If you own an expensive painting and need to place it temporarily in a self-storage unit, you should know that properly preserving it is key to ensuring that it remains in pristine condition for the long haul. This guide equips you with strategies for storing expensive paintings in storage units.

Clean And Securely Package The Painting

Before packing your painting for self-storage, be sure to give it a good dusting to remove any dirt and debris from the surface. Accumulated dirt can damage the painting, so you'll want to keep it as clean as possible before packing. Protect the edges of the frame with cardboard and wrap the painting in specialised acid-free paper to prevent any chemical residue from interfering with the paint. Acid-free paper is specially constructed to protect artwork and documents in self-storage units. Cover the entire frame with cardboard to ensure that it doesn't get damaged while the painting sits in the self-storage unit. Place the painting in a cardboard box and secure it with crushed acid-free paper to ensure that it doesn't move in transit or while it sits in the storage unit.

Choose A Temperature Controlled Secure Self-Storage Unit

Paintings typically need low humidity and cool temperatures to remain undamaged, so be sure to choose a climate controlled secure self-storage unit. If you're not sure about the specific temperature and humidity, be sure to consult with an art consultant to protect your expensive painting from damage. Fore instance, temperature fluctuations may cause tremendous harm to oil-based paintings, so a climate controlled storage unit will be ideal because the temperature remains constant.

Pay Close Attention To Self-Storage Unit Placement

Once your painting is in the self-storage unit, you must pay close attention to how you lay it down. Place the painting in the standing position in the storage unit to avoid accidentally stepping on it. You'll also want to prevent other items from falling and damaging it inside. Do not place anything near the painting to give it enough room to breathe. Any item that comes into contact with the painting has the potential to damage it, so your best bet is to store it as far as possible from other components. Keep in mind that while it is fine to store your painting with other items, you must give it enough room to prevent high-priced damage later.

If you're planning to place your expensive painting in the self-storage unit for the short or long term, follow these strategies to ensure minimal damage.