How to Store Ceramics and Pottery

The best way to store ceramics and pottery is to keep each piece clean, cushioned, and in an environment where it won’t be bumped or stressed. Your pottery deserves a little extra care when it’s time to pack away.

Clean Before You Pack

Before you pack even a single mug or vase, give each piece a gentle cleaning. Dust and dirt can scratch glazes or attract moisture over time, so wipe everything with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners. Plain water or a mild dish soap (for glazed pieces) works best. Once everything’s dry, you’re ready to organize and stash your collection like an expert.

Wrap and Cushion Each Piece

Ceramics and pottery don’t like hard knocks, so cushioning is your best friend. Start with a sturdy box—plastic bins work well since they resist moisture and can be neatly stacked. Line the bottom with bubble wrap or soft packing paper. Wrap each piece individually, giving special attention to handles, spouts, and rims. For large bowls or jars, stuff the inside with paper to help them keep their shape.

When placing items in the box, heavier pieces go on the bottom, lighter ones on top. Add extra padding between layers so they don’t touch or clink together.

What’s the Best Place to Store Ceramics?

Ceramics like calm, steady conditions. Fluctuating temperatures or damp spots can stress the material and glazes. A storage unit with indoor conditions offers the right kind of environment to help your pottery stay in great shape all year long.

Label Boxes Clearly

When you’re done packing, label each box clearly. If you’re organizing a larger collection, jot down an inventory list. It’ll make unpacking or rotating your decor a breeze when you’re ready to spruce up your space again.

Leave Room for Your Boxes

Stacking boxes too tightly can cause pressure cracks, especially with heavier loads. Leave a bit of breathing room between boxes, and don’t overload shelves. It’s worth reserving just a little extra space now to avoid heartache later.

Store Your Pottery with Confidence

Storing ceramics and pottery doesn’t have to be tricky. It’s mostly about keeping them clean, cushioned, and in a steady environment. Public Storage makes it easy to reserve a unit and pack away your pieces with confidence. With a little organization and a touch of care, your handmade mugs, floral vases, and clay creations will be ready and waiting when you’re inspired to put them back on display.

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.