With her extensive knowledge of the moving industry, Diana has become a go-to resource for useful info

How to Pack Pictures for Moving Across the Country

Pictures and paintings are truly what makes any space a home, which makes it all the more necessary to prepare them properly for relocation. If you wish to learn how to pack pictures for moving, this guide will simplify the whole process, ensuring your treasured artwork is properly secured. From selecting the right materials to utilizing expert boxing-up techniques, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Framed pictures on the wall overlay
Let us help you learn how to pack pictures for a move with ease

How to Pack Pictures for Moving Cross-Country

For a stress-free relocation experience, it’s essential to protect your belongings properly and ensure artwork transportation safety. Start with gathering the right supplies. Wrap each item individually for maximum safety. Securely place your wrapped objects in specialty picture moving boxes, filling any gaps with cushioning to prevent movement.

Remember to label each box effectively and specify the top side. When loading, position these boxes upright and away from heavier items. This careful approach ensures your valuables are transported safely across the country. If you find all this overwhelming, hire professional artwork movers for the job.

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Sort Through Your Collection and Consider Downsizing for the Move

Before starting your boxing-up process, it would be wise to sort through your collection and consider downsizing it for the relocation. However, this step is more than just reducing the number of items to be relocated. It’s about prioritizing and keeping what truly matters.

Relocating only the essentials can significantly lower your relocation load. It reduces your relocation costs and makes the whole process more manageable.

Moreover, selling extra artwork through platforms like Artmo and Shopify can boost your relocation budget. It not only declutters your collection but also provides additional funds to support your expenses.

Asses Your Collection and Their Packing Needs

Every picture tells a story, and each item requires unique care. Framed pieces need corner protectors and bubble wrap to shield against impacts. Canvas artworks, vulnerable to punctures, demand a soft, padded wrap. Glass-covered pictures pose a risk of shattering, so securing them is a must.

This tailored approach acknowledges the individual needs of each item, ensuring they remain intact and unscathed throughout the transit. Customized solutions are not just beneficial for your relocation. They are essential for preserving the integrity and sentiment of your collection.

A woman taking artwork off the wall overlay
Tailor your approach to each picture type, ensuring its unique needs are met for a safe move

Gather All the Necessary Packing Supplies

The right packing materials are the cornerstone of the safe and easy transportation process. Preparing to relocate requires more than just a bunch of boxes and a string of tape. It’s about choosing the right design to protect and preserve. Here’s a list of different packing materials that will ensure your pictures remain in pristine condition during their journey:

  • Bubble wrap – provides essential cushioning and protects against shocks.
  • Picture boxes – available in multiple sizes, they’re ideal for securely housing your framed and unframed artwork.
  • Duct tape – strong adhesive tape to securely seal boxes.
  • Foam peanuts – for cushioning and preventing movement during transit.
  • Corner protectors – essential for safeguarding the corners of framed artworks.
  • Clean paper – ideal for initial wrapping and filling voids in boxes.
  • Masking tape – useful for marking glass-covered items to prevent shattering.
  • Markers and labels – for clearly labeling boxes as ‘Fragile’ and indicating which side is up.
scissors, duct tape, and bubble wrap sitting in a box, ready for long-distance moving overlay
These materials will ensure that your items arrive safely at your new destination

Guide to Packing Pictures for Moving

Knowing how to wrap pictures for moving is crucial to preserving the integrity of your cherished artwork and family photos during transit. Efficient packing ensures they reach you in pristine condition. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions on securely boxing up artwork of various types, safeguarding their value and sentimental significance.

How to Pack Large Pictures for Moving

Large items demand extra care. Begin this process by laying them on a flat surface. Wrap each piece in a layer of bubble wrap, ensuring all edges are covered. Secure the wrap with sturdy tape. If the picture is exceptionally large, consider booking a custom crating service on time. Fill any remaining space with crumpled packing paper to prevent movement.

How to Wrap Canvas Artwork

Wrap the canvas in acid-free paper to protect the surface. Follow this with a layer of bubble wrap for cushioning. For added safety, place the wrapped canvas in a mirror box, which is designed to fit flat objects securely.

How to Store Glass-Covered Pieces

Glass-covered pieces pose a risk of shattering. To mitigate this, tape the glass surface in a grid pattern using masking tape. This precaution helps to keep the glass in place if it breaks without damaging the artwork itself. Wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap and place it in a specialized box, filling any gaps with additional padding.

How to Protect Your Family Photos

Family photos, often irreplaceable, need special care. Place each photo between pieces of acid-free paper to protect against scratches and fading. For added security, wrap bundles of photos in bubble wrap. Store them in a small, sturdy box, and fill any voids with foam peanuts to prevent movement.

How to Pack Picture Frames for Moving

The best way to pack picture frames is by first securing them with corner protectors. Wrap the frame in clean paper, followed by a layer of bubble wrap for additional cushioning. For multiple frames, place them in a box with a layer of bubble wrap or packing paper between each frame to prevent scratches.

Bubble wrap over a framed picture overlay
Protect the surface and corners of your artwork accordingly

Take This Special Considerations Into Picture

Each item in your collection may have unique needs based on its material, age, and sentimental value. Understanding these nuances and taking additional precautions can make a significant difference in maintaining their integrity throughout transportation.

Travel Duration and Climate Considerations for Art Transit

Long-distance relocations or transit through areas with extreme temperatures or humidity can affect different materials. For example, oil paintings are sensitive to temperature changes, and photographs can be damaged by humidity. To mitigate these risks, consider hiring cross-country movers that have climate-controlled transportation options.

They will offer you professional packing services and protect your possessions with top-quality materials that provide insulation and moisture protection. This extra layer of care ensures your artwork remains in its best condition, regardless of the travel conditions.

mover with fragile item overlay
Professional long-distance movers will know how to handle these delicate pieces

When Is the Right Time to Book Your Cross-Country Moving Services

Timing is everything when planning a relocation to a new home, especially when it comes to booking long-distance moving services. Early booking often means better rates and greater availability, particularly during peak relocation seasons.

Opting for a reliable mover like Cross Country Moving Company can significantly ease the relocation process. Securing a cross-country moving service well in advance ensures you have enough options to choose from.

Think About Booking Custom Crating Services as Well

For those particularly valuable, weirdly shaped, or large objects, custom crating is a wise decision. These solutions provide tailor-made protection for your artworks, ensuring they are securely encased for the journey.

Custom crates are built to the specific dimensions and protection needs of your items, providing unmatched safety. Companies like Cross Country Moving Company excel in offering these specialized services, enhancing the security and safety of your prized possessions during the move.

Common Mistakes You Should Try to Avoid When Packing Your Pictures

Packaging fragile items is a delicate process, and common mistakes can lead to their damage. One frequent error is underestimating the importance of proper cushioning and support.

Pictures, especially those framed with glass, need more than just a layer of bubble wrap. They require sturdy packaging and padding at the edges. Overloading boxes with multiple objects is another mistake that can cause scratches or breaks.

It’s vital to store each picture separately or ensure adequate separation and cushioning between multiple items inside one crate. Additionally, using newspapers directly on artwork can lead to smudges or ink transfer, so it’s better to use acid-free or clean paper.

Consider Apprising your Collection and Getting Added Insurance Coverage

Appraising your goods is crucial for valuable or rare pieces. An accurate appraisal provides a clear understanding of your collection’s worth, which is essential for obtaining appropriate insurance coverage. Relocating valuables without proper coverage is a risk. Standard moving insurance often covers only a fraction of the value of high-end art.

By getting your collection appraised and insured, you ensure that your investment is protected in the event of damage or loss. This extra precaution is a smart move for art collectors and enthusiasts. It offers financial protection and peace of mind throughout the whole process.

woman getting an insurance policy when moving cross-country along with other long-distance moving services overlay
By insuring your valuables properly, you are setting a foundation for a smooth transition

Let Cross Country Moving Company Make Your Relocation Picture Perfect

Relocating valuable collections and collectibles can be overwhelming, but with the right long-distance moving company guiding your way, it can be a breeze. That is why it is important to set the relocation date and book your services on time.

Cross Country Moving Company stands ready to shoulder this burden for you. Our experienced team will take care of your prized goods on your inventory list with utmost care and attention to detail. Don’t hesitate to book our assistance today and get the best possible solution for your collection.

FAQ

What Type of Box Is Best for Packing Framed Pictures?

The ideal packaging would be a specialty picture or mirror box. These crates come in various sizes and are specifically designed to accommodate the dimensions of framed items.

They offer a snug fit, reducing the movement and potential for damage. For extra-large or uniquely shaped frames, telescoping boxes, which can be adjusted in size, are a great option.

Is It Necessary to Use Corner Protectors for All Framed Pictures?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to use corner protectors for all framed artwork. These protectors safeguard the vulnerable corners of frames from dents, chips, and scratches.

They are particularly important for frames made of delicate materials like wood or ones with ornate designs. Corner protectors are a small investment that can prevent costly damage to your frames, ensuring they arrive at your future location in pristine condition.

What Are the Risks of Moving Pictures Without Proper Packing?

Relocating a picture without proper packaging can lead to various risks, including scratches, tears, broken glass, and even destruction. This is particularly true for fragile items like glass-covered or canvas objects.

Without adequate protection, they are susceptible to environmental damage such as moisture or heat. Utilizing proper materials and techniques is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the safe transport of your valuable collection.

How Do I Choose the Right Moving Insurance for Artwork?

It’s important to get an appraisal of your artwork to know its worth. Then, discuss a potential coverage plan with your service provider. Look for a policy that offers full value protection, covering the total value of your artwork in case of loss or damage.

How Do Cross-Country Moving Companies Handle Extremely Large or Oddly Shaped Pictures?

These firms typically handle extremely large or oddly shaped pictures by offering custom crating solutions. These crates are specifically designed to fit the dimensions and shape of your artwork, providing maximum protection.

Movers experienced in handling art will assess the item’s needs, considering factors like size, weight, material, and fragility. They use materials and packing techniques that offer the best support and protection, ensuring they are securely transported across long distances.

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