Storing delicate items like artwork requires more care than boxing up household goods. Without proper preparation, fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and handling can cause irreversible damage. The best practices focus on three key areas: environmental control, protective packing, and secure handling during transport and storage.
Control the environment
Artwork is sensitive to its surroundings. The most reliable way to protect your pieces is to choose a climate-controlled storage unit. These units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level year round, which prevents canvas from expanding or contracting, paint from cracking, and paper from yellowing or becoming brittle. Look for a unit that stays between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit with relative humidity between 40 and 55 percent. Drive up access units, while convenient for large items, are not recommended for artwork because they expose the contents to outdoor air and temperature swings each time the door opens.
Prepare artwork before storage
Clean and inspect first
Before packing, gently dust each piece with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Inspect for any existing damage such as tears, flaking paint, or loose frames. Note that any repairs should be done by a professional art conservator before storage, as amateur fixes may worsen over time. Remove glass from framed pieces if possible, because glass can trap moisture against the art and cause mold or sticking.
Use archival materials
Standard cardboard boxes contain acids that can leach into artwork over weeks and months. Invest in acid free tissue paper, glassine interleaving sheets, and archival storage boxes for works on paper like prints, photographs, and drawings. For canvas pieces, use acid free foam board or corrugated plastic to create a rigid backing that prevents bending.
Wrap carefully
For framed pieces, wrap the frame first with acid free paper, then cover with a protective layer of bubble wrap. Do not let bubble wrap touch the artwork surface directly, as the bubbles can leave impressions. Use painter tape to secure the wrap, never standard packing tape, which can pull off paint or paper. For unframed canvas on stretcher bars, place sheets of glassine over the front and back, then wrap the entire piece in cardboard or a specialized art carton. Always label each piece with its orientation and content description on the outside.
Plan placement inside the unit
Once inside a climate controlled unit, position artwork carefully. Store pieces upright on their edges, never flat stacked, because the weight of multiple pieces can compress and damage lower items. Use furniture dollies or pallets to keep artwork off the concrete floor even in climate controlled units, as floors can still experience minor moisture or temperature variation. Leave at least two inches of airspace between each piece and any wall to allow airflow. Avoid storing artwork near unit corners or directly under ventilation ducts, where air may be more turbulent.
Vertical storage best practices
- Lean pieces against a padded wall or use adjustable art storage racks if available.
- Place larger and heavier pieces at the back, smaller and lighter ones in front.
- Never store artwork facing glass toward a light source, as UV rays can cause fading.
- If storing multiple pieces in one row, insert a sheet of archival foam board between each to prevent rubbing.
Security and insurance considerations
While environmental control is critical, security protects your investment from theft. Choose a facility with 24 hour surveillance cameras, individually alarmed units, and a secure gate with personal access codes. Note that facility liability typically covers only damage caused by their negligence, not environmental damage or theft from your lock. Many storage leases specifically exclude coverage for art and collectibles. You should check your own homeowners or renters insurance policy to see if it extends to stored artwork, or purchase an inland marine floater policy that specifically covers your pieces while in storage. Always document your artwork with high resolution photographs and keep a detailed inventory of each piece including artist, title, medium, and estimated value.
Long term storage schedule
Even with perfect preparation, artwork should not be stored indefinitely without inspection. Plan to visit your unit every three to four months to check for signs of moisture, pest activity, or shifting. If you notice any musty smells or warping, remove the artwork immediately and reassess your storage environment. For pieces valued above a few thousand dollars, consider storing them with a fine art storage facility that specializes in museum-quality conditions. The extra monthly cost is far less than the cost of restoring a damaged painting or print.
Items to never store with artwork
Keep artwork away from any items that can damage it. Do not store paint, solvents, pesticides, or other chemicals in the same unit. Avoid placing artwork near mattresses, upholstered furniture, or cardboard boxes that can attract pests. Even in climate control, insects and rodents are drawn to organic materials and can cause catastrophic damage. If you must store furniture near art, seal it in plastic covers and place it at least a foot away from any artwork.
Final checklist for art storage
- Use only climate controlled storage units.
- Clean and inspect each piece before packing.
- Pack with acid free materials only.
- Wrap frames in paper then bubble wrap, never letting wrap touch artwork directly.
- Store upright and off the floor on pallets.
- Keep space between pieces and walls for airflow.
- Document condition with photos and inventory list.
- Verify insurance coverage specifically for stored art.
- Inspect every three to four months.
- Avoid storing chemicals or pest attractants in the same unit.
These practices represent general guidelines for protecting delicate artwork in storage. Specific pieces may require professional advice from a conservator, especially if they involve fragile materials like pastels, textiles, or works on vellum. Confirm environmental conditions, security features, and insurance options directly with your chosen facility and your insurance provider before committing to a lease.