Moving Arts & Artifacts

Transporting or moving works of art can sometimes result in damage. Handling operations such as loading and unloading can be hazardous for fragile objects that are improperly boxed. Even the shocks and vibration in moving vehicles can make problems. To protect your valuable objects, it is important that they be packed and cushioned properly prior to transit. This is especially crucial if the items are not being moved by a specialized art handler.
General Packaging Tips

Before packing an item, check it carefully for any damage or loose pieces. Loose or vibration prone items should be lightly restrained. In some cases, disassembly of vibration prone items might be preferable.

Ensure that all objects are cushioned sufficiently to prevent damage from shock or vibration. The cushioning material should be well matched to the weight of the object — neither too firm nor too stiff. A cushion thickness of 50 mm or more is recommended for fragile items. There are many acceptable cushioning designs: complete wrapping (encapsulation) is one option and individual pads is another. If using individual pads, a symmetrical layout that supports the object evenly is recommended.

If several objects are to be shipped together, package them as a unit (with a firm interleave material between them) and support the unit evenly with cushioning on all sides. An easy way to cushion more than one item is to pack all of the items firmly into one container such as a cardboard box, and then support this container on individual pads. The assembly can then be placed inside a larger box or container.

Even the most carefully selected cushioning material will not work if the objects cannot deflect into it enough to dissipate shock and vibration energy. To help ensure that objects can move freely enough to accomplish this, make sure the parts of the packaging system are carefully fitted and can be assembled without force.

Wrapping a cushioned item in polyethylene will help it slide freely on the protective cushions as well as protect it against abrasion. Further benefits of a polyethylene wrap include the exclusion (or containment) of insect pests provided there are no gaps or seams greater than 0.5 mm. Poly wrap also allows the object to be observed for possible insect activity before it is introduced into a new environment. However, before wrapping an item it is important to ensure that it is not damp or conditioned to a moist environment.
Packaging Tips for Paintings

Paintings should always be framed prior to packaging. If a painting does not already have a frame, a temporary travel frame can be built or bought at an art supply store.

Protect the front and the back of the framed painting with a sheet of rigid cardboard or fluted plastic sheet that is at least 0.3 cm thick.

Paintings can be damaged by sudden or extreme changes in temperature and humidity, and must be protected during transit. Wrapping a painting firmly in polyethylene and taping the folded over seams in place (making sure that the wrapping takes place under the humidity conditions that you want to maintain) will provide protection against fluctuations in humidity. If low temperatures are anticipated during shipment, insulation against temperature changes is also necessary. Foam packing materials can double as insulators if all sides of the painting are covered. Otherwise, inexpensive Styrofoam insulation can be used in conjunction with other cushioning methods such as individual pads. It is important to ensure that the object is evenly protected, i.e. there will be no cold spots.

Packaging for paintings should also provide protection from water and pests. Cardboard containers might be suitable for local moves where moisture or water contact is unlikely. However, for other shipments, a well constructed and painted container made of 9.5 mm (3/8-in.) plywood with framing offers better protection.‘Road cases' can also provide good, re-usable packaging as long as they are well sealed.

All packing cases should be large enough to accommodate a protective lining (such as Styrofoam or polyurethane foam to protect against changes in temperature) and suitable cushioning. The cushioning design must be such that the painting cannot come into contact with the inner surfaces of the traveling case (and make sure that nothing is placed in this space because the packed object may need to deflect into this area to dissipate shocks and vibration).
General Tips for Transport

Do not pile packages loosely on top of each other, as they could fall over in response to vehicle movement. If possible, secure packages in the vehicle being used for transportation so that they cannot shift or bounce repetitively. Remember that a moving vehicle can create enough force to cause even a heavy package to bounce. Tying a package down or securing it to the sidewall of a truck is one of the best means of avoiding damage during shipment.

When moving particularly fragile or valuable items, it may be wise to consider using professional article handlers.