Packing paintings can be tricky, especially when you’re in the middle of decluttering or preparing for a relocation. To keep your artwork safe, proper packing is essential. Start by gathering the right materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. Box storage is a great option, providing extra protection for your paintings. If you’re storing them for a long time, consider using self-storage units or utility lockers to keep them secure and away from potential damage.
These facilities offer climate control, ensuring your paintings stay in good condition. Whether you’re moving to a new home or just need to clear some space, packing your paintings carefully will help prevent any scratches, tears, or other damage. With the right approach, you can protect your valuable artwork during any transition, keeping it ready to display when you settle in.
How to Pack Paintings – An Overview
When trying to transport art material and antiques, there are several risks involved. The most obvious ones are breakage, tears, impacts, smudges, loose, and missing parts. These are the most common mishappenings that can occur. While transporting, especially in sticky and humid weather, it is also essential to take care of handling to save the antiques and paintings from being etched with fingerprints. The polished surfaces are more susceptible to these.
Apart from these, skin contact, eating, smoking, and domestic chemicals can also cause stains and marks. Keep the material away from pets and direct heat or sunlight. Self Storage is an excellent option as the different units are usually devoid of sunlight and direct heat so you can store your priceless objects with ease. The key is to exercise maximum precaution when around these exquisite materials.
Adopt the following steps while packing
1. Minimize human contact: this is the first step that you can take to protect your paintings, antiques, and other artwork. Create a barrier between you and the antiques while packing.
2. Wrap-up in plastic: use plastic wrappers to wrap the paintings and antiques. The plastic wrap will help to protect the finish and surface of the antiques and keep them clean. Fragile items and antiques with mirrors should be wrapped carefully with protective wrapping like bubble wrap. To have a higher level of security and safety, use Styrofoam packing and boxes.
3. Use small boxes: place the well-wrapped antiques and paintings in a close-fitting box of cardboard. Try to use appropriately sized boxes to avoid damage due to in-transit shaking. If you do not want to use boxes, opt for a cardboard sheet covering. For packing large paintings and fragile items, there are also specially designed boxes available in the market at any typical supply store. You could use these boxes available for storing antique lamps, historical clothing, paintings, and other hard-to-pack valuable items. Mark “fragile” to caution the onlookers!
4. Prefer dense packing material: the thick packing material will ensure that there are no empty spaces left. You could also take the help of bubble-wrap and avoid the bouncing of jars and heavy materials while on the go. After ensuring no empty spaces exist, seal the entire box with packing tape.
Transport the antiques with care
Once you have successfully packed all your antiques, paintings, and decorations, transporting them is the next big task. Make sure to store them vertically as laying them flat would increase the chances of them falling, especially the paintings. Laying your pieces flat, also prevents the valuables from tipping over and collapsing under their weight. If you must arrange your artwork flat, slide it against other solid stuff, which can prevent it from flipping on the way. You could also take the help of blankets, sheets, and pillows for extra cushioning.
If you do not want to drive the stuff yourself, hire efficient and reliable movers. Self Storage India has its team of movers and packers who can help you with transporting these valuables safely to the unit. Other professional carriers have different rates and standards for shipping. These rates are calculated with regard to the size and weight of the parcel. Use the online calculator on their website to compare their prices.
Keep the antiques in a self storage unit
In case you feel that the time isn’t appropriate yet to shift your valuables, you can always opt for keeping them in self storage units. If you plan to store your antiques and paintings for an extended period, take professional help. These are clean and secure units. They facilitate smooth relocation as you can save your items safely. Apart from providing peace of mind, the convenience that they offer is unparalleled.
A self storage unit is an excellent way to store your valuables.
However, there are some things you must keep in mind when choosing a unit and preparing your valuables. Adopt the following strategies for making the most of a storage place:
A. Choose a site that is neither damp nor dry. It always works well to choose an area that has a consistent temperature and moderate humidity.
B. Do not forget the valuables in the storage. It is easy to keep your valuables in a storage unit and then completely forget about them. The problem here lies in the fact that the potential hazards cannot be remedied if you do not check on your items every few months. It is essential to keep a check for any damages that, might occur due to rodents or moisture or any other factors.
C. Try to use space effectively. While storing your priceless objects, it is a common habit that people tend to save the antiques one on top of the other. When you store items one on top of another, it is potentially very harmful, as the weight of one of them could damage the other one lying underneath.
Paintings, antiques, and decoration pieces are valuable and exquisite. While relocating it would be heartbreaking to see them damaged through careless handling of any of these. It is, therefore, best to practice precautionary measures and plan a safe move!
Final Words
In conclusion, properly packing and storing your paintings is crucial to preserving their beauty and value. Whether you’re relocating, decluttering, or simply need extra space, using self-storage is a smart choice for safeguarding your artwork. Self-storage units, particularly those with climate control, provide an ideal environment to protect paintings from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and potential damage.
These units offer a secure space, away from daily household activities, reducing the risk of accidental damage. Additionally, self-storage allows you to declutter your living space while keeping your artwork easily accessible for future display. Utility lockers can also be an excellent option for smaller paintings or less frequently accessed pieces.
By choosing self-storage, you’re ensuring that your paintings remain in pristine condition, ready to be enjoyed for years to come. It’s a practical and effective solution for anyone looking to protect their valuable artwork during times of transition or limited space.
FAQs
A1: You’ll need bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and a sturdy box that fits your painting.
A2: Cover the front with a layer of glassine paper or clean packing paper to avoid scratches.
A3: It’s best to keep the painting in its frame for added protection during packing.
A4: Wrap the painting in bubble wrap, securing the edges with tape to keep it snug.
A5: Use a sturdy, corrugated box slightly larger than the painting to allow for padding.
A6: It’s safer to pack each painting in its own box to avoid damage from contact.
A7: Self-storage offers a secure, climate-controlled space, perfect for protecting paintings from damage.
A8: Climate control prevents temperature and humidity fluctuations that can damage your artwork.
A9: Yes, labeling the box as “Fragile” and noting the contents will help ensure careful handling.
A10: Utility lockers are small storage units ideal for safely storing smaller paintings or less frequently used artwork.
