Moving to a new home is often a mix of excitement and stress—but for art collectors, it brings an additional layer of complexity: the safe transportation of valuable and often irreplaceable artworks. Whether you’re moving a single statement piece or a full collection, properly packing and transporting your art is critical. One innovative solution helping collectors, galleries, and museums worldwide safeguard their collections during transit is ArtPakk, a reusable and eco-conscious storage and transport solution designed specifically for artworks.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to move art when relocating, why proper protection is essential, and how ArtPakk can provide peace of mind during the process.
Why Art Needs Special Handling During a Move
Artworks are inherently fragile. A slight shift in temperature, a bump in the road, or even prolonged exposure to light or moisture during a move can result in costly and sometimes irreversible damage. Paintings can crack, paper works can warp, and sculptures can chip or shatter. For collectors, such risks aren’t merely financial—they’re emotional and cultural losses.
Key threats during transit include:
- Physical Impact: Sudden movement or collision during transport
- Moisture and Humidity: Leading to mold, mildew, or warping
- Temperature Fluctuations: Damaging paint or adhesives
- Dust and Debris: Especially harmful to mixed media or textile works
- Light Exposure: Particularly detrimental to works on paper
That’s why a strategy for transporting art must go beyond bubble wrap and cardboard—it requires professional-level care and purpose-built materials.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Art When Moving Home
Catalogue Your Collection
Before anything is packed, take detailed inventory. Photograph each piece, note its condition, dimensions, and medium. This serves multiple purposes: it helps you organize the move, provides documentation for insurance, and gives you a reference for reinstallation in your new space.
Assess the Needs of Each Work
Different materials require different packing solutions. A framed oil painting may need rigid corner protection and padding, while a delicate work on paper needs moisture resistance and UV shielding. If you’re unsure, consult a conservator or professional art handler.
3Choose the Right Packaging
Traditional packaging materials like foam, glassine paper, and crates can protect against some risks, but they’re often wasteful and ill-suited for repeat use. That’s where ArtPakk comes in.
Why Use ArtPakk?
ArtPakk bags are designed to solve many of the pain points associated with moving art:
- Reusable: Unlike bubble wrap and cardboard, ArtPakk bags are sustainable and can be reused dozens of times—ideal for collectors who frequently rotate or relocate works.
- Protective Layers: Each bag features a multi-layer construction, including a soft, lint-free interior, moisture-absorbent foam, and a tough, waterproof outer layer, ensuring protection against physical damage and environmental stress.
- Temperature Insulation: ArtPakk helps regulate temperature changes during transit, critical for preventing cracking or adhesive failures.
- Lightweight and Customizable: Available in various sizes and adaptable to different artworks, from prints and photographs to framed canvases and sculptures.
ArtPakk bags streamline the packing process while offering a museum-grade level of protection. They are used by major galleries, museums, and art fairs around the world—trusted where precision and care are paramount.
Transport with Care
If possible, hire a professional art handler or a moving company that specializes in fine art logistics. They have the tools, climate-controlled vehicles, and expertise to ensure your works arrive safely.
When self-moving, always:
- Keep artworks upright and never stack them
- Cushion all sides to prevent movement inside the vehicle
- Avoid extreme temperatures (e.g., don’t leave art in a car overnight)
Storage Between Homes
If you’re placing art in storage temporarily, ensure the space is secure, and clean. Even short-term storage in poor conditions can degrade artworks. ArtPakk bags are ideal for this scenario as they protect against moisture, dust, and handling damage.
Reinstallation and Aftercare
Once in your new home, allow artworks to acclimate to the room’s temperature before hanging. Check the condition of each piece before removing it from its protective casing. If a piece shows signs of damage or distress, consult a conservator.
The Bigger Picture: Long-Term Art Care
Moving is just one point in an artwork’s journey. Whether it’s being exhibited, stored, loaned, or relocated, ongoing protection is part of responsible collecting. Tools like ArtPakk are not just for moving—they’re a long-term investment in preservation.
Benefits of adopting professional-grade storage like ArtPakk include:
- Sustainable packaging practices
- Reduced long-term conservation costs
- Greater peace of mind for high-value works
- Readiness for frequent movement, loans, or exhibitions
Art is more than decoration—it holds emotional, historical, and often financial value. Moving home shouldn’t compromise your collection’s safety. By investing in reusable, specialist tools like ArtPakk and following best practices for packing, transport, and storage, you ensure your artworks not only survive the journey, but arrive in the same condition they left.Discover our sustainable art packing solutions and register for your trade account today. Need advice? Contact our team via info@artpakk.com or call +44 (0)1245 95 69 17.