Pictures frames are one of those items that will make you pause in the middle of the packing process. You don’t want to damage the beautiful family picture. Unlike other items like blankets and books that you can toss in a box, picture frames require extra care.
How do you package picture frames for moving?
Hiring professional movers is sometimes the best way to move these delicate items. But if you plan to save cost with a DIY move, here is how to pack your picture frames to prevent shattering.
Get Your Supplies Ready
Before you begin packing your picture frame, make sure you have the necessary supplies. This will prevent you from falling into the trap of using the wrong materials to pack your pictures frames. Common materials for packing picture frames include:
- Bubble Wrap
- Painters’ tape
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Banker boxes
- Cardboard tube
- Picture/mirror boxes
- A permanent marker
- Cardboard sheets or Flat foam
- Archival paper, glassine, or acid-free
Clear A Large Area Of The Room
Packing picture frames requires a high level of carefulness. From making sure your beautiful pictures are not soiled, giving you plenty of space to spread bubble wraps, to providing enough space for categorizing the frames by size, creating ample clear space in the room has many advantages. Remove all items that can stain or damage the picture frame before you start wrapping the frames.
Protect Picture Frames with Painters Tape
While trying to protect your frames, it’s essential to prepare for unfortunate situations ( although they may not occur). Cover the glass with painters’ tape to protect your pictures if the glass shatters during transit.
You can cross the tap in an X shape for small frames while creating a grid pattern with the tape for oversized frames. Ensure the tape doesn’t touch the borders and avoid tapes with high-tack adhesives.
Cover Frames With Bubble Wrap
After taping the glasses, it is reasonable to cover all your picture frames in bubble wrap. Doing this would significantly prevent the frames from any sharp object lying around the house and scratching other frames in the box. You can use packing tape to hold them together.
Pay Attention to Hinges and Hooks
It is essential to pay close attention to the hooks and hinges on your picture frames when wrapping them. Wrap them carefully, ensuring hooks and hinges don’t get caught. If caught, they may get damaged and possibly shatter other frames in transit.
Use Multiple Layers of Protection
For extra delicate frames, add many layers of protection. You can do this with a combination of glassine, bubble wraps, and packing papers and secure them with packing tape. You can add extra protection with a piece of foam board or cardboard slightly larger than the picture frame. The more layers you add, the more secure the frame.
Make Adequate Use of Tape
Packing for a move is not the time for making your wrapping look fancy. You can do that for a birthday present, but when it comes to packing for a move, use as much packing tape as it’s needed to protect the corners. Focus more on making the items secure and using tapes wherever necessary.
Pack Small Picture Frames in Banker Boxes
You don’t need large picture boxes for your small picture frames. Banker boxes are the ideal packing box for small frames.
It makes it easy for you to fill the space efficiently, preventing excess gaps that can cause collisions. Additionally, place the frames vertically and fill extra space with packing paper.
Box Large Frames Individually
Stacking large frames together in regular moving boxes will inevitably lead to shattering. Instead, opt for cardboard boxes specifically made to fit your picture frames.
For extra-large picture frames, you merge two boxes on top of each other and tape them together. Always remember to fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Cushion The Boxes With Soft Packing Paper
Fill the bottom of the carton with packing paper before placing the well-protected picture frame inside the carton. The packing paper acts as a bottom layer protecting it from pressure and vibration. For extra protection, place more packing paper around the frame.
Label The Box “Fragile”
Labeling picture frame boxes is more important when moving them with other household belongings. It serves as a warning sign to anyone carrying or arranging them in the truck, and it is an excellent way to prevent accidental damage.
Make Use Of” Mom’s Attic”
Most moving trucks, especially the popular ones like Penske, have a compartment called the “Mom’s Attic.” It is the space directly above the cabin of the truck. The mom’s attic is separated from the rest of the cargo area. It is crafted for delicate items like your picture frames. Keeping your frames in the softest spot in the truck makes them move less on transit.
Move Them Yourself If You Can
When moving delicate and valuable items such as your florid frames, your best option is to keep them where your eyes can see. Instead of jam-packing them with other items in the truck, you can keep them in your sight by transporting them in your car.
Place Picture Frames Upright in the Truck
Picture frames are very fragile, and you certainly do not want your frames lying flat in the truck. Regardless of the multiple layers of protection, picture frames cannot bear the pressure of heavy items placed on them. Standing them upright is the ideal position to ensure safety.
Helpful tips
Here are a few things to keep at the back of your mind when packing picture frames:
- Keep the weight of each box below 40lbs.
- Make minimal use of newspaper as it can stain some picture frames. You can use it in places without direct contact with frames.
- Avoid padding picture frames with packing peanuts. They may be hard to remove due to static.
- Use cotton gloves or wash your hands before packing your pictures frames to avoid creating streaks on them.
- Fill extra space with more paper to prevent shifting.
- Wrap multiple layers until you’re comfortable that it’s well-protected.
- Slide picture frames close to sofas to prevent falling over.
- You can use soft blankets for layering the boxes.
