Month: February 2023

While A2 offers transportation and installation services, customers are welcome to drop-off or pick-up their own works! With preparation and planning, artwork can successfully be transported in a personal vehicle. Here are some tips for making sure your art arrives at its destination safely:

Choose the Right Vehicle

Depending on the size and weight of the artwork, you may need to borrow or rent a larger vehicle such as a van or SUV. These vehicles provide more room for the artwork, as well as space for any other items you may need to transport with it.

Get a Plus One

Depending on the size and weight of the artwork, it may be helpful to have someone help load the piece into your vehicle. Remember, it’s better safe than sorry so err on the side of asking for help if you’re concerned for your safety or the safety of the art. If the artwork is coming to A2, we can help you unload it for storage. If traveling to another destination, make sure you have the help you need to safely unload the artwork.

Prepare for the Journey

Before you remove the item from its current location, make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the trip. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle, prep the space with moving blankets or support blocks so it can easily slide in and out of the vehicle. Think about how you’re going to orient the piece – is it going to ride vertically or horizontally?

Pack the Vehicle Carefully

Make sure that the artwork is properly secured. This may mean foam blocks or rolled moving blankets (If transporting the work flat) or using straps or rope (If transporting vertically) so that it won’t move around during the trip.

Plan Your Route

Make sure to plan your route ahead of time, and avoid any roads that are particularly bumpy or might be under construction. Additionally, it’s important to drive slowly and carefully. Avoid any sudden stops, starts, or turns that could throw the artwork around and cause damage. Depending on the length of your trip, take care of minor errands (Such as eating or getting gas) prior to beginning your trip. You want to leave your vehicle unattended as little as possible!

Following these tips will help ensure your artwork arrives safely at its destination! Feeling unsure about packing and transporting your art or other items? Contact us to learn more about how A2 Art Storage & Services can help help with all your packing and transporting needs!

Antique furniture is a valuable asset, and proper storage is essential to preserving its beauty and value. When not in use or on display in the home, storing antique furniture can be a tricky process, but with a few tips, you can keep your investment safe and sound.

Choose the Right Location

Make sure the space you choose for storage is dry and away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause cracking, fading, and warping of wood or fabric. Choose a location that is free from any moisture or extreme temperatures. If possible, choose a storage location with both temperature and humidity control. Temperature and humidity control are important for antique furniture as extreme temperatures and humidity levels can cause warping, cracking, and other structural damages to the wood. Additionally, too much humidity can cause mold growth and other damages to the furniture’s finish. Temperature extremes can also cause the wood to expand and contract, leading to further structural damage. Proper temperature and humidity control can help preserve the antique furniture and protect its value.

Cover and Wrap

Cover your furniture with sheets or blankets to protect it from dust and dirt. Use acid-free tissue paper or packing paper to prevent scratches and dents (Focusing on legs & corners when wrapping).

Use Proper Supports

Place wooden blocks or foam beneath the legs of the furniture to support it and prevent sagging. Make sure to store furniture at least 6 inches off the ground. At A2 Art Storage & Services, we prefer plastic pallets, but wooden pallets work well in a pinch.

Keep Pests Away

To protect your antiques from pests, keep the space you’re storing clean and free from food or crumbs. You should also check for signs of pests from time to time and take appropriate measures if necessary.

Monitor the Environment

Periodically check the storage area for signs of mold or mildew. If these are found, take immediate action to remedy the situation.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your antique furniture is stored safely and remains in excellent condition. With the right storage techniques, your pieces will be preserved for years to come. Ready to move your antique furniture into offsite storage? We have you covered! Contact us to learn more about how A2 Art Storage & Services can help preserve your antique furniture for generations to come!

In the art world, inventory management is an essential part of art ownership. It is important for artists, collectors, and art galleries to keep accurate records of the works they own in order to keep track of their valuable pieces. Learn more about what you can do to protect your collection and where A2 Art Storage & Services can help support you and your collection.

Start with a List

The first step to successful inventory management is to create an accurate list of all the works of art in your collection. This list should include the title, artist, date, medium, and other relevant information about each piece. Make sure to include a picture of the piece unwrapped and a picture of the piece as it’s wrapped for storage. It’s also helpful to keep any relevant paperwork. Note the amount paid for the piece and any other costs associated with it (Did you pay for shipping, framing, conservation, etc.). Create your own cataloging system and assign a unique code to each piece. Place the code on the back of each piece or on the wall nearby. These codes can be cross referenced by a third party if you’re not available to walk someone through your collection. A spreadsheet is a great place to start with this type of information so it’s all in one place and easily accessible.

Keep the List Updated

Once an inventory list has been created, it is important to keep it up to date. This means that any changes made to the pieces stored should be noted, such as when a piece is moved, added, or sold. Keeping accurate records of these changes allows for easy tracking of any pieces so that nothing goes missing. Onsite at A2 Art Storage & Services, we use The Art Logistics Management System (AIMS), an integrated solution for the automation of the core processes of art logistics companies. This barcode based inventory management system allows us to relocate items in our facility in real time so we know where each object is located within the facility. Don’t have that technology at home? No problem, just make sure to note on your spreadsheet if you work makes a significant move.

Store Everything Properly

If some of your objects are headed to storage, inside or outside your home, make sure the pieces are stored in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment, and that they are stored in acid-free boxes or other appropriate protective packaging. Make sure you monitor the storage space overtime for any signs of damage, such as water damage, pests, or other environmental hazards. 

Finally, consider the access needed for your works stored. Store items that you are going to need easier access to in a more accessible location. Use shelving to take advantage of the third dimension of space. Clearly label the work so you can easily identify it within your storage space and document the exact location of the stored work in your spreadsheet.  Without accurate labels on each piece, it can be difficult to find the right work of art in a timely manner.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Inventory management is essential whether your art is on display in your home or stored in a facility. It is important for accurate record keeping, protecting the works of art, and ensuring easy access to the pieces stored. With proper inventory management, artists, collectors, and galleries can ensure that their valuable works of art are stored and tracked safely. 

Feel overwhelmed at the prospect of documenting your collection? A2 Art Storage & Services, we provide comprehensive Collection Management services. This means we can inventory what is currently in your home and/or in storage. During this process, we can also provide comprehensive condition reports on the current status of your items and refer you to local or national resources if your pieces require services such as conservation, reframing or appraisal. Contact Us to learn more about our available services!

Are you interested in learning more about our inventory management and collection management services? Contact Us to learn about our cost-effective options for getting your inventory started!