The process of getting ready to move can be overwhelming. There are so many moving parts to the process, it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks. Properly packing your fine arts collection for transport shouldn’t be one of them. Such a collection presents an extra set of challenges due to its fragility and value. Check out these helpful strategies for packing your fine arts in anticipation of a move.
1. Come Up With an Inventory
First, create an inventory of all the valuable artwork and paintings you have in your home. Then, you can make the decision to either pack them yourself or have your mover do it. If your inventory comprises large, delicate or expensive pieces, it’s wise to hire your mover to handle this task. They have the equipment, tools and know-how to get the job done right. You will also want to have valuable items appraised and insured before you move.
2. Buy the Proper Supplies
It’s vital that you have the proper supplies on hand before you even consider packaging your artwork. The type of supplies you get will vary with the size and nature of the item. For example, if you have glass-framed prints, you will have to get special boxes and packaging that are designed to protect those kinds of items from damage. Corner protectors are also a good idea to prevent chipping. For sculptures, bubble wrap and packaging peanuts will act as a buffer and prevent damage as well.
3. Protect Framed Pieces
When packaging glass frames, place two strips of masking tape or painter’s tape over the glass and stretch it from corner to corner. This will prevent the glass from shattering and gouging the artwork in the event it is broken. After taping the picture, place protectors around the corners and wrap it in a layer of packing paper. Then, sandwich the piece between two pieces of cardboard, finally wrapping it all in bubble wrap and placing in a box.
4. Protect Paint on Unframed Art
If some of your artwork doesn’t have glass, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect the canvas. Because the plastic that’s in bubble wrap can stick to the paint, especially when stored for a long time, don’t use this type of packing material directly on the art. Instead, you will want to first protect the painting with a layer of glassine, which is an acid-free, transparent kind of paper. Place the artwork face down on the glassine and secure using artist’s tape. Then, it’s safe to wrap it in bubble wrap, box and seal.
5. Label Each Box
Once everything has been wrapped, label each box with its contents and mark it “fragile.”
6. Store in a Safe Place
If your fine arts collection will be going into storage for the time being, choose a climate-controlled unit to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, or other damage due to heat and humidity fluctuations.
Contact Olde World Movers
For more tips on packing fine arts or to book us for your move, contact us for a free estimate in one of our two locations.
