A move can test even the most organized household. Furniture and boxes usually command attention, but artwork usually demands a different level of care. Paintings and framed pieces are some of the most delicate items in any home, and moving them safely requires preparation that goes beyond ordinary packing methods. Some families prefer to pack these items themselves, while others turn to a professional packing service for peace of mind.

At Red Carpet Moving, we provide residential moving services in Washington DC designed to keep delicate belongings safe from start to finish.

Challenges of moving artworks

Art pieces may look secure when hanging on a wall, but once it comes down, its fragility is clear. A single jolt can loosen a frame, humidity shifts can slacken a canvas, and surface contact may leave lasting marks. Even minor mishandling during wrapping, lifting, or stacking can cause damage that isn’t always visible until later.

In Washington, DC, row houses and historic homes make moving even more complex. Narrow staircases, sharp turns, and delicate interiors leave little room for error, turning every corner into a test of balance and precision.

Packing the artworks yourself

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, a few careful steps can help. Wrap each piece in acid-free paper, reinforce corners with cardboard protectors, and use cartons designed for mirrors or frames instead of ordinary boxes. Keep artworks upright with padding in between, and label boxes clearly so movers know which require extra care.

These methods work, but they require time, attention, and the right supplies. However, even with careful preparation, the realities of moving, from handling to transport, can introduce risks that are difficult to control without experience.

Why homeowners choose experts

For many households, artwork is personal and irreplaceable. Even a family portrait, a child’s drawing, or a piece collected during travels carries the emotional weight that makes it priceless and irreplaceable. While DIY methods provide a basic level of protection, they cannot always anticipate the subtler challenges of moving.

Professional movers bring training and foresight. They prepare each item individually, account for climate conditions that affect wooden frames and canvases, and manage fragile pieces through the tight turns of DC homes without scraping walls or bumping frames. Families often choose expert help not because they lack ability, but because the consequences of a single mistake are too high to leave to chance.

How Red Carpet Moving protects delicate pieces

At Red Carpet Moving, every painting is assessed for weak points before it is packed. A canvas may require layered cushioning, while a glass-covered frame benefits from reinforced corners. Oversized or unusually fragile works can be secured in custom wooden crates for maximum stability.

Orientation is carefully considered too, with most paintings transported upright to avoid pressure. Inside the truck, artwork is secured so nothing shifts or presses against it during transit.

Beyond packing, our crews know how to work within the realities of DC homes. Navigating staircases, historic banisters, and tight entryways requires planning as much as strength. By combining precise packing with careful handling, we ensure that artwork arrives ready to hang without blemish or damage.

Choosing the right option

Every move is different, and so is every collection of artwork. Some families prefer to prepare and pack their own pieces, while others hand over everything for professional care. Red Carpet Moving adapts to either choice, offering the flexibility to blend personal preparation with expert handling for a plan that suits each household.

Whichever path you take, the goal remains the same. Your artwork should be protected, and your attention should stay on what comes next. Moving should mark the beginning of a new chapter, not a source of stress over fragile belongings.

With Red Carpet Moving, your artwork is managed with the same care you give it at home, from the moment it leaves your walls to the moment it is ready to hang again.

Plan your residential move with us today and step into your new space with confidence, knowing your artwork is protected every step of the way.