How to: Pack Artwork

Whether you’re packing artwork into storage for a short time while you move, or you’re storing your artwork for the long term, it’s important to make every effort to ensure that your paintings, photographs, sculptures, sketches, etc., are well protected from dust, dirt, damp, extreme temperatures and humidity as well as from sharp objects that can leave scratches and tear canvases.

A well-built frame built by a professional framer will go a long way to assist with this. However frames are often made from fragile materials such as glass and soft timber, and cracked glass, dented frames can ruin the effect of your artwork, so you will need to take steps to protect the frame in addition to preventing damage to the work itself.

Here are some easy steps you can take to protect your artwork during transit and storage.

1. Choose the right storage unit – All artwork is precious (yes, even the spaghetti necklace your daughter made in Kindy), but it is also sensitive to temperature extremes and humidity. So, it’s important to choose a self storage unit that’s clean, weatherproof, pest free, well maintained and climate controlled (or fitted with power, so you can connect a climate control unit and dehumidifier).
2. Make an inventory – Photograph all your artwork and make an inventory of it before packing it and putting it in storage. Label all packages clearly so you know which painting is in each package.
3. Use professional packing materials – Visit our box shop and stock up on packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, moving boxes, tape, blankets, markers and more.
4. Wrap each piece of artwork separately.
5. Place cardboard or styrofoam covers on the corners of frames and tape in an X across the glass of framed items to prevent cracking.
6. Cover the front of unframed art or canvases with wax paper and secure it to the frame with packing tape. Do not allow tape to touch anything other than the framework.
7. Wrap all items in bubble wrap before placing them upright into cardboard boxes or packing crates. Clearly label boxes as “Fragile Artwork” in marker pen.

Following these steps will go a long way to ensuring that your artwork remains in good condition while in transit and storage.

Note: If you own sensitive, valuable and/or antique artworks, we strongly recommend consulting a professional art moving specialist – especially if you’re moving long distances and/or planning on long-term storage.

For high quality packing and moving supplies, visit our online box shop. If you have any questions about packing, storing and moving artwork, please reach out to our friendly team. We’ve got loads of experience and will be happy to help.