Storage Tips for Art, Mirrors and Wall Hangings

It is truly amazing how much stuff people accumulate. Most of it we see everyday in our homes, but pay no mind to it really. We just know that it is supposed to be there. Now take the pictures, mirrors and other things we hang on walls. If we decided to move or renovate, and had to pack them all up in boxes, we would be shocked at how many boxes we need. And, like everything else in your home, these items should be packed with care, especially if they have glass covers, are family heirlooms, or are considered expensive artwork.

Never Pack Art or Mirrors Lying Down

When you place art, by way of prints or pictures in a box, it is never a good idea to lie the pieces down. They are supposed to stand up, as if they were hanging on the wall, for several reasons. First, when laying down, the frames bow and ultimately devalue the piece. Second, when other things are placed on top, the glass coverings could easily break. Third, if the piece is a mirror, the glass mirror can bend and snap. All art, mirrors and other fragile wall hangings should slide into the box side by side like books on a shelf. Of course, each piece will be properly wrapped, first.

Use Specialty Boxes

For really big mirrors or very expensive pieces, it is often better to pack them alone. Professional movers have special boxes that are flatter than normal packing boxes. For example, the box that best suits one mirror might be four inches in depth and four feet long by two feet wide. If this is not quite long enough, two can be taped together very easily and conveniently to make one storage box. Also, if the piece is heavy, it will be better in its own box so that it does not damage the other smaller and lighter pieces.

Moisture Resistant Corrugated Boxes

If you own very expensive artwork, you will need to store the pieces in boxes that are guaranteed to be moisture resistant. Further, the boxes should have been tested and rated for a particular poundage. This means that if something accidentally falls on top of the box holding the painting, the box does not buckle, tear, crease or receive any damage at all. It should remain intact for the weight that it is rated. In other words, if the rating is three hundred pounds, then something of that same weight or less should be able to sit on the box without causing any damage.

Wad Up Packing Paper On Bottoms, Sides and Tops

Before placing the pictures, mirrors or artwork into boxes, be sure to crumple up some packing paper (which is sometimes referred to as blank newsprint) on the bottom of the box, around the sides, and the top before taping closed to make a cushion for the items. The paper will also absorb some of the shock if the box is hit in transit.

All Boxes Marked Fragile

Be sure to clearly and boldly mark fragile on the outside of the boxes.

Check Insurance Policy

Make sure your art insurance policy is up-to-date and the insurer has adequate photos of the expensive pieces.