Are you an artist or a collector, with too many wonderful pieces that take up too much space? Storing your artwork will keep it safe while making sure your home or studio is tidy. However, since art can be fragile it’s important to store it properly. Here are some tips.
1. Make an inventory
Writing down what artwork you’re putting into storage and what you’re keeping at home or in your studio will help you keep track of the pieces you have. It also help you to keep an eye on changes to the condition of your art because a good inventory includes notes on condition. As well as including a photo, there are a few things you may want to note down about each piece:
- description
- materials
- report of its condition
2. Use a climate-controlled unit
A stable temperature and humidity are essential for certain materials and artworks to prevent damage. Fluctuations in conditions can cause mould, cracks and damage to your artwork. Read our post on climate controlled storage for more detail on the ways a controlled environment keeps items safe.
3. Cleaning and caring for your art
There are a number of things you can do to prepare your art before putting it in to storage. Gently cleaning and wiping the dust off is an important first step but various materials will need different types of care. After cleaning, wrapping your pieces in some sort of material will prevent them from collecting dust. Avoid plastic when doing this as it can trap moisture and opt for a breathable cotton sheet instead. This article from Art Evolution provides lots of information on the ways to clean and care for artworks made from different materials like canvas, glass and ceramics.
4. Organising your artwork in storage
Once you’ve found a storage unit, your pieces will need to be organised well in order to preserve them. Avoid laying pieces against or on top of each other. If you lack space, use padding or painting racks to ensure they don’t touch.
5. Insure your art
Art can be fragile and precious, especially if it has been made by you! You’ll want to make sure your items are protected, and you can do this by insuring them when in storage. Costs of hiring a storage unit can vary depending on the provider. The best way to find out is to get three quotes from different companies and decide for yourself. Some units may not automatically come with insurance for your goods but you can always outsource it. At Store and Insure, we only charge a daily rate for the actual period of time your goods are in store. If you like the sound of that – get a quote from us today!
The artistic value of safe storage
Storing your items in a self-storage unit means the value of your artwork is protected until the day you sell it or choose where to place it in your home.
