Top Tips
1) Consider your packaging
- Try to use eco-friendly materials (increasingly important to customers).
- Decide whether to include branding or if that will be a wasted cost - some galleries won’t use your packaging as they will have their own option.
- Follow an online tutorial to safely pack artworks and sculptural objects
2) Have the right tools to-hand
Find good quality corrugated boxes or plastic crates in various sizes; packing paper; suitable packaging such as shredded or crumpled packing paper; tissue paper or bubble wrap; pliable cardboard; scissors; cotton tapes and packing tape.
3) Double-box fragile items
This helps absorb impact if the box is dropped. Objects should be carefully wrapped in one box and then placed inside another box with another packing layer such as shredded paper.
4) Include handling instructions
- Any items that need special care when lifting or unwrapping should come with instruction notes.
- Remember that you may not have any control over who opens the parcel. This can include customs officials, so be as clear as possible with your packing to minimise the likelihood of damage.
- If you are packing items that are sensitive to handling (silver, for example), then include a pair of cotton gloves in the box.
5) Use clip-lid clear plastic crates.
- You can then clearly see if the items are surrounded with insulated packaging and there are no gaps.
- You can also add a list/image of the contents under the lid, which is clearly visible without the need to unpack the box and check the contents.
6) Don’t overpack!
You need sufficient space for insulated packaging to avoid breakages.
7) Try cotton tape to secure the wrapping.
This reduces the risk of sticky tape adhering to the object and causing damage to its surface, and it is reusable or you can secure tissue paper and bubble wrap around small items with elastic bands for fast and easy packing.
8) Use (acid-free) tissue paper balls
This is a great shock-absorbent material and technique to protect delicate work
9) Ship in a wooden crate
If you are shipping overseas make sure you use treated wood (ISPM15 heat-treated pallets), as some countries do not allow untreated wood. The crates will be stamped with an identification mark showing how it has been treated and where it has come from. Freight companies can make custom crates, which are a worthwhile investment if you have the space to store them, and you can use them multiple times.
10) Always use labels and include a packing list
- Clearly label the outside of your box with your name and contact details and number the boxes if you have several – i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 3, and so on.
- A packing list indicates all the items within the box, including the materials used for packaging. Use the free template we've linked on this page.