Even if you don’t use a professional art storage facility to store your collection of antiques, there’s no reason you can’t make your home antique storage look like a museum depository. We have a few tips to help you do this effortlessly and with pleasure.
Professional Antique Storage at Home: A Short Guide
A profound organization is what distinguishes a museum storage facility from an ordinary warehouse of things (albeit expensive ones).
The first step is to make a detailed inventory of all the items in your collection. This is important for, at least, two reasons. First, in order to organize items inside the storage, you should divide them by type and material. Second, you will need this list to easily find the items on the shelves or art rack system when you need them. Create an inventory that includes descriptions, photos, location, and, if necessary, a condition report.
Then you can start planning the storage system. Professional art handlers recommend using specific storage constructions for each type of artwork. For three-dimensional items, such as ceramics and glass, simple shelving would suffice. Ideally, one section of a shelf is used for one item. That way, when you need to handle one of the items, you will not accidentally touch or damage other items that are nearby. For flat, framed items such as paintings, drawings, and prints, it’s advisable to use an art rack storage system. Such a system allows you to store artwork vertically, reducing many risks of damage, from stretching to tearing. For unframed paper-based items, you can use cardboard tubes that can be stored both vertically and horizontally.
Now it’s time to place the items in their designated locations. But first, you’ll need to pack them properly. Each type of antiques requires a special type of packing. For long-term storage, it’s better to pack particularly fragile items in custom wooden crates. But be warned: only professional carpenters can build them, so you’ll need to order them separately. For less fragile and valuable items, a layer of acid-free paper, a few layers of bubble wrap, and a sturdy cardboard box are often sufficient. Congratulations: now you have an antique storage at home that looks like a museum one.
In case you are still considering professional storage for your priceless antiques, Fine Art Shippers is here to help. Contact us by phone or email for more details.