Storing Art in a Self-Storage Unit: What to Know Before You Store Your Masterpieces

If you’re an artist, a curator or simply someone who likes art, then you’re probably familiar with the challenges of finding the right storage. Proper art storage is essential for preserving your pieces, whether you’re storing gallery pieces or prints bought on Etsy.

While self-storage units can be an excellent solution, you need the right amenities and the right methods to keep your collection pristine. At Storage Post, the safety and security of your belongings is our top priority. Here are some factors to keep in mind when storing art, as well as some tips to store them correctly and safely.

What to Look for in a Self-Storage Unit

When looking at a self-storage unit for art storage, the top priorities are climate control, security and space.

Climate Control is Crucial

Art is sensitive to environmental changes. Your paintings, sculptures, and drawings can suffer irreversible damage without the right climate conditions. High humidity and fluctuating temperatures can lead to warping, mold, mildew, and deterioration. To prevent this, opt for a climate-controlled storage unit that maintains a stable environment. By keeping both temperature and humidity in check, you significantly reduce the risks of damage. It’s important to know the best practices for storing different mediums. The needs of a painting aren’t the same as those of a photograph. The American Institute of Conservation has some excellent free resources.

Prioritize Security

Your artwork is valuable—not just monetarily but often sentimentally, too. To keep your belongings safe, choose a self-storage facility with strong security measures. At Storage Post, all locations provide gated access, 24/7 security surveillance, and a digital security system. We provide personal access codes that limit access to the facility and help us monitor who comes and goes, providing you and your belongings with an extra layer of security.

Choose the Right Size Unit

When selecting a storage unit, it’s crucial to think about how much space you actually need. Overpaying for a large unit isn’t ideal, but underestimating your space requirements can result in cramped conditions that increase the risk of damaging your artwork. Lack of proper airflow can put your items at higher risk of mold and mildew, even in a climate-controlled environment. Choose a unit size that leaves some breathing room for your pieces and makes it easy to look through them.

Tips for Storing Your Artwork Safely

If you want your art to last, not only do you need to store it in a quality self-storage facility, but you also need to store it correctly. Moisture, sunlight, temperature fluctuations are just a few of the challenges of safely storing art. Follow these tips to keep everything from your flea market finds to your heirloom pieces in peak condition:

• Store artwork vertically, especially if it is framed.
• Avoid stacking artwork. The weight can cause canvases to warp. 
• Leaving space between pieces is preferable. Otherwise, use paper or mat board between pieces. Just make sure it’s acid-free.
• Avoid UV light. Typically, this is not a problem in a self-storage unit, but it is still good to know.
• Label everything. It is not good to touch or move artwork more than necessary. Clear, visible labeling helps you keep track of your collection.
• Keep pieces off the floor. Use a painting rack or shelving to keep items elevated. This way, if water does get into your unit, your art is less likely to be ruined.
• Check on them every once in a while. If a neighboring unit stores something they aren’t supposed to or a pipe bursts in a deep freeze, you want to know about it as soon as possible.
• Do not store high-value pieces in self-storage. Rare and high-value pieces should be kept in a specialized facility to maintain their value and safety. 

Storing art requires more than finding an empty space. If you want your pieces to last, you need to invest in a solution that has the proper environment, security, and amount of space. You also need to use the right methods and materials to keep your pieces from damage. Vertical storage and acid-free paper are must-haves to protect the integrity of your artwork, whether they are curated gallery pieces or treasured keepsakes.