Likely, most of the pictures that you display on your tabletops and walls have frames and protective glass. Not only are these framed pictures fragile, but the photos themselves probably have tremendous nostalgic value. To prevent damage to your picture frames during a move, it’s worthwhile to know how to wrap and pack them properly, so they’ll arrive at your new home intact and ready to enjoy.

Find out how much professional movers & packers cost!

Moving Supplies You’ll Need to Pack Framed Pictures

  • Medium moving boxes and picture/mirror boxes
  • Artists’ tape
  • Packing paper
  • Various sizes of cardboard sheets
  • Utility knife or scissors
  • Packing tape
  • Permanent black marker

Steps for Packing Your Framed Pictures for a Move

1. Set up a packing station

A dining table is ideal. Clear the space so you’ll have plenty of room to work. Place your supplies and a stack of packing paper on the table.

2. Scan your house for all the framed pictures that will be packed

Gather smaller pictures together near your packing station. Note, it’s easier to leave large framed prints hanging on the wall until you’re reading to wrap them.

3. Wrap each framed picture separately

Lay an individual picture on the stack of paper; spread out layers of paper if the frame is exceptionally large. Place an X from corner to corner on the glass using artists’ tape, then place a piece of cardboard that is slightly larger than the frame, over the glass. Wrap several pieces of paper up and around the picture and secure the loose ends with packing tape. Label the wrapped picture with a permanent marker.

4. Box the wrapped framed pictures

Cushion the bottom of a moving box with crumpled packing paper. Set the wrapped framed pictures side-by-side in the box. Do not lay them flat. Note that large pieces should be boxed individually in picture/mirror boxes. Fill any open space around the frames with additional crumpled packing paper.

For especially valuable or fragile framed pictures, you can purchase special picture packing kits. These kits provide foam corners to protect frames and can handle items up to 65 pounds.

5. Tape the box closed and label the contents

Label the box with ‘framed pictures,’ and include the destination room. In large lettering, write ‘fragile’ on all sides and the top of the moving box.

Get price estimates for your move right now.