We've unpacked artwork at hundreds of Miami homes and seen the aftermath of bad packing jobs. A cracked frame here, a dented canvas there, a watercolor.
# 7 Mistakes People Make When Packing Artwork
We've unpacked artwork at hundreds of Miami homes and seen the aftermath of bad packing jobs. A cracked frame here, a dented canvas there, a watercolor ruined by condensation. Most of these disasters were completely preventable. Here are the seven mistakes we see most often and how to avoid them.
1. Using Newspaper as Wrapping Material
This is the most common mistake by far. Newspaper ink transfers onto frames, mats, and even glass surfaces, especially in warm environments like Miami where heat softens the ink. Once that ink stains a linen mat or a light-colored frame, removal is extremely difficult. Use acid-free tissue paper or glassine sheets instead. They cost a few dollars more and save you from expensive restoration work.
2. Wrapping Bubble Wrap Directly Against Paint
Bubble wrap is great for cushioning, but those little air pockets leave circular impressions when pressed against oil or acrylic paint. In Miami's heat, paint surfaces soften slightly, making this problem even worse. Always place a barrier layer of glassine or acid-free tissue between the artwork and any bubble wrap. Keep the bubble side facing outward, away from the piece.
3. Laying Paintings Flat During Transport
Stacking paintings face-up in the back of a truck seems logical, but it puts pressure right on the center of the canvas. Over a long drive across town, vibrations cause the canvas to flex and can result in cracking, especially for older pieces. Stand framed artwork upright in the truck, separated by soft padding. Our crews use padded A-frame racks for exactly this reason.
4. Skipping the Tape on Glass
When a glass-covered frame breaks during a move, the shards fall directly onto the artwork underneath. Applying painter's tape in an X pattern across the glass takes thirty seconds and keeps broken pieces contained. This simple step has saved countless prints and photographs from getting scratched by glass shards in transit.
5. Using Boxes That Are Too Large
A roomy box might seem safer, but extra space means the artwork can shift and bounce around inside. Every bump in the road becomes a chance for the piece to slam against the box wall. Use mirror boxes or picture boxes sized close to your artwork. Fill any remaining gaps with crumpled acid-free paper so the piece stays locked in place.
6. Ignoring Miami's Humidity
This is a local mistake that out-of-state moving guides never mention. Moving artwork from a cool, air-conditioned home into a hot, humid Miami afternoon creates instant condensation. That moisture can seep under glass, warp paper, and encourage mold growth on canvas. Wrap pieces in plastic sleeves with silica gel packets to create a moisture barrier, and minimize the time artwork spends outside climate-controlled spaces.
7. Not Photographing Artwork Before Packing
If something does go wrong during the move, you need proof of the piece's pre-move condition for insurance claims. Take detailed photos of every piece from the front, back, and all four sides before wrapping anything. Capture close-ups of existing damage, artist signatures, and frame details. Store the photos in the cloud so they're accessible even if your phone gets lost in the move.
Benefits of Professional Art Packing
Working with experienced Art Moving specialists prevents all of these mistakes:
- 1Expertise: Correct materials and proven techniques for every medium
- 2Equipment: Climate-controlled trucks, padded racks, and custom crating
- 3Insurance: Full-value protection for your collection
- 4Efficiency: Gallery-grade handling from Wynwood lofts to Coconut Grove estates
Ready to Get Started?
Request your free quote today. Read our customer reviews to see why Miami art collectors trust Rapid Panda Movers.
