Tips for Storing Your Art While Moving

The art hanging in your home is probably among your most prized possessions. This means you must take good care of each painting, print, and poster during your upcoming move. Not sure how? Just follow these tips for packing, moving, and storing art correctly.

To learn more about the packing and storage services we offer in DC, please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage at (703) 889-8899!

Prepare Your Art for Storage

The way you prepare and pack your art is a huge part of ensuring its safety during the moving and storage process. Here is how we recommend packing artwork:

• Dust the art with a soft feather duster or microfiber cloth. If the art is framed and protected with glass, spray it with glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and grime.

• Cover canvas artwork and unframed pieces with a sheet of acid-free tissue paper.

• Wrap the art tightly with bubble wrap. Make sure you cover the corners adequately.

• Tape the bubble wrap in place with a generous amount of packing tape.

• Assemble two corner picture boxes and slip your artwork into one of the pieces, then slip the other picture box over the opposite corner. If any extra room remains around the edges the box, stick in some wadded-up newspaper.

• Tape the edges of the picture boxes securely.

Extra tip: To prevent paint from sticking or other damage from occurring, pack each piece of art individually.

Choose the Right Storage Location

Ideally, you would pack up your artwork, move it to your new home, and hang each picture back on the wall where you can see and cherish them every day. However, you might be moving somewhere temporarily or waiting for your new home to be completed. If this is the case, you need to store your art safely until you’re ready to retrieve it and hang it back on the wall where it belongs. Here’s what we recommend for storing artwork:

• Choose a climate-controlled location: Avoid placing your art in a friend’s attic or basement because these areas are notorious for temperature fluctuations and humidity extremes. Instead, choose a climate-controlled storage unit where heating, cooling, and humidity control protect your artwork.

• Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays from direct sunlight can fade the color from your artwork, so make sure the storage location is dark.

• Keep art off the floor: Store your artwork on a shelf or other elevated surface on the off chance that your storage unit floods.

• Store art in an upright position: Artwork laid flat could be mistaken for a surface to set a box or other heavy object, which could break the glass or damage the frame. To prevent this, store your art vertically against a wall.

How to Use Archival Storage Boxes Effectively for Smaller Art Pieces

Archival storage boxes provide a reliable way to preserve smaller art pieces like drawings, prints, and photographs. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Choose Acid-Free Materials: Opt for boxes crafted from acid-free materials. These are designed to prevent the chemical reactions that can cause art to deteriorate over time, safeguarding the integrity and longevity of your pieces.

• Ensure Proper Fit: Select boxes that match the size of your artworks closely. A snug fit is crucial to minimize movement, which can lead to damage during handling or transport.

• Check for Durability: The sturdiness of the box is vital. It should not only support the weight of the art but also withstand stacking and environmental changes, such as humidity and temperature fluctuations.

By following these steps, archival storage boxes become an essential tool in maintaining the quality and preservation of smaller art pieces over the long term.

Using Hanging Systems to Safely Display and Store Artwork

When it comes to showcasing artwork while maintaining its safety, versatile hanging systems can be invaluable. These systems come equipped with adjustable hooks and supports, allowing you to effortlessly transition between displaying and storing your pieces. Here’s how they can be used effectively:

• Flexibility in Rotation: With the ability to easily adjust the positioning, these systems enable you to switch out artwork whenever you please. This keeps your display fresh without compromising the integrity of your pieces.

• Damage Prevention: By securely mounting artwork, you minimize the risk of accidental damage during handling. Plus, adjusting hooks ensure that artworks are not subjected to unnecessary strain.

• Avoiding Environmental Hazards: Proper placement is key. Be sure to position the artwork away from direct sunlight and damp locations. This prevents fading and moisture damage, preserving the artwork’s condition over time.

By careful planning and the right setup, hanging systems offer both aesthetic appeal and functional protection for your cherished art pieces.

Storing Sketchbooks and Large Paper Artworks

To ensure your sketchbooks and large paper artworks remain in pristine condition, it’s important to store them correctly. Here’s a concise guide:

Sketchbook Storage

• Positioning: Store sketchbooks upright on a shelf, similar to books. This helps maintain their shape and keeps pages from warping.
• Protection: If possible, keep them in a dust-free environment to prevent page deterioration over time.

Large Paper Artwork Storage

• Horizontal Storage: Large paper pieces should be laid flat. Use drawers, portfolios, or shelving designed for wide, flat items to avoid bending and creasing.
• Archival Materials: Opt for archival-quality boxes or portfolios for an additional layer of protection. Brands like Itoya offer popular and affordable archive solutions.
• Sunlight and Temperature: Ensure these items are kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to reduce the risk of fading and damage.

Additional Tips

• Interleaving: Use acid-free interleaving paper to separate individual works. This prevents them from sticking to one another and guards against accidental markings or smudges.
• Humidity Control: Maintain a stable environment where humidity levels do not fluctuate drastically, as this can cause paper to expand or contract.

Following these guidelines will help preserve your artworks for future enjoyment and presentation.

How to Utilize Unused Spaces in Your Home for Artwork Storage

Finding creative storage solutions in your home can preserve your artwork while optimizing space. For smaller homes or studios, making the most of underutilized areas is essential. Here’s how you can transform overlooked spaces into efficient storage for your art collection:

Transform Hidden Spaces

Your home likely has more storage potential than you realize. Consider these areas:

• Coat Closets and Hallways: Reorganize these spaces by installing narrow shelves or hooks to hold canvases and frames.
• Under-Furniture Spaces: Slide flat pieces beneath beds or sofas. Use a protective cover to keep them dust-free.
• Above-Door Shelves: Utilize the high wall space often left empty by installing shelves above doorways.

Repurpose and Reclaim Rooms

Rooms that see little use can be revamped:

• Convert Spare Rooms: Turn an unused guest room or office into a dedicated art storage room with shelving units or art racks.
• Optimize Formal Dining Areas: Use dining room walls for vertical storage or install custom cabinets for a sleek, hidden storage solution.

Use the Garage and Basement Wisely

While these are less traditional options, they can work wonders if prepared correctly:

• Garage Transformations: With the right conditions—such as a climate-controlled environment—garages can be perfect for storing art. Make sure the space is clean and free from pests or water hazards.
• Basement Considerations: If your basement is dry and well-maintained, it can host a series of storage options. Ergonomic shelving along walls can maximize storage without compromising accessibility.

Get Creative and Ask for Help

Sometimes, reaching out to family can provide unexpected solutions:

• Borrow Extra Closet Space: If you’re close with family or friends, see if they have extra storage space they’re willing to lend.
• Custom Solutions: Consider custom cabinetry or bespoke shelving if you need specific dimensions or capacities.

By efficiently using these often-overlooked areas, you’ll keep your artwork safe, organized, and ready for display or sale. Ensure each chosen space remains dry and clean, protecting it from potential damage.

Arrange Packing & Storage Services in the DC Area

When it’s time to move, you have much more to pack than just your artwork. Call on Georgetown Moving and Storage for full-service or partial-service packing as you prepare for the big move. Our experienced movers are very knowledgeable when it comes to packing fragile items like artwork and oversized framed photographs.

Then, if you need somewhere to store your art—whether short-term or long-term—we have the solutions you’re looking for. With climate-controlled storage warehouses in Washington, DC; Arlington, VA; Alexandria, VA; and Landover, MD, you can choose the most convenient location to store your art and other belongings. Store with us, and we’ll discuss your needs and budget to ensure you end up with a solution that works best for you.

For more information about our packing and storage services, please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage at (703) 889-8899!