Whether you’re planning a big move or getting ready for a remodeling project, you might need a safe place to store some of your belongings. Certain items, such as original artwork, are delicate and valuable, necessitating careful packing and transportation. Here’s a helpful guide for getting paintings, photographs, and wall hangings ready for storage. 

4 Storage Tips for Artwork

1. Handle With Care

Even with proper packing, artwork may become damaged while in transit to your storage unit. Place pieces in the moving vehicle vertically to prevent them from falling over and getting crushed by other items. Cushion the space between wrapped or boxed paintings with pillows or blankets so that they don’t hit one another during sharp turns or while slamming on the brakes.

2. Use the Right Packing Materials 

Prevent paintings, photographs, and glass framing from becoming fingerprinted and soiled by wrapping them in plastic.  Put wrapped artwork in styrofoam boxes before placing them in cardboard boxes for extra support. The styrofoam and cardboard should hug the artwork tightly to prevent it from moving around and becoming damaged. If there’s empty space, fill it with packing peanuts, and seal the box tightly with packing tape.

3. Keep in Secure Space

If your artwork has monetary or sentimental value, you’ll want to protect it against theft and vandalism. Choose a well-lit storage center with surveillance cameras and 24-hour onsite security to deter burglary and criminal activity.

4. Don’t Lay Flat 

Place paintings vertically in storage to prevent weight and pressure from flattening or damaging them. Keep them off the concrete floor, as temperature fluctuations may produce condensation that wets the artwork and causes mildew buildups. Place boxed artwork on wooden racks or pallets so that they don’t make direct contact with the ground.

Keep your artwork safe and protected with storage from Galaxy Self-Storage. This La Crosse, WI, facility offers storage rental units with surveillance cameras and 24-hour security to ensure your belongings remain secure. Call (608) 526-9000 to ask about self-storage unit sizes and pricing, and visit the website to learn more about their convenient locations.