You don’t need museum-level crates — just smart, low-cost protection using everyday or recycled materials.
Here’s a student-friendly guide 👇
Low-Cost Ways to Pack and Move Framed Pictures
What You’ll Need (Budget or Free Options)
| Professional Material | Affordable Alternative |
|---|---|
| Glassine paper | Baking paper, wax paper, or clean bedsheet |
| Foam corner protectors | Cut-up cardboard corners |
| Bubble wrap | Old towels, clothes, or duvet covers |
| Foam board / corrugated board | Broken-down cardboard boxes |
| Packing tape | Masking tape or duct tape (avoid touching artwork) |
| Art crates | Flat-pack boxes or reused Amazon boxes |
🪄 Step-by-Step (Budget Version)
1. Clean & Prep
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Make sure frames are clean and dry.
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Remove loose hanging wires or hooks that could scratch things.
2. Protect the Front
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Cover the glass or artwork front with wax paper or tissue paper to prevent sticking or smudging.
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If it’s a painted surface, use a clean cotton sheet or pillowcase — never plastic (it can trap moisture).
3. Add Corner Protection
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Cut 4 L-shaped pieces from old cardboard and tape to each frame corner.
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You can even fold pizza boxes or cereal boxes for this.
4. Wrap It Up
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Wrap the frame in a t-shirt, towel, or bubble wrap (if you have it).
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Secure loosely with tape or string — just enough to hold it together.
5. Add a Rigid Backing (Optional but Smart)
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Sandwich your wrapped art between two pieces of cardboard for extra stiffness.
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Tape around the edges to make a simple, flat “art sandwich.”
6. Use a Box or Portfolio
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Reuse shipping boxes or flat-pack moving boxes from supermarkets or online orders.
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If you don’t have a box, slide artworks vertically between two firm boards and secure with a belt or tape.
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Label each one “FRAGILE – FRONT” or “TOP.”
7. Transport Tips
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Carry vertically, not flat — reduces breakage risk.
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Don’t overstack.
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Keep away from damp spots (common in student halls or studios).
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For short distances, a laundry bag, IKEA blue bag, or canvas tote lined with clothes works surprisingly well.
🧩 Bonus Ideas
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Free packing materials: check art studios, campus mailrooms, or supermarkets — they often give away bubble wrap or cardboard.
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DIY portfolio: tape two pieces of cardboard together on one side (like a folder), line it with fabric or paper, and slip artworks inside.
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Use your bedding: quilts and duvets make great padding in a moving car or van.
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Standard Picture Frame Bubble Wrap - Reusable Storage Bag - Size A0 – Bags of Room