How to Pack and Move Artwork, Paintings, and Sculptures Safely

A cracked frame can be repaired. A torn canvas can't. Artwork represents not just financial value but irreplaceable sentimental and creative worth — and it's one of the most commonly damaged categories during a move. Standard packing techniques that work for dishes and books will destroy a watercolour or warp a wooden sculpture.

This guide covers specific packing and transport methods for every type of artwork, from a gallery wall of framed prints to a single original oil painting worth thousands.

Moving valuable art in Ottawa? Get a free quote from UpMove — our crew is trained in specialty item handling.

Why Artwork Is High-Risk During a Move

Artwork faces threats from multiple directions during relocation:

• Impact — bumps, drops, and vibration during loading and transport
• Pressure — stacking heavy boxes on top of flat artwork
• Temperature — extreme cold or heat can crack paint, warp wood, and delaminate layers
• Moisture — humidity changes cause canvas expansion/contraction and mould growth
• UV exposure — direct sunlight during loading/unloading fades pigments

Professional art movers use climate-controlled vehicles and custom crating. For most residential moves, the techniques below provide excellent protection at a fraction of the cost.

Packing Framed Art and Paintings

Small to Medium Framed Pieces (up to 60 cm)

Materials needed:
- Acid-free tissue paper or glassine paper
- Bubble wrap
- Painter's tape (never packing tape on frames)
- Cardboard corner protectors
- Picture box or telescoping mirror box

Steps:

1. Tape the glass. Apply painter's tape in an X-pattern across the glass surface. If the glass breaks, the tape holds the shards together and prevents canvas damage.
2. Cover the face. Lay acid-free tissue or glassine paper over the entire front surface. This prevents bubble wrap texture from imprinting on paint or prints.
3. Wrap in bubble wrap. Place the piece face-down on bubble wrap, fold over, and secure with painter's tape. Use at least two layers.
4. Add corner protectors. Slide cardboard corner protectors onto all four corners.
5. Box it. Place in a picture box or telescoping mirror box. Fill any gaps with crumpled paper — the piece should not shift when the box is shaken.

Large Paintings and Canvas Art (over 60 cm)

For pieces too large for standard boxes:

• Build a custom sandwich. Take two pieces of cardboard slightly larger than the painting. Place the wrapped painting between them and tape the cardboard together along all edges.
• Use a mirror box. Telescoping mirror/picture boxes adjust to fit large pieces up to 100+ cm.
• Custom crating. For original oil paintings valued over $2,000, consider having a custom wooden crate built. Local frame shops in Ottawa (including those on Bank Street and in the ByWard Market) offer this service.

Canvas Without Frames

Unframed canvas is flexible and vulnerable to denting:

• Never roll an oil or acrylic painting. The paint layer will crack.
• Prints and posters on paper can be rolled in acid-free tissue inside a cardboard tube.
• Stretched canvases should be packed face-to-face (artwork sides together) with glassine paper between them, then wrapped as a pair.

For more general packing techniques, see our professional packing guide.

Packing Sculptures and 3D Art

Sculptures present a different challenge — irregular shapes, protruding elements, and heavy materials.

Small Sculptures (under 20 kg)

1. Photograph from multiple angles. This documents condition and helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.
2. Wrap protruding elements individually. Arms, extensions, or delicate features get their own bubble wrap layer.
3. Wrap the entire piece. Multiple layers of bubble wrap, secured with tape.
4. Box with padding. Place in a box at least 10 cm larger than the piece on all sides. Fill every gap with packing paper or foam peanuts. The sculpture should be immobile when the box is closed.

Large or Heavy Sculptures (over 20 kg)

• Use a wooden crate with foam-lined interior
• Secure the base to the crate floor with straps or foam blocks
• Mark the crate with "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" on all faces
• Consider hiring specialty movers for pieces over 50 kg

For guidance on heavy item logistics, see how to move heavy furniture safely.

Transport Guidelines

Loading the Truck

DoDon'tLoad artwork last (unload first)Bury artwork under heavy boxesStand framed art upright on edgeLay flat — creates pressure on the centreSecure with straps or wedge between soft itemsLeave art free to slide during transportKeep sculptures low and centredPlace top-heavy sculptures near the truck door

Temperature Considerations

Ottawa's climate is a real factor:

• Winter: Bring artwork inside immediately upon arrival. Cold-shocked paint can crack if it warms too quickly — let pieces acclimate in a cool room for several hours before moving to a heated room.
• Summer: Don't leave art in a closed truck in the sun. Heat softens oil paint, warps wood, and delaminates photograph prints.

For seasonal moving tips, see our winter moving guide and summer preparation guide.

Have valuable artwork that needs special care? Contact UpMove for a free moving estimate — we offer specialty packing for art, antiques, and fragile items.

Special Considerations by Art Type

Photographs and Prints

• Use acid-free materials to prevent yellowing and chemical transfer
• Frame glass should be taped with the X-pattern
• Store flat in portfolio cases if they're unframed prints
• Avoid plastic wrap directly on photo surfaces — moisture can transfer the image

Textile Art (Tapestries, Quilts)

• Roll (don't fold) around acid-free tubes
• Wrap in unbleached muslin or acid-free tissue
• Store horizontally if possible — hanging during transport can stretch fibres

Ceramics and Pottery

• Double-box — place the wrapped piece in a box, then place that box inside a larger box with padding
• Individual wrapping and padding for each piece
• Never nest ceramics inside each other

For comprehensive fragile-item techniques, see moving antiques and fragile items.

Metal Sculptures and Jewelry Art

• Wrap in soft cloth (not bubble wrap directly — air bubbles can leave marks on polished metal)
• Use silica gel packets in sealed containers to prevent tarnishing during transit
• Support weight from the base, never from appendages

Insurance and Documentation

For valuable collections:

1. Create a detailed inventory. List each piece with title, artist, dimensions, medium, and estimated value.
2. Photograph everything. Front, back, details, existing damage, frame condition.
3. Get an appraisal. For pieces over $1,000, a current professional appraisal strengthens any insurance claim.
4. Review your moving insurance. Standard moving coverage may cap at $0.60/lb — inadequate for artwork. Request declared-value coverage or purchase third-party transit insurance.
5. Keep documentation accessible. Don't pack your inventory list and appraisals in a box — carry them with you.

Our moving insurance guide covers the claims process in detail.

Packing Supplies Checklist for Artwork

• Acid-free tissue paper or glassine
• Bubble wrap (large and small bubble)
• Painter's tape (blue or green — never brown packing tape)
• Cardboard corner protectors
• Telescoping picture/mirror boxes (various sizes)
• Flat cardboard sheets for sandwiching
• Foam peanuts or crumpled paper for void fill
• Soft cloth for wrapping metal pieces
• Markers for labelling ("FRAGILE," "ART — THIS SIDE UP")

Need help sourcing supplies? Our packing supplies checklist covers where to find everything in Ottawa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I remove artwork from frames before moving?

Only if the frame is damaged or very fragile. For most moves, keeping art in frames with taped glass is safer than removing and reassembling, which risks handling damage.

Can I use regular moving blankets for paintings?

For outer protection, yes — moving blankets wrapped over already bubble-wrapped paintings add a good impact layer. But never place a moving blanket directly against paint or print surfaces — fibre transfer can occur.

How much does custom crating cost?

Expect $75–$300+ per piece depending on size and complexity. For a collection of valuable originals, this is generally worth the investment relative to the art's value.

Is it better to move art in my own car?

For high-value pieces, yes. Your car offers climate control, direct supervision, and gentler handling. Use the back seat or lay pieces flat in the trunk with padding on all sides.

Do movers have experience with artwork?

Full-service moving companies typically train crews on fragile item handling. However, for fine art collections worth $10,000+, consider a specialized art transport company that uses climate-controlled vehicles and customized crating.

How do I hang art at the new home without damaging walls?

Wait 24–48 hours after move-in to decide placement. Use painter's tape to mock up positions before putting holes in walls. For heavy pieces, locate studs with a stud finder and use appropriate anchors.

Your art collection deserves a careful move. Get a free estimate from UpMove — we handle fragile and high-value items with precision and care.