Packing up everything you own and moving it, whether across the country or into a self-storage facility down the street, is never fun. While items like mattresses and off-season clothes can handle a little neglect, other belongings need to be treated with care. Here are a few tips on how to pack up some of the trickier pieces you may own.
1. Artwork
Whether your framed art is a cheap concert poster or a limited edition piece, you need to take care when packing it up for storage. The key similarity between the two is glass. If the glass on your framed picture breaks, it will damage the artwork inside, cutting and scratching the surface as it falls within the frame. The easiest way to protect your art is to use packaging tape (or any strong tape) to create an 'X' on the surface of the glass. This does not prevent breakage but rather holds the glass in its original position if it does break, saving the artwork.
If the glass does break, do not touch anything. Take the entire package to your local frame shop and ask them to replace the glass.
Art on canvas is just as tricky. While there is no glass to contend with, nothing is protecting the canvas from outside forces. Canvas, particularly older canvases, are susceptible to dents and gouges. Art on canvas needs to be sandwiched between two sturdy pieces of cardboard to prevent the canvas from being dented by an errant elbow or pierced by a loose object on the moving truck.
Art on canvas can be repaired, but the cost to have a conservationist repair a damaged canvas can be excessive. A repair may also affect the future value of your piece.
2. Televisions
Bulky picture tube television sets have gone the way of the Western and their lighter, streamlined cousins have taken their place. While plasma and LCD screens are significantly lighter to carry, their increased overall size makes them incredibly unwieldy.
The best option for packing, storing, or moving a flat-screen is to save the original box and packing material. Being able to just slip everything back into place is not only safe but also convenient. Barring that, you can purchase a box specifically designed for moving flat-screen televisions from your local self-storage facility or neighborhood, big-box hardware store. These high-end boxes often come with added interior padding to protect your high-end television and are adjustable to accommodate a variety of sizes.
3. Grandfather Clocks
While artwork and flat-screen televisions are tough to move into a self-storage unit, nothing tops the complexity of moving a grandfather clock. If you have a free-standing clock, like a grandfather clock, the first step to preparing it for transport is to remove the glass. Like your artwork, glass can damage the clock itself if it breaks. Take the fragile panels out, wrap them well, and move them separately.
Additionally, you need to secure the inner working of the clock. The weights and pendulum need to be removed and packaged well in a separate box. Any additional cables should be secured with tape or string to prevent them from becoming tangled. If your grandfather clock has a removable top section, separate it from the base and wrap it securely with bubble wrap or a moving blanket.
All of the above items need to be transported and stored standing upright. Your artwork, television, and clock all experience stress when they are stored flat on their backs. Be sure to label the packaging material or box well so that everyone knows which way is up. Take your time and wrap everything well to ensure a successful move. For more information, go to websites hosted by self-storage facilities.
Isn't it amazing how your collections of items can grow, even without you thinking about it? One day, you're sitting in a clean, clutter-free home, and the next you're surrounded by extra clothing and decorations you have nowhere to store. Storage units and other storage services are changing to meet the ever-evolving needs of homeowners who have more than they can comfortably fit in their homes. On this website, we offer tips to help you better utilize those storage services, freeing up the space in your home. Whether you're storing off-season decorations or your extra craft supplies, we have the tips to help you do it better.