Moving can be an adventure, but when it comes to packing fragile treasures like paintings, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Whether you’re relocating from Jacksonville to St. Augustine or just across town, your artwork deserves special attention. Paintings aren’t just decor—they’re memories, investments, and pieces of your story.
At Royal Moving & Storage, we’ve been Northeast Florida’s go-to movers since 1985, earning the trust of families with our top-rated service. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on how to pack paintings the right way, keeping them safe from Florida’s humidity and the twists of I-95. Let’s get started!
Why Proper Packing Matters for Paintings
A single bump or a humid day can damage a painting, whether it’s a family heirloom or a valuable canvas. Proper packing protects your artwork from scratches, dents, or worse. With the right steps, you can ensure your paintings arrive at your new home in pristine condition—ready to brighten your walls once more.
Preparing Your Paintings for Moving
Before you grab the bubble wrap, prep your paintings properly:
- Clean with Care: Dust and humidity can harm artwork over time. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface. For oil paintings, skip water or cleaners—they can ruin the paint. If it’s a glass-framed piece, use a mild glass cleaner to remove smudges.
- Document Everything: Snap clear photos of each painting, front and back, and jot down any existing damage (scratches, faded spots). This is key for insurance claims if something goes wrong during the move.
- Measure Up: Grab a tape measure and note the height, width, and depth of each piece. This ensures you pick the right-sized boxes or crates. Local spots like Jacksonville’s Atlantic Paper Company have supplies for oversized or custom-framed art.
Gathering Packing Materials
The right materials make all the difference. Here’s your checklist:
- Acid-Free Paper or Glassine: Shields the painting’s surface from moisture and scratches.
- Bubble Wrap: Cushions against jolts and drops.
- Corner Protectors: Keeps frames safe from dings.
- Sturdy Boxes or Crates: Look for art-specific boxes at U-Haul in Orange Park or similar stores.
- Packing Tape and Labels: Secures everything and marks boxes as fragile.
🚫 Avoid: Newspaper or regular paper—the ink can transfer and damage your artwork.
How to Wrap Paintings for Moving
Now, let’s wrap your paintings like a pro:
- Set Up a Clean Workspace: Lay the painting face down on a flat, clean surface.
- Add a Protective Layer: Place acid-free paper or glassine over the painting’s surface to guard against moisture and friction.
- Wrap with Bubble Wrap: Cover the entire piece with bubble wrap, ensuring no edges are exposed. Secure with packing tape.
- Protect the Corners: Slip corner protectors onto framed pieces for extra safety.
- Special Step for Glass Frames: Apply artist’s tape in an X pattern across the glass to prevent shattering, then add an extra layer of bubble wrap.
Localized Tip: Northeast Florida’s humidity can trap moisture in tight wrapping. Use silica gel packs in the box to keep things dry.
Packing Paintings for Transport
Time to box them up:
- Pick the Perfect Box: Choose a box slightly larger than your painting for cushioning space. Custom crates work best for valuable pieces.
- Fill the Gaps: Place the wrapped painting in the box and stuff empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled brown paper to stop shifting.
- Seal and Label: Close the box with packing tape and write “Fragile—Artwork” on all sides.
Pro Tip: Moving multiple paintings? Stack them upright in the box with cardboard dividers to avoid pressure on the frames.
Transporting Paintings Safely
Loading the truck is where care counts:
- Stand Them Up: Transport paintings vertically (like vinyl records) to reduce stress on frames and glass.
- Secure the Load: Use straps or tie-downs to keep boxes steady. In Florida’s summer heat, opt for a climate-controlled truck to combat humidity.
- Load Smart: Place paintings in the truck last and unload them first to minimize their time in transit.
Special Considerations for Large or Valuable Artworks
Got a big canvas or a pricey piece? Take extra steps:
- Custom Crates: Wooden crates offer top-tier protection. Ask local galleries like Jacksonville’s Cummer Museum for supplier recommendations.
- Hire Pros: Professional art handlers can manage tricky pieces with ease.
- Insure It: Check with your insurance provider to cover the artwork’s full value during the move.
Unpacking and Setting Up Your Art
You’ve made it to your new home—now what?
- Unpack Last: Set up furniture first, then tackle your artwork in a calm, clutter-free space.
- Check for Damage: Inspect each painting before hanging. Note any issues for insurance right away.
- Let Them Settle: Give paintings a few hours to adjust to the new humidity and temperature.
- Hang Thoughtfully: Use sturdy wall anchors and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Conclusion
Packing paintings for a move doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right materials and these expert steps, you can protect your artwork and enjoy it in your new space. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, Royal Moving & Storage has you covered. Since 1985, we’ve been Northeast Florida’s trusted movers, offering packing services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free quote—let’s make your move a masterpiece!
FAQs About How to Pack Paintings for Moving
Q: How do I clean my paintings before packing?
A: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. For glass frames, a mild cleaner works. Avoid water on oil paintings.
Q: What materials do I need to pack paintings?
A: Grab acid-free paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors, sturdy boxes, packing tape, and labels. Skip newspaper!
Q: How do I protect a painting with a glass frame?
A: Tape an X across the glass with artist’s tape, wrap in bubble wrap, and box it with padding.
Q: Can I use regular boxes for my artwork?
A: No—opt for art-specific boxes for better protection. Regular boxes might not hold up.
Q: What if I have valuable or large paintings?
A: Use wooden crates, consider pros, and insure them fully.
Q: How do I handle Florida’s humidity during a move?
A: Use climate control in the truck and silica gel packs to keep moisture at bay.