Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when you have valuable or fragile items to transport. Artwork is one of those items that requires extra care and attention during packing and transportation. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, you need to ensure that your artwork is properly packed to avoid damage during transit. In this article, we will provide you with some useful tips on how to pack and transport your artwork during a move.
Step 1: Assess Your Artwork
Before you start packing your artwork, you need to assess its value and fragility. Determine which pieces require extra protection, and which ones can be packed in a standard way. High-value artwork, such as original paintings or sculptures, may require professional packing and transportation. In this case, you should consult with an art moving company to ensure that your pieces are packed and transported safely.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Packing Materials
Once you have assessed your artwork, it is time to gather the necessary packing materials. You will need:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Cardboard boxes
- Packing tape
- Foam corner protectors
- Styrofoam sheets
- Plastic wrap
Make sure you have enough of each item to pack all of your artwork properly. You can find these materials at most shipping or office supply stores.
Step 3: Wrap Your Artwork
Before placing your artwork in a box, you need to wrap it properly. Start by wrapping the artwork in a layer of bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, making sure to cover all edges and corners. Next, wrap the artwork in a layer of packing paper. Again, secure the paper with packing tape.
For larger artwork or framed pieces, you should use foam corner protectors to prevent damage to the corners of the frame. You can also use styrofoam sheets to protect the front and back of the artwork.
Step 4: Pack Your Artwork
Once your artwork is wrapped and protected, it is time to pack it. Place the artwork in a cardboard box that is slightly larger than the artwork. This will allow you to add additional packing materials to cushion the artwork during transit. Fill any empty space in the box with packing materials, such as bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure the artwork is secure and cannot move around during transit.
For large or heavy artwork, you may need to use a custom crate for added protection. If this is the case, consult with an art removalists to ensure that the crate is designed and built properly.
Step 5: Label Your Boxes
Once your artwork is packed and ready to go, make sure you label the boxes clearly. Write “fragile” and “this side up” on the box to ensure that it is handled properly during transit. You may also want to include a list of the artwork contained in each box for easy identification.
Step 6: Transport Your Artwork
When transporting your artwork, it is important to handle it with care. If you are moving locally, you can transport the artwork yourself. For longer distances, you should consider hiring a professional art moving company. These companies specialize in packing, transporting, and unpacking artwork, and will ensure that your pieces arrive at their destination safely.
Conclusion
Packing and transporting artwork can be a daunting task, but with the right materials and techniques, you can ensure that your pieces arrive at their destination safely. Assess your artwork, gather the necessary packing materials, wrap your artwork properly, pack it securely in a box, label the boxes, and transport it with care. Whether you are moving locally or long distance, you can rest assured that your artwork is in good hands.
