How to Pack Pictures for Moving
Moving to a new place often means bringing your favorite memories and art with you—but packing framed pictures, canvas prints, or wall art can be tricky. Glass can crack, frames can bend, and you definitely don’t want anything damaged in the chaos of moving day. Luckily, with a few simple steps and the right supplies, you can protect your pictures and arrive at your new home with everything intact.
Don’t Want to Risk It?
If the thought of packing delicate frames makes you nervous, you’re not alone. That’s why services like Careful Hands Moving are so valuable. As their name suggests, they specialize in handling your belongings with precision and respect—including framed artwork, family portraits, and decorative pieces.
On their site, you’ll find details about their packing and moving expertise. Whether you’re handling a few cherished prints or a full gallery wall, Careful Hands Moving provides professional packing services that give you peace of mind throughout your move.
Gather the Right Packing Supplies
First things first—make sure you’ve got what you need:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes (preferably picture or mirror boxes)
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets
- Packing paper or kraft paper
- Packing tape
- Corner protectors (optional but helpful)
- A marker for labeling
You don’t want to improvise when it comes to fragile items. Using the proper materials will go a long way toward keeping your pictures safe.
Prep the Pictures
Before you wrap anything, give your pictures a quick check. Make sure the glass is intact, the frames are sturdy, and any hanging hardware is either secured or removed.
If the picture has a glass front, use masking tape to make an “X” across the glass. This won’t stop it from breaking, but it will help prevent the glass from shattering everywhere in case it cracks.
Wrap Each Item with Care
For framed pictures:
- Lay the picture face down on a sheet of bubble wrap.
- Wrap it tightly and tape the wrap down.
- If it’s a valuable or large frame, add corner protectors for extra security.
For canvas art (with no glass):
- Avoid bubble wrap directly on the painted surface.
- Use plain packing paper or glassine paper first, then wrap with bubble wrap.
- Again, secure everything with tape—but avoid placing tape directly on the art.
Use the Right Boxes
You can buy boxes made specifically for pictures and mirrors, or use regular cardboard boxes—just be sure they’re close to the size of the pictures, so they don’t shift around. If you’re placing multiple pictures in one box, separate them with cardboard sheets or foam to avoid scratching.
Stand them vertically, like you would records or books, not stacked flat. This distributes pressure more evenly and prevents breakage.
Label Everything Clearly
Once your boxes are sealed, don’t forget to label them. Write “FRAGILE” and “PICTURES – THIS SIDE UP” in big, bold letters. Movers and helpers will be extra cautious if they know what’s inside.
Pictures carry memories, emotion, and style—they deserve to be treated with care. By following a few basic packing tips and leaning on professionals like Careful Hands Moving when needed, you can ensure your wall art makes it to your new space looking just as great as it did before.
