Whether you are moving to another city or just a couple blocks away, it is tough. Especially when you have to pack your belongings. Which can be very stressful. If you have to move and store valuable artwork, you can either hire professionals or do it by yourself. And for some things you don’t use very often, you need to find storage Chicago. If you are about to move and store valuable artwork by yourself there is a lot of things you need to consider.
First of all, you need to use the right supplies, which is crucial in preventing damage to your beloved artwork. Then you need to pack it properly and load it onto the moving truck with caution in order to prevent damage. However, if you don’t have the time to pack it on your own you can check furniture movers Chicago who will pack it for you. Be sure to check that out!
If you want to move and store valuable artwork, choose the right supplies
We don’t need to mention how important this is when you want to move and store valuable artwork. Choosing the right supplies will guarantee protection during packing and transportation.
For moving framed art, buying mirror boxes also known as art boxes is really going to pay off! If your moving budget allows it of course. Be sure that the boxes are few inches bigger on all sides than your frames. That way you will have enough room to additionally pad the box for more protection. If you can’t afford them, you can pack your artwork with the regular cardboard boxes. Flatten them out and tape multiple boxes together until they make the shape you need.
You will need the following materials if you want to do it by yourself:
- Bubble bags are essential if you want to move and store valuable artwork
- Blue painter’s tape
- Glassine paper
- Packing paper
- Tape
- Packing peanuts
In case your framed art is covered by glass in the frame, you should first protect the glass. Blue painter’s tape will do the job in this case. Place a big X on the glass. Both strips of tape should run from one corner of the glass to the opposite one without touching the frame. This way the glass won’t shatter. If there’s no glass in the frame use glassine paper to cover the entire piece of art and frame. This will keep your watercolor and acrylic pieces safe. Remember this, don’t use newspaper, or wax paper because it can harm the art. You don’t need to panic if you cannot afford the glassine paper, just use bubble bags. Be sure to wrap the entire art and tape it, that way it will be secured.
Pack it the right way
Now that your artwork is protected, you can prepare the box in which you will store it. Fill the box with packing paper first, then lower the artwork in the box. Fill all the left space with packing paper to additionally secure it. Always label your artwork boxes so you or your movers will know how to deal with it.
When the moving day comes you should load it with care. The boxes should always stand on the side, never flat and one on another! It’s a bigger chance that they will get damaged when put flat than on the side! Also, place them between heavy items so they won’t move during the transport. And be sure to not place other boxes on top of them! You can also check the US Moving experts if you don’t have time to do it on your own! Those are the key things you should pay attention to.
If your move requires temporary storage of your artwork, you have to really be careful how to store them! The most important factor will be the climate. Sudden changes in temperature and humidity are your artwork’s biggest nightmare! It can cause the canvas to stretch, or tighten which will lead the paint to flake over time. High humidity will bring mold, and that is something you, unfortunately, cannot repair! You can occasionally take them out of the boxes, to prevent moisture problems. When choosing storage for your artwork, be sure that it has climate control to maintain a steady temperature and humidity levels. If you have a very valuable art collection, you should store it at a dedicated art storage facility.
Don’t worry if you have sculptures
Sculptures come in all shapes and sizes. This means that each piece is unique and you have to adapt your packing methods. You will need bubble bags, plastic wrap, moving boxes, and packing paper. Also, keep in mind that the number of supplies will depend on the size of the sculptures. Pay attention to the arms and legs on the sculptures, since they are more fragile than the torso and require special care when packing. Cover the entire sculpture in plastic wrap. Then cut the bubble bag and wrap it around the weak points. After you do that, for additional security, cover the entire piece in bubble bags.
You can fit the small sculptures in a moving box. Don’t forget to add the packing paper for extra padding. If you have a large sculpture that won’t fit in a moving box, use a wooden crate. When you pack them in the moving truck, make sure to place them so they won’t move around. And don’t put other boxes on top of them!
When you have to move and store valuable artwork, you always have the option to choose. You can do it yourself with the tips and tricks above. However, if you don’t have the time for it, you can always hire professionals to do it for you. They will take good care, and ensure that your belongings are safely packed and transported to your new home.
