How to Store Your Pictures and Paintings

Moving homes can be a whirlwind of emotions. While there’s the excitement of beginning a new chapter, there’s also the overwhelming task of packing up memories, especially our cherished pictures and paintings. Knowing how to store your pictures and paintings correctly is crucial to ensuring that these precious items remain intact and unharmed during the transition. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices and tools to safely store your artwork and memories, making your moving journey a tad bit smoother. Also, if you find the right moving and storage Columbus Ohio, it will be even simpler.

Prepare your pictures and paintings for storage

Before you begin packing, ensure that your pictures and paintings are clean. Use a soft brush to remove any dust or debris from the surface. Also, avoid direct contact with plastic. While plastic can protect your artwork from moisture, direct contact can sometimes lead to condensation. Always use acid-free paper as a layer between your artwork and any plastic materials. Of course, you can always use packing services to pack your pictures and paintings properly.

Avoid chemical cleaners

Artworks, particularly paintings, are delicate and can easily be damaged by inappropriate cleaning methods. Household cleaners, which are often filled with harsh chemicals, solvents, and abrasives, can deteriorate the colors, texture, and longevity of the artwork’s surface. They may leave residues, cause discoloration, or even penetrate the canvas, leading to irreversible damage. While it’s tempting to restore a seemingly dull or dirty artwork to its former glory, it’s essential to resist using everyday cleaning products. If an artwork truly needs cleaning or restoration, seeking the expertise of a professional conservator is imperative. They have the skills, knowledge, and specialized tools to ensure the piece is cleaned safely and effectively, preserving its intrinsic and sentimental value.

Consider the environment before you store your pictures and paintings

The environment in which you store artworks plays a pivotal role in their longevity. When preparing pictures and paintings for storage or transportation, maintaining a consistent room temperature is paramount. Fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on various art mediums. They cause canvases to tighten or slacken and materials like paint or ink to crack or peel. The ambient temperature can induce these materials to undergo expansion and contraction, which over time, can lead to structural weaknesses and visible deterioration. For that reason, using climate controlled storage is the best option.

Equally crucial is the moisture content of the environment. Moisture is an artwork’s silent adversary. Damp or humid conditions can promote the growth of mold and mildew on the canvas, paper, and even the frame, leading to discoloration and degradation of the artwork. Spaces like basements or attics, notorious for their humidity fluctuations and lack of proper ventilation, should be avoided. Instead, keep artworks in spaces where you can control both temperature and humidity. This is crucial when you want to store your pictures and paintings.

Saving memories is worth the extra effort

Moving is never a simple task, but when it comes to our precious memories, it’s worth the extra effort to ensure they’re safely transported. By following the above steps on how to store your pictures and paintings, you can rest easy knowing that your cherished artworks will arrive at your new home in the same condition they left the old one. Find the proper storage services, and remember, preparation is key. A little extra care can make a world of difference in preserving the pieces that mean the most to you.