Maybe you’re moving to a new home and need temporary storage. Maybe you’re going to be deployed out of the country for a while. Whatever your reason, you need to know how to store artwork in a storage unit.

We’ve created this guide to show you how to store your artwork properly. Art requires more care and preparation than many other items people put away in storage units. But your artwork will be safe and sound if you follow our instructions – and use our self-storage solution

WheeKeep is the #1 choice for storage in Saudi Arabia. You get peace of mind knowing your valuable, treasured art is in a secure, climate-controlled facility – so when you pick it back up, it’s as good as you left it.

We know the best way to store artwork of all types and take care of your most valuable items as if they were ours. Count on us now for all your artwork storage unit needs in Saudi Arabia.

Why WheeKeep is the #1 Choice for an Artwork Storage Unit

What’s the best way to store artwork? Starting with the right storage unit, of course. That’s why Saudi Arabia collectors and homeowners choose WheeKeep! We know how to store artwork in a storage unit safely and securely.

We bring our portable storage container to your home or business. You load it up and we take it back to our facility. And if you are planning an outdoor exhibition or want to have constant access to your art, you can use our on site storage container.

Will you be moving shortly? WheeKeep can bring a moving storage container to your door. You fill it up with your items and we deliver it to your new location. We can even take it back to our facility and keep it for you.

Expanding your gallery and need a place to hold your items? WheeKeep is your best choice for business storage. We can take care of your most delicate art in our climate-controlled artwork storage units. Learn more about the WheeKeep difference below.

Climate-Controlled Units Across Saudi Arabia

Climate-controlled storage isn’t just the best way to store artwork. It’s the only way to store art safely. Heat and moisture changes can destroy wood, canvas, and paper. They can also discolour photographs and crack paint.

We offer climate-controlled storage space at all of our locations. Count on us to give your art the care it deserves.

Secure and Private Storage for High-Value Items

You close your artwork storage unit with your own lock. Only you have access to the inside of your container. We keep your things safe with security guards, 24/7 closed-circuit footage, and a state-of-the-art fire alarm system.

But as we noted in our blog about what not to put in a storage unit, we recommend against putting irreplaceable treasures in one of our containers. If you own a van Gogh or a Renoir, make arrangements to keep it in a locked vault or a specialized repository.

Flexible Sizing and Storage Solutions For Your Artwork

Art collections come in all different sizes. That’s why we offer three different artwork storage unit solutions.

• Small: 2.5m x 1.5m x 2.5m
• Medium: 2.5m x 1.5m x 3.6m
• Large: 2.5m x 2.5m x 3.6m

Because art is fragile, we recommend that you order a larger container in marginal cases. Giving your collection plenty of room is the best way to store artwork. Tightly packed items are more prone to damage.

Our storage space calculator and our friendly customer support team will help you find the best storage container for your needs.

Take the Next Step Today!

WheeKeep offers a professional sanctuary for your collection. We know that your art collection is irreplaceable. Our team has the knowledge and skill to keep your artworks safe from Saudi Arabia’s heat, humidity, and dust with our climate-controlled storage solutions.

Don’t put your valuable art in the hands of just any storage company. Contact WheeKeep to discuss your collection’s needs. We’ll set up an ideal storage space that will preserve your heirlooms for generations to come. Call today!

How Do You Store Artwork in a Storage Unit? Tips on the Best Way to Store Artwork

Now you’ve found the best artwork storage unit. Follow these pointers on how to store artwork in a storage unit to make sure your collection stays pristine.

Understand the Type of Artwork You’re Storing

Before you decide on how to store artwork in a storage unit, you need to consider the type of artwork you’re storing. Here are some recommendations for various forms of art:

• Oil and acrylic canvas paintings on canvas are temperature-sensitive. Extreme cold makes paint brittle, while excessive heat softens it. Keep them in climate-controlled spaces.
• Artworks on paper are vulnerable to humidity. Moist air can lead to mold growth, “foxing” (brown spots) and paper warping. Store them in dry spaces in archival-quality folders.
• Photos can fade, crack, or stain if not properly stored. Use archival-quality photo sleeves, albums, and boxes.
• Humidity can wreak havoc on statues. Wood sculptures can swell, warp, and crack. Metal statues can corrode or rust in a damp environment. Make sure you keep them in a space where they won’t be exposed to moisture changes.
• Ceramics and glass are humidity-resistant, but they’re very fragile so pack them carefully.

Choose the Right Packing Materials

Make sure you always use archival paper and mats when putting away paper artworks. See our guide on how to store books in a storage unit for more information. Archival paper will protect pastel or charcoal drawings from smudging or smearing.

Bubble wrap is a great choice for protecting a ceramic pot. But don’t use plastic wrap on paintings, as it can trap moisture and damage the surface.

Clean and Prep Your Artwork

Put each artwork atop a clean, soft blanket or sheet. Whisk away dust on statues or framed art under glass. Consider having valuable items on paper or canvas cleaned or packed by an art professional.

Keep Artwork Upright and Elevated

Store paper artwork flat in archival boxes to prevent slumping and creasing. Keep those boxes elevated off the floor atop a plastic tarp or wooden pallet to avoid floor moisture.

Store canvas paintings vertically as if they were on a gallery wall. Keep them in custom-built crates or mirror boxes so nothing rests on and damages the canvas surface.

Control the Environment Inside Your Unit

Climate-controlled units are mandatory for artwork storage units. They keep temperatures and humidity at safe levels. Your collection will almost certainly suffer serious heat and moisture damage if you place it in a standard storage container.

Label and Inventory Everything Clearly

Make an inventory of all the artworks you are putting in storage. Label each artwork box as fragile. Note its contents and the room where it was kept before you stored it. This will help you find the right boxes when you are moving into your new home or gallery.

Check in on Your Artwork Every So Often

Regular visits to your artwork storage unit let you catch problems before they happen.

Final Words on How to Store Artwork in a Storage Unit

That concludes our guide on how to store artwork in a storage unit. Now you know the best way to store artwork. And you know that if you want a company that stands atop the list of the best storage unit companies in Saudi Arabia, you only have one choice — WheeKeep.

We’ve provided artwork storage units to many Saudi home and business owners. Your cherished art will remain safe in our clean, affordable, and secure storage units. Trust WheeKeep with your artworks and with all your self-storage needs!

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to store artwork in a storage unit.

Can you store paintings in a storage unit?

Yes, but you must choose a climate-controlled unit to maintain a stable temperature and humidity. Cover your paintings in a breathable material like cotton sheets or moving blankets and place them vertically in mirror boxes or custom crates.

Should you insure your artwork prior to storing it?

Protect your artwork with a fine art insurance policy or a valuable personal property floater. Get an appraisal and detailed photos of each piece to document its current condition.

Is it better to store art flat or in a folder?

Store art flat in an archival-quality portfolio or solander box. Folders are only suitable for temporary transport.

How to store pictures in a storage unit?

Place photos in acid-free, archival-quality sleeves, albums or boxes. Handle all photos with cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils from your skin.