Moving from one location to another can be daunting, with concerns about safely transporting valuables often elevating the stress. One item that needs special care while moving are paintings or artworks. Their delicate nature and often irreplaceable value require a meticulous approach for packing. This guide helps you effectively deal with packing paintings for moving, which when done poorly could result in damage, decreasing their aesthetic and monetary value.
Start With the Basics: Preliminary Cleaning and Inspection
Before you embark on packing paintings for moving, it’s crucial to inspect and clean the artworks. Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean dust and dirt from your paintings gently, ensuring not to cause any unwanted marks or scratches. This preliminary cleaning extends to frames and all other parts of the artwork. Examine your pieces for any weak spots, loose frames, or protruding nails that could pose risks during transport. It provides you with an idea of the precautions you need to take while packing them.
Choosing the Right Materials
Choosing appropriate packing materials is critical in ensuring the safety of your paintings during moving. Your packing materials checklist should include:
1. Bubble wrap: This will cushion the painting and protect it from shock and vibration during transport.
2. Strong cardboard: Use this to create a protective casing around the artwork.
3. Packing tape: This helps secure the bubble wrap and the cardboard.
4. Artwork sleeves or glassine paper: This non-abrasive, water-resistant paper is perfect for wrapping the painting first to protect it from moisture and scratches.
5. Corner protectors: These are especially important for framed pieces to preserve corners from knocks and impacts.
The Packing Process
The first step in packing paintings for moving is wrapping them in glassine paper or artwork sleeves. This moisture-resistant material ensures the artwork’s surface is well-protected from dampness, a common threat in moving trucks. Once covered, you can safely begin applying bubble wrap. Use the bubble wrap generously and secure it with packing tape, paying special attention to corners and edges.
After bubble-wrapping, utilise the cardboard to create a protective layer around the painting. You can either use a pre-made cardboard box if your painting fits, or make a custom sleeve using two cardboard pieces. If you opt for the latter, place the painting between the cardboard pieces and secure the edges with packing tape. For added protection, consider using corner protectors.
After these steps, your masterpiece should be ready for the moving journey. However, take note to always avoid placing heavy items on them.
Hiring Professionals
If the mere thought of packing precious artworks pique stress, considering professional help is advisable. Many movers provide specialised services for artworks and other delicate items. These professionals have the right experience and tools to ensure the safety of your paintings during transit.
Acquire Insurance
Regardless of how safely you pack your paintings for moving, accidents can still happen. Therefore, acquiring an insurance cover for your high-valued artworks is an intelligent move. Most professional movers offer transit insurance, which can provide some peace of mind.
Make Use of a Storage Unit
If you have a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit for your paintings. Fluctuating temperature and humidity levels can potentially damage your artworks, and these units can provide a stable environment for them during this interim period.
In conclusion, packing paintings for moving need not be a stressful task if you approach it systematically. By following these steps, using appropriate packing materials, and considering professional help, you can ensure that your valuable art pieces move as safely as possible. And with the right insurance protection, you can rest easy knowing that your prized possessions are adequately covered.
While each move is unique, adhering to these timeworn practices of packing paintings and precious artwork can avoid many potential pitfalls. Good luck with your moving, and may your artworks reach their new home safe and sound!