How to Pack and Store Artwork When You’re Moving (Without Stressing About Cracks, Creases, or Chaos)

If you’re moving house in Belfast, downsizing, or just in-between homes for a while, one of the trickiest things to figure out is what to do with your artwork. Unlike sofas or bookshelves, you can’t just throw a painting in the back of the van and hope for the best. Artwork—whether it’s a family heirloom, an original piece you picked up from a local artist, or your favourite framed print—demands special care.

At ExtraStore Storage, we know that packing and storing art is one of those jobs people often get wrong. That’s why we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide on how to protect your pieces properly—so that when you’re ready to rehang them in your new home, they look exactly as you left them.

Step 1: Take Stock and Prep Properly

Before you even reach for the bubble wrap, take a moment to assess your collection. Are you storing oil paintings, framed prints, sculptures, or rolled-up canvases? Each requires a different approach.

✨ Pro tip most people skip: Take photos of each piece before packing. This not only gives you a condition record for insurance purposes, but also helps you remember which piece is in which package.

Also, dust everything lightly. Dust and dirt can scratch surfaces or trap moisture if left wrapped up for months.

Step 2: Gather the Right Materials

Forget old newspapers—they smudge. Forget bin liners—they trap condensation. Artwork deserves proper packing supplies. Here’s your shopping list:

  • Acid-free paper: (for wrapping artwork without damaging surfaces)
  • Cardboard corner protectors (to keep frames safe)
  • Bubble wrap (but never directly against the artwork)
  • Foam boards or sheets (for extra padding)
  • Packing tape (always good quality)
  • Permanent marker (to label “FRAGILE – ARTWORK”)

Step 3: Pack Like a Pro

Different types of artwork need slightly different handling:

Framed Paintings and Prints

  • Place acid-free or glassine paper over the front of the artwork.
  • Add cardboard corner protectors.
  • Sandwich the piece between two foam boards, then wrap in bubble wrap.
  • Slide into a picture/mirror box that’s just slightly larger than the frame.
  • Always store upright, never flat.

✨ Extra tip: For pieces with glass, tape a large “X” across the glass with painter’s tape. If the glass does crack during the move, the tape keeps shards in place and prevents damage to the artwork itself.

Unframed Canvases

  • Wrap with glassine paper.
  • Cover with a sheet of foam or cardboard cut to size.
  • Wrap the entire piece with bubble wrap, taped loosely so it doesn’t press against the canvas.
  • Store upright, with nothing leaning against it.

Sculptures and Odd-Shaped Pieces

  • Wrap in layers of bubble wrap and secure with tape.
  • Place inside a sturdy box with plenty of foam peanuts or crumpled acid-free paper.
  • For very delicate items, double-box: place the first box inside a slightly larger one with more padding.

Step 4: Storage Do’s and Don’ts

When your artwork is going into storage, environment matters just as much as the packing.

✅ Do store in a climate-stable unit – Fluctuations in Belfast weather (hello rain, humidity, and the occasional summer scorch) can wreak havoc on wood frames and paint. ExtraStore’s units are indoor, dry and secure, keeping your art safe from dampness.

✅ Do elevate off the floor – Use pallets or shelving. Even the best storage facilities recommend this as an added precaution.

✅ Do label clearly – Write “Artwork – Fragile – This Way Up” on every package. You’ll thank yourself when you unpack.

❌ Don’t stack – Even light pressure can warp canvases or crack frames over time.

❌ Don’t wrap in plastic directly – It traps moisture and can cause mould or mildew.

❌ Don’t leave pieces unsecured – A box that shifts could damage everything inside.

Step 5: The Little Things People Forget

Here are the sneaky details most movers overlook:

  • Check insurance cover – Your home contents policy may not extend to items in storage. Ask your storage provider (psst… we can help at ExtraStore, you must have insurance to store at ExtraStore).
  • Avoid attics and garages – Even short-term, these spaces are too damp or hot.
  • Plan for easy access – If you’ll want certain pieces sooner, store them near the front of your unit.
  • Document the placement – A quick sketch or note of where each item is in your unit saves a headache later.

Ready to Store Like a Curator?

Packing and storing artwork might feel daunting, but with the right prep it’s simple—and stress-free. Think of it less as boxing up your “stuff” and more like giving each piece the VIP treatment it deserves. After all, artwork isn’t just décor—it’s memory, investment, and personal style rolled into one.

At ExtraStore Storage Belfast, we make it easy for you to protect what matters. Book online in minutes, drive up, and move your artwork into a safe, secure unit with zero fuss. By the time you’re ready to rehang your walls, everything will look as good as the day you packed it.