Storing Wall Art During Moves: Essential Tips to Protect Your Treasured Pieces Safely
Moving can get pretty overwhelming, especially when it comes to protecting your favorite wall art. I’ve learned that without the right care, those pieces that brighten up your home can easily get damaged during the chaos of packing and transporting. It’s not just about wrapping them up; it’s about knowing how to store them safely so they stay as beautiful as ever.
Over the years, I’ve picked up some handy tips that make storing wall art less stressful and more efficient. Whether you’re dealing with delicate paintings or large framed prints, a little planning goes a long way. Let me share what I’ve discovered to help keep your art safe and sound through your next move.
Preparing Wall Art for a Move
Proper preparation ensures your wall art stays safe and pristine throughout the move. I’ll guide you through assessing your pieces and protecting their surfaces to help preserve their beauty.
Assessing the Type and Value of Your Art
Begin by identifying each piece’s medium and value. Originals like oil paintings or limited-edition prints need extra care, while mass-produced decor may tolerate standard packing. Assess frames—wood, metal, or glass affect packing materials needed. Note fragile elements such as glass fronts or embellishments. Label each piece with its importance and fragility to prioritize protection and handling during the move.
Cleaning and Protecting the Surface
Gently dust surfaces with a soft cloth or brush, avoiding liquids that may damage delicate media like watercolors or photographs. For glass-covered art, clean glass carefully with a streak-free cleaner applied to a cloth, not directly on the surface. Wrap each piece in acid-free tissue paper or glassine to prevent scratches and moisture damage. Use corner protectors on frames and layer with bubble wrap or foam sheets before packing into sturdy, appropriately sized boxes or art crates.
Packing Materials and Techniques
Protecting wall art during a move depends on using the right packing materials and techniques. These keep each piece safe and secure, preserving its value and beauty.
Choosing the Right Packing Materials
I always choose acid-free tissue paper or glassine to wrap artworks. These prevent moisture damage and prevent colors from fading. Bubble wrap offers excellent cushioning without being too bulky. Foam corner protectors shield frames from knocks. For delicate surfaces, I avoid newspaper since the ink can transfer and stain. Instead, archival materials save the artwork’s finish. I also keep packing tape gentle on surfaces, using painter’s tape around edges when needed.
Wrapping and Cushioning Wall Art
Wrapping starts with a clean workspace. I wrap each piece individually in acid-free tissue or glassine, then add a layer of bubble wrap. Foam corners go on after wrapping, especially for framed paintings or photographs. For canvases, bubble wrap alone works well if frames aren’t present. I secure the bubble wrap with painter’s tape and avoid tight binding that might warp the frame or canvas. Multiple layers provide extra shock absorption, essential during transport. Labeling wrapped pieces keeps track of fragile items.
Using Proper Boxes and Containers
Choosing boxes slightly larger than your artwork allows room for cushioning. I prefer double-walled boxes for heavier framed art. Custom crates work best for large or valuable pieces, offering superior protection. For smaller works, flat boxes or portfolio cases lay pieces flat and prevent warping. When stacking, I separate frames with cardboard sheets to avoid scratches. Filling empty spaces inside boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper minimizes movement. Proper boxes protect against bumps and environmental damage, making safe storing during moves much easier.
Transporting Wall Art Safely
Transporting wall art demands careful attention to preserve each piece’s integrity and beauty. I treat every painting and photograph as a valuable creation, and I apply the same care during moves.
Handling Fragile Pieces
Handling fragile pieces starts with steady hands and a steady mindset. I always carry paintings and framed photos upright, never stacking them flat, unless they’re safely cushioned. Gloves help avoid fingerprints and smudges on delicate surfaces. I wrap fragile art in acid-free tissue or glassine, then cushion it with bubble wrap, securing it gently with painter’s tape to prevent adhesives touching the art. For glass-fronted pieces, I add extra padding at corners with foam protectors or cardboard corner guards. When dealing with oversized canvases, I enlist help rather than risking damage alone.
Positioning Art in the Moving Vehicle
Positioning art properly in the moving vehicle protects it from shocks and vibrations. I place the largest, heaviest pieces flat on the floor, cushioned by blankets or foam pads, to prevent tipping. Upright artworks sit between sturdy furniture or inside custom crates to minimize movement. I avoid placing art near heavy boxes or items that could shift and cause scratches or dents. Fragile or valuable pieces ride in climate-controlled areas if possible, guarding against humidity fluctuations. Whenever securing with straps, I ensure they don’t press directly on the artwork but instead loop around the frames or crates for stability.
Storing Wall Art After the Move
Keeping wall art safe after a move requires attention to the environment and storage choices. I always treat my pieces with care to maintain their vibrancy and structural integrity once unpacked.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Creating the right storage environment preserves colors and materials. I keep my art in places with stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F and humidity levels around 40% to 50%. Avoiding direct sunlight prevents fading, while good air circulation reduces moisture buildup. Storing artwork vertically, supported by sturdy racks or wall hooks, prevents warping and bending. For photographic prints and delicate paintings, I use acid-free backing boards and cover pieces with breathable, acid-free cloths to shield them from dust and pollutants without trapping moisture.
Long-Term Storage Tips
Long-term storage demands extra precautions to safeguard your investment. I recommend wrapping art in acid-free tissue paper or glassine, never plastic sheets, which trap moisture and encourage mold. Frames with glass get padded at corners with foam or bubble wrap to reduce breakage risk. Label each piece clearly with its title, medium, and date to simplify retrieval. Keep paintings and prints upright, leaning slightly or secured, and store valuable originals separately from reproductions to avoid accidental damage. Monitoring the storage area regularly lets me catch any signs of humidity or pest issues early, protecting the art over extended periods.
Conclusion
Moving wall art can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s totally manageable. Taking the time to prep, pack, and store your pieces carefully makes all the difference in keeping them safe and looking great.
I’ve found that paying attention to details like proper wrapping, labeling, and climate control really helps protect my art through every step of the move. It’s all about treating each piece with the care it deserves so you can enjoy it in your new space without worry.