Practical advice for packing, transporting and protecting your artwork during a move

People often ask us when they should move their artwork during a house move. The answer is simple: before anything else. Before the boxes, before the dog basket, before the plants. Because while your art may feel like part of the furniture, it’s far more than that. It’s vulnerable, valuable and often irreplaceable.

And yet, we too often hear from collectors after the move, when a corner got crushed or a glass frame cracked. So here's a few things to consider before you start packing.

Contemporary artworks on display at Root Gallery's booth at Art The Hague '24: Vera Klaus and Jan Theun van Rees — Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot

Every move is different

Let’s start there.
A small canvas in a wooden frame asks for something different than a large photograph framed with museumglas. A heavy sculpture is not the same as a delicate pastel drawing. If you’ve bought a work from us and you’re unsure: ask. We’ll gladly help you figure out what’s best.

For temporary moves or storage

If you're moving out before you move in, or if works need to go into storage for a while, be extra careful. Some materials respond badly to plastic. Bubble wrap can leave imprints on soft surfaces. And most plastics contain softening agents that, over time, can react with paint or paper. Use acid-free paper (or Tyvek) to wrap anything that will be stored longer than a few days.
Paintings on canvas or linen should always be stored and transported standing upright, never laid flat. Laying them down can cause warping, pressure points, or sagging over time, especially if other objects are placed on top or they’re left in fluctuating temperatures. Upright positioning helps maintain the tension of the canvas and protects its structural integrity.
If you’re unsure about how to position or support works during storage, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to advise.

Root Gallery presentation at Art The Hague featuring large-scale paintings and photography: Noah Arends, Jan Theun van Rees, Donald Schenkel — Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot

For framed works with museum glass

Keep it upright.
Always. Even if it’s just for one night in a van or hallway. Laying frames flat might seem safe, but it adds pressure and increases the risk of tension and breakage. It’s a small rule, but it matters.
Interested to read more about how to care for museum glass? Read it here.

For everything else: protect the corners

Really. If you only remember one thing from this post, let it be this. The corners are the most vulnerable part of any painting or frame. Even gentle bumps can leave a permanent dent. Cardboard corner protectors or foam blocks can prevent that and save you heartbreak later.

artworks and wall sculpture presented by Root Gallery at Art The Hague: Karen van de Vliet, Vera Klaus, Jan Theun van Rees — Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot

Who should move your work?

It depends on the type of work and how much you're moving. If it's just one piece and you feel confident packing it carefully, you might be able to manage it yourself. But please: don’t improvise with household materials. Tea towels, duvets, and newspaper can cause more harm than good.

If you're unsure: ask the artist, or ask us. For larger or more fragile collections, a specialised art transport company is almost always worth the investment. These companies can often store your works in climate-controlled environments as well, ensuring stability during longer transitions.

For smaller but delicate collections, consider hiring an independent art handler. Many are specifically trained to pack, transport, and reinstall artworks safely. You can also ask them to help reinstall the work in your new home.

Still want to take care of the move yourself? That’s understandable, and we’re happy to advise on the right materials and packing methods. A few smart choices at the beginning can make all the difference.

What about gloves?

It may seem like a detail, but what you use - or don’t use - to handle a work of art matters.

Basic painter’s gloves from the hardware store usually work fine for handling most framed pieces or mounted photographs. They’re inexpensive, offer light protection, and often come with a bit of grip, helpful when lifting smooth surfaces. But be aware: not all gloves are suitable for all materials. Cotton gloves, for instance, may catch on textured paint. Vinyl gloves might leave residue. Always test first, or ask us.

Handling works with bare hands is something we always advise against. Even if your hands are clean, they contain natural oils and acids that can leave behind invisible residue. These marks may not show up immediately, but they can affect surfaces over time: especially on plexiglass, oil paint, and varnishes. So if gloves aren't available: wash your hands thoroughly, avoid all hand cream, and especially stay away from sunscreen or lotion right before handling art.

Some materials - like bronze or unsealed brass - should never be touched with bare skin. The acids and moisture in your fingers can oxidise the metal, leaving dark spots that are nearly impossible to remove. That’s why conservators always wear gloves when handling sculpture.

In short: your hands matter more than you think. And if you’re not sure what’s safe: ask. We’ll gladly help you choose the right approach for the material you’re working with.

Art fair booth with mixed media works and photography by emerging and established artists: Vera Klaus, Donald Schenkel, Jan Theun van Rees, Karen van de Vliet — Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot

What if something does get damaged?

It happens. If a work has a pressure mark, sometimes we can resolve it with a bit of moisture. But applying water to the wrong type of canvas or paint can cause permanent, irreversible damage. So don’t experiment, ask first.

If the frame is damaged, it might be as simple as replacing the frame or the glass. But in some cases, the frame was custom-made or installed by the artist, and taking it to a standard framer can do more harm than good. And even among professional framers, the quality and approach can vary widely.

So again: if you purchased the work from us, reach out. We’ll advise you on the best course of action.

One last thing

Don’t leave the art until last.
It may not be the biggest, the heaviest, or the most visible part of your home. But once you arrive, it’s the first thing that makes a house feel like yours again.

Moving soon and not sure what to do? Get in touch, we’ll gladly think along.

Quick checklist: what to remember

Call us first if you have a work from our gallery and are unsure how to move or store it.
Make sure your artwork is the first thing out of your old home, and the last thing into your new one.
Paintings and framed works with museum glass must always be stored and transported upright.
Your hands can do more long-term damage than you think: clean, dry hands or proper gloves are essential.
For larger or delicate collections, choose professionals who know what they're doing, it’s worth it.