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How to Pack Artwork and Mirrors for Moving

You’ll need:

• Tape
• Blank newsprint and cardboard or bubble wrap
• Styrofoam peanuts for sculptures
• Boxes (flat and/or sized to fit) for each piece of artwork

Framed prints

• Wrap them individually in newsprint and then tape cardboard around them. Or wrap them in bubble wrap.
• Put them in flat fitted boxes. If they still fit loosely in their individual boxes, fill in the spaces with lightly wadded blank newsprint.
• Tape the box shut and mark it. You’re done!

Mirrors

• Put tape across the front of the mirror like an X to keep the pieces in place in case the glass breaks.
• Wrap in bubble wrap or blank newsprint with cardboard taped around them. Fill loose spaces with lightly wadded paper
• Put in a flat box, seal, and mark “Fragile – Mirror.” That’s all!

Paintings

• If your painting is framed with glass, tape the front like an X with masking tape.
• Cover the framed painting or canvas with bubble wrap and tape it closed.
• Build a box to fit that is slightly bigger than the painting, or purchase one. If you’re packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap again, tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the first. Double-boxing is a guarantee against other sharp objects puncturing the box and canvas during the move.
• Tape the box well and mark “Fragile – Art.” All done now!

Sculptures

• You’ll need a box at least one-third larger than the size of your sculpture and bubble wrap.
• Fill one-third of the box with Styrofoam peanuts. Wrap the sculpture with bubble wrap, put it in upright, then fill in all around and on top with peanuts. Your piece of art should be nestled in the center without touching the sides of the box.
• Tape the box and mark “Fragile – Artwork” clearly on the outside.