How to move artwork safely in Ottawa

Moving artwork requires a careful, ordered approach. This guide shows you how to move artwork safely, from an initial assessment through packing, transport and unpacking, with Ottawa-specific climate tips and a printable materials checklist. Follow the numbered steps and stop if a piece needs professional handling.

Materials checklist and quick printable list

Buy or request these supplies before you start. Quantities depend on your collection size; the list below covers a small household collection of about five to ten framed pieces.

Gloves: cotton or nitrile for handling unframed canvases and fragile surfaces.
Digital camera or smartphone: photograph each piece and its labels before packing.
Acid-free interleaving such as glassine: sheets larger than each canvas or print.
Corner protectors: foam or cardboard for framed works.
Backing boards: corrugated or foam core cut to frame size.
Bubble wrap: small- and medium-bubble rolls for fragile edges and corners.
Foam sheeting or polyethylene foam sheets: for extra padding between works.
Moving blankets and pads: to wrap framed pieces and prevent rubbing.
Corrugated picture boxes or custom-size boxes: boxed frames are safer upright.
Packing tape and fragile labels: mark orientation and “fragile” clearly.
Wooden crates: for very large, heavy or high-value pieces; consider a pro quote.
Ratchet straps or bungee cords: to secure upright items in the truck.

Printable quick list version: Gloves, Camera, Glassine, Corner protectors, Backing board, Bubble wrap, Foam, Moving blankets, Picture boxes, Tape and labels, Crates if needed, Straps.

Step 1 assess and prioritise each piece

Before you touch anything, make a room-by-room inventory. For every work note condition, frame type, size and where it will travel. Use these three decision points:

Value and irreplaceability

If a piece is high value, historic or has strong sentimental importance, stop your DIY plan and consult a specialist. Complex media, original varnishes or old frames can require conservation-level handling and custom crating.

Fragility and construction

Framed pieces with glass, gilded frames or loose decorative elements require different protection than stretched canvases or unframed prints. Small sculptures and mixed-media works often need blocking and double-boxing to avoid movement and abrasion.

Climate sensitivity

Works on paper, watercolours and some mixed media are sensitive to humidity and temperature swings. Plan to reduce exposure time during an Ottawa winter or humid summer, and consider climate-controlled transport for sensitive items. Wise Move recommends enclosed, ventilated vehicles and planning for winter freeze and humidity when transporting artwork in Canada, which is relevant for Ottawa moves.

Step 2 prepare each work before packing

Preparation prevents damage during packing and transport. Photograph the front, back and labels and keep records for insurance. Remove loose hanging hardware and turnable hooks. For framed pieces with glass, tape the glazing temporarily using painter’s tape in a criss-cross pattern for short-term security, but do not rely on tape to prevent breakage. ConsumerAffairs advises photographing condition before the move and preparing glass, corner protection and backing for framed pieces.

Photograph and catalogue: save images and dimensions in a folder. Record provenance notes and a contact number for the mover and your insurer.
Label: mark boxes with the piece ID, orientation arrow and room destination.
Wear gloves: handle unframed canvases and paper works with clean gloves to avoid oils and abrasion.
Stabilize hanging hardware: remove or secure wires. If rehanging will be delayed, replace fragile wire with a temporary strong cord.
Insurance checklist: photograph condition and keep receipts or appraisals ready. Contact your insurer or the mover to confirm cover limits before the move.

Step 3 pack framed paintings and mirrors

Use a layered protection method and box framed works upright. For framed works with glass, add a protective barrier against shattering, then cushion the frame. ConsumerAffairs outlines a reliable sequence: photograph condition, reinforce or protect glass, use corner protection and apply appropriate wrapping sized to each painting.

Apply glassine over the painted surface if the frame has no glazing or to prevent abrasion on delicate surfaces.
Place corner protectors on all four corners to prevent impact damage.
Add a backing board to reinforce the frame and prevent flexing during transit.
Wrap the entire framed piece in bubble wrap, using two layers for large works; secure with tape that does not touch the frame finish.
Cover with a moving blanket or foam sheet for extra protection and to avoid pressure marks.
Place in a corrugated picture box or crate, fill voids with foam or packing foam, and seal the box. Mark the box upright and fragile.
Load upright in the truck and use straps to hold it in place. Do not lay framed paintings flat unless a mover recommends it for a specific case.

Step 4 pack unframed canvases and small sculptures

Unframed canvases need edge protection and padding. Small sculptures need blocking so they do not shift. ConsumerAffairs recommends wearing gloves and using glassine interleaving for unframed canvases, with at least two inches of padding on all sides. For irregular or very fragile pieces, plan to ask for a wooden crate or professional crating.

Canvases: place glassine over the painted surface, then wrap the edges with foam or two inches of padding. Use custom-sized cardboard edge protectors if available to avoid denting corners.
Sculptures: pad all contact points with foam, pack the base into a foam-lined box, and block the object so it cannot move inside the box.
Odd shapes: take photos and measurements for a mover or crating service quote prior to packing so specialists can advise on blocking and crate design.
Specialty items: for very large pieces or instruments such as pianos, consult a specialist. Let's Start Moving offers piano moving and can advise on crating or professional handling for large items.

Step 5 load and transport with climate and winter considerations

Avoid long exposure to cold, heat or humidity during loading and transit. For Canadian moves, Wise Move recommends using an enclosed, ventilated vehicle and adjusting plans for winter freeze and coastal humidity. For Ottawa moves, keep loading time short and avoid leaving works in an unattended vehicle in subzero weather.

Vehicle placement: keep framed pieces upright against a padded wall or support, not stacked flat under weight.
Ventilation: ensure the truck is ventilated and avoid direct contact with vehicle walls that can condense moisture and cause damage.
Climate control: request climate-controlled transport for works sensitive to temperature or humidity swings, or for high-value collections.
Timing: on winter days plan to move artwork during the warmest hours and transfer pieces directly from climate-controlled spaces to avoid freeze-thaw stress.
Secure items: use straps and blocking so items cannot shift. Make sure orientation arrows are visible to the loader and that fragile markings are clear.

Step 6 arrival unpacking and inspection

Unpack in a clean, climate-stable room and inspect immediately. ConsumerAffairs recommends documenting condition on arrival and letting works acclimatize before rehanging or displaying.

Place unopened boxes in the destination room and let them sit closed for a short acclimatisation period if temperature or humidity differs significantly from the origin.
Open boxes and photograph the condition in the same way you did before the move.
Inspect frames, glazing and surfaces for cracks, abrasions, moisture or loss. Record any damage and retain all packing materials until a claim is resolved with the mover or insurer.
Do not rehang works for 24 to 72 hours if they were exposed to significant temperature or humidity changes. Allow them to stabilise in the new environment before display.

Deciding DIY or hiring pros and using a video quote

Choose DIY for low-value, sturdy works and when you have the right materials, experience and time. Hire professionals if pieces are large, heavy, fragile, insurance-sensitive or require crating or climate control. Let's Start Moving offers video-quote estimates based on volume and distance to speed decision-making without an in-person survey. A clear video quote helps you decide whether to buy packing supplies or book professional handling.

When to hire a specialist art mover

Large or heavy works that require hoisting, stair navigation or crane access.
High-value or historic pieces that need custom crating and conservation handling.
Works made from unstable or mixed media that react badly to temperature or humidity swings.

What to show in a video quote

Record clear footage of each piece, including front, back, frame edge and hanging hardware. Measure the piece and show doorways, stairs and elevator access. Also show truck access and parking area. These details let a mover estimate whether wooden crates, climate control or a specialty crew are required.

Key questions to ask movers during booking

Are you licensed and insured for artwork transport and what is covered under your moving insurance?
Do you provide custom crating and climate-controlled trucks?
Who will handle my artwork on moving day and what are their experience levels with art?
What packing materials and protection do you include versus what I must supply?
How long can items remain in transit or in an unattended vehicle during winter conditions?

Frequently asked questions

Do moving companies insure artwork and what does that insurance cover?

Many movers carry basic liability coverage, but coverage limits and exclusions vary. Ask for the mover’s insurance details and any recommended third-party art insurance for high-value pieces. Always photograph items before the move and keep proof of condition, invoices and appraisals for any claim.

How should I protect artwork during an Ottawa winter move?

Limit outside exposure, use enclosed ventilated vehicles, move during warmer daylight hours and consider climate-controlled transport for sensitive works. Wise Move recommends planning for winter freeze and humidity when transporting artwork in Canada, which applies to Ottawa winter conditions.

Can I transport a valuable painting in my car instead of using movers?

Transport in a personal car can be safe for smaller works if you can secure them upright, maintain climate stability and avoid leaving them unattended. For larger, heavy or very valuable pieces, a professional mover with crating or climate control is safer and often more practical.

When should I pay for custom crating or climate-controlled transport?

Choose custom crating for oversized, heavy, fragile or high-value works. Use climate control for paper, watercolours, unstable media or any item that cannot tolerate prolonged temperature or humidity changes during transit. Ask movers for a crating quote if you see loose elements, complex mounts or unusual shapes.

What should I show in a video quote to get an accurate estimate?

Show clear front and back views, close-ups of fragile areas, exact measurements and the access path including doorways, stairs, elevators and curb access. Record outdoor parking and loading zones so the mover can estimate equipment and crew size. Let's Start Moving provides video-quote estimates based on these details to produce faster, volume-and-distance based quotes.

Key takeaway: stop and call a specialist whenever a piece is high value, fragile or climate sensitive. When in doubt, document condition, photograph everything and consult a professional.

Let's Start Moving can provide video quotes and advice for specialty-item relocations and crating options for large or unusual works. For more packing tips referenced here see ConsumerAffairs and the Canadian guidance on transportation risks compiled by Wise Move.

Final CTA: For a fast video quote or professional moving advice from a local Ottawa team, contact Let's Start Moving.