How To Move Your Art Supplies And Keep Them Protected by Aimee Lyons

Photo via Pixabay by DGlodowska

Moving to a new home or studio space can be a stressful event for an artist, in part because most artists own quite a few supplies and tools which need to be carefully packed and transported. Small, breakable drawing tools, temperature-dependent clay, and sharp sculpting tools are just a few of the things an artist has to think about when packing up for a move.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize stress on moving day. With a good plan and some preparation, you can ensure that your supplies are well taken care of and will make it untouched to your new home or workspace.

Here are a few of the best tips on how to do just that.

Photo via Pixabay by MustangJoe

Invest in good boxes

Any move calls for the right boxes, and when you have several small items that can be easily broken, it’s best to find small boxes to fit them. Throwing everything into one big box is a surefire way to find yourself picking through the remains of broken art tools, so keep like items together and wrap them in bubble wrap if possible. This is especially important for soft drawing tools, such as charcoal or pastels. Use plenty of newspaper for padding inside the boxes and create a packing list for each one so you’ll know what’s inside. This will be helpful not only for when you’re unpacking in the new place, but also when you’re moving the boxes and need to know what can be stacked on top.

Purge

As you’re packing up, make sure you pay attention to the supplies and what condition they’re in. If you find old or worn-out items, throw those away and don’t bother taking them with you. Not only will this save you room in the boxes, it’s a good excuse to go shopping for new art supplies!

Image via Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures

Consider the environment

While you’re packing, think about the journey your art supplies will be taking. Are they going into a moving van, where the temperature might not be regulated? Will they be shipped to your new place, or get there via airplane? It’s important to think about these things, because certain supplies might not hold up to extreme heat or the pressure that comes with being in a plane. It’s often easier to ship large paintings or canvases ahead to your new home than it is to move them, so consider that as well.

If you have clay or other heat-sensitive materials, it’s a good idea to place them in a styrofoam cooler with dry ice before packing them up, or if you’re driving your own car to the new home, load it up in the backseat. You can also do this with the more fragile supplies in your stash, or ask a trusted friend or family member to do it.

Use plenty of bubble wrap

Don’t be afraid to wrap everything up, including large items such as an easel. Wrapping the sides will prevent scratching.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you place any small parts–screws, for instance–into a plastic bag and tape it to the item it belongs to. This way, you can easily set up bigger pieces of furniture, such as an art desk, in your new home without searching for the parts.

Author: Aimee Lyons

Resources:

https://www.redfin.com/blog/2016/03/moving-soon-this-guide-will-help-you-figure-out-how-many-boxes-you-need.html
https://www.closetbox.com/resources/moving-boxes
https://www.theartofed.com/2015/04/17/8-helpful-tips-for-packing-up-your-entire-art-room/
http://movinginsider.com/2015/06/26/how-to-move-your-art-studio/