Packing and transporting works of art safely - this is how it works with the move

Moving house is a daunting undertaking if your belongings are fragile – especially if it packing , transporting , or storing valuable works of art or family photos.

Artworks can be large and unwieldy, and even the objects meant to protect the artwork or photos – the frame and the glass – can damage it during a move.

By large paintings , framed artworks , and smaller picture frames for transport or storage, you can avoid finding shattered glass or scratched paintings, photos, or prints when you arrive at your new home.

Moving companies in Munich and many medium to larger cities in Germany offer professional services to safely transport valuable items to your new home.

But what can you do to adequately prepare your artwork for such a move? Our guide will help you.

Preparing the artworks for the move

Before you begin the actual packing process, you should carefully prepare your artwork. Gently clean each piece to remove dust and dirt. Check the frame and canvas for any damage.

Minor repairs should be carried out before the move to avoid further damage.

Selecting the right packaging materials

Safely packing paintings for transport is an important step that begins with sorting the works by size.

The choice of packaging materials is crucial for protecting your artwork. You will need:

1. Sturdy cardboard boxes that are larger than your pictures.
2. Bubble wrap or foam sheets for additional protection.
3. Use packing paper or a soft cloth to avoid direct contact between the artwork and the bubble wrap.
4. Adhesive tape and labels for marking.

In most cases, small and medium-sized artworks can be grouped together and packed as a single unit. However, when dealing with large artworks, it is recommended to pack each piece in a separate box that is slightly larger than the frame.

These special cardboard boxes can be purchased from specialist retailers or truck rental companies. If such boxes are unavailable, a used cardboard box can also be taken apart and flattened.

This cardboard can then be used to make a custom box large enough for the picture and frame. This ensures that the artwork can be transported safely.

Packaging techniques for paintings

Paintings require special attention when packing.

1. First, place a soft cloth or packing paper on the painting surface to avoid scratches.
2. Then wrap the picture in bubble wrap and secure it with tape.
3. Place the packaged picture in a box that is slightly larger than the painting to minimize movement during transport.

Apply an "X" to glass surfaces

If the frame is covered with glass, place an X over the glass using wide masking tape. This will prevent the glass from shattering completely or moving too much if it breaks.

Protect the front of the artwork

If your artwork does not have a glass layer, protect the painted front of the work by wrapping it in several layers of kitchen food wrap (e.g. Saran wrap) or standard pallet wrap for transport only.

Wrap artwork in paper and bubble wrap

This short step-by-step guide , presented by moving expert Diane Schmidt on The Spruce , wonderfully summarizes the best practical tips from her extensive experience. Diane Schmidt has moved more than 28 times and lived in four countries, ten cities, two towns, and a coastal village.

Here are their tips:

1. Lay the brown paper flat on a level work surface so that the edges overlap, creating an area twice the size of the frame.
2. Place the frame on the paper with the glass side facing down.
3. Now wrap the ends of the paper around the frame, similar to wrapping a gift. However, avoid using newspaper for artwork or frames, as it may be suitable as padding but can leave marks.
4. Make sure that any bubbles are on the outside and not pointing towards the artwork.
5. To ensure that the paper stays in place during the move, you should wrap adhesive tape around the frame both lengthwise and crosswise.
6. Then repeat this process using bubble wrap.
7. When packing small photos and picture frames together in a moving box, it is recommended to wrap each item separately in packing paper. This ensures that the glass does not break during transport.

The ideal preparation for transporting a work of art can also be clearly seen in the following video:

To the moving expert's list, we would like to add the following advice:

Use edge protectors and corner protectors

If you ship a lot of framed artwork, it's advisable to have a sufficient supply of edge and corner protectors . Using plastic or a similarly hard material will protect the edges and corners of the frame.

However, it is also possible cardboard as protective material. You can simply attach the corner protectors to each corner of the frame and glue the edge protectors around the edges.

Any suitable packing tape can be used, as it does not directly touch the artwork. These additional protective elements ensure shock absorption to prevent breakage of the glass pane or frame.

Air cushions, air pillows and foams

Regarding shock absorption: air cushions and foam play a crucial role in ensuring your artwork remains protected during transport. Both materials are available at most hardware stores.

You can either buy ready-made foam or cut it to size. Take a piece of foam slightly larger than the artwork itself and then join the two pieces together with tape to create an “art sandwich.” This will securely fix your artwork in the middle.

To continue with this analogy, you can place air cushions or pieces of padding next to your art sandwich.

Once the artwork is in the shipping box, simply place a layer of bubble wrap around it. Instead of your artwork absorbing vibrations and shocks during transport, the bubble wrap will now do this for you. Furthermore, it prevents the artwork from shifting around inside the box, which could cause serious damage.

The following video tutorial shows you how to perfectly handle foam and packing tape:

Use a sturdy shipping box

The final piece of the puzzle is a sturdy shipping box . If you have the budget and want high-quality shipping boxes, I recommend MasterPak 's StrongBox boxes . These boxes consist of three layers of foam and cardboard, making them as strong as plywood.

The multiple layers offer exceptional shock absorption. If this isn't a practical option for you, look for thick, well-made cardboard shipping boxes. In addition to the foam around the item, you can also use more packing material to cushion the inside of the box and provide extra protection.

Carefully seal the box

special box , use high-quality adhesive tape to seal one of the ends.

Place the cardboard on its sealed end and carefully slide the wrapped frame into the box. If it's difficult to insert the box, ask a friend to help hold it.

If a special cardboard box isn't available, place the frame on a flat piece of cardboard that has been previously disassembled and secure it with tape. If the flat box is large enough, you can bend it and fix it with tape.

Special packaging for sculptures and bulky art objects

Sculptures and three-dimensional works of art require individual packaging.

Wrap each sculpture separately in bubble wrap and fill the box with additional cushioning material to prevent movement. Ensure the packaging is taut to protect the sculpture from impacts.

Always use "Fragile" labels

"fragile" label on your package, you can make delivery companies think twice about how to handle it.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, and some shipping companies simply ignore labels and signs that say "Fragile" or "Handle with Care". Nevertheless, it's worth a try.

Applying a label to your packaging takes very little time and at least indicates to carriers that it should be handled with care.

If this label is not present, they do not recognize the fragility of the contents and therefore have no way of handling it differently than any other package.

Positioning the boxes in the truck

When packing the box and loading it onto the moving truck, it's important to ensure the picture is lying on its side and not flat. This way, the picture can better withstand the pressure, as it will stand upright on its edge instead of lying flat.

The pictures should be wrapped around the edges and placed in a secure location where they cannot fall over. It is advisable to wedge the pictures between heavy objects to prevent them from shifting during transport.

Professional moving services for artworks

For the transport of high-quality and delicate works of art, it is advisable to hire professional moving companies in Munich.

These companies have the necessary expertise and equipment to transport your artwork safely to your new home.

After the move: Unpacking and arranging the artworks

After moving into your new home, it's important to carefully unpack and inspect the artwork. Check each piece for any damage that may have occurred during transport.

Then place your artwork in a suitable location where it is protected from direct sunlight and moisture.

How are expensive museum paintings transported?

Even though we own a few valuable paintings ourselves, the oil paintings by the Old Masters, as exhibited in museums, are in a different league altogether. How exactly does art transport work for museums?

Paintings by Max Beckmann in climate-controlled crates: a major undertaking. Million-dollar artworks have to be transported from one museum to another – quite a feat! A special form of logistics is required…

FAQs – Frequently asked questions answered by a moving expert

Many questions arise when transporting art. After all, it's about preserving both tangible and intangible value.

What does moving expert Diane Schmidt say about the most pressing questions on this topic?

How do you pack paintings and works of art safely for long-term storage?

Use breathable materials such as tissue paper, blankets, and wooden crates to safely store artwork for extended periods. Bubble wrap, foam, or plastic are only suitable for transport, as they can trap moisture, leading to condensation that can damage the artwork over time.

The materials used should allow for good air circulation while simultaneously protecting the objects. Ideally, you should be able to store your artwork in a climate-controlled storage room that protects it from adverse environmental influences.

However, if you plan to store the product at home for the long term, it is advisable not to do so in the basement, attic, or other locations with strong temperature fluctuations.

Is it possible to fold a canvas painting?

Pack canvas prints without stretcher bars by carefully rolling them up, not folding them. Ensure the canvas is completely dry and do not roll it too tightly.

Loosely wrap the artwork around a tube that is larger than the canvas. Avoid using bubble wrap, as this can cause moisture to build up inside the tube. Then, place this tube inside an even larger tube for added protection during transport.

When unpacking the canvas, you should wait until both the innermost and outer tubes are at room temperature. This will prevent the paint from cracking or otherwise being damaged.

How do you store unframed paintings so that they don't stick together?

Properly storing unframed paintings is a true art. To ensure they are not damaged, unframed paintings be transported separating layer

There are two types of interleaving materials that can be placed between the pictures: Mylar film (except for pastel or charcoal pieces due to the electrostatic charge of the material) and kraft paper (only use if the pictures are completely dry and only for transport, not for storage).

Use acid-free and stable partitions , as well as padding or barriers to prevent the artwork from moving back and forth.

Pack artworks for vertical transport, such as bound books, in a sturdy, non-acidic cardboard box .

Conclusion

Packing and transporting artworks during a move requires careful planning and caution.

By using the right materials and techniques, as well as employing professional moving services, you can ensure that your valuable works of art arrive safely at their new destination.