Artwork can be precious, either monetarily or sentimentally. In either case, if you no longer have room to stow your artwork at home, you may consider putting it in a secure personal storage unit. Here are three tips to ensure your pieces are in top shape when you’re ready to retrieve them. 

3 Tips for Keeping Artwork in a Personal Storage Unit 

1. Clean It First 

You should always clean items before putting them in storage to prevent degradation or staining, and artwork is no exception. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and dirt gently. If it’s in a frame, carefully remove dirt from any crevices. Wipe any metal elements with oil to prevent corrosion. 

2. Use Proper Packaging 

Select proper packing materials to protect pieces from dents, scratches, holes, soiling, fingerprint marks, or breakage. Put pieces in Styrofoam® boxes before putting them in cardboard or wooden crates. Ensure the Styrofoam and cardboard are tightly fitted to prevent the work from jostling.

If using a cardboard container, seal it with packing tape. You may also wish to pack cushioning material around the Styrofoam box for added protection. Unframed paintings must be handled with special care, depending on their age and materials. 

3. Keep It Off the Ground 

Even if they are appropriately wrapped, paintings can be damaged from pressure if you stack them on top of one another or lay them flat. Even slight pressure can cause damage, such as dents in the canvas, over time. 

We have open wooden flooring installed for air flow over the concrete floor so when the temperature fluctuates condensation won’t form on the floor of the storage unit. You should not lie paintings on the concrete floor but on the wooden floor there won’t be dampness seeping into the packaging and causing moisture damage.

Invest in a painting rack with several slots in which to insert the paintings vertically. For boxed artwork, such as figurines or sculptures, place the box on the wooden flooring, so they do not come into contact with the concrete floor. 

If you’re searching for a personal storage solution in the Anchorage Municipality, turn to U-Do Mini Storage. Located in Chugiak-Eagle River, this family-owned storage rental facility has served the community since 1977, providing a range of personal storage solutions for residential and commercial customers. Call (907) 696-3343 to speak with a friendly staff member about how they can help you. Or visit the website to learn more about the units they have available.