How Do You Store Picture Frames?

Store picture frames by cleaning each frame, wrapping it individually, and packing frames upright in labeled boxes with cushioning between each piece. Use corner protection for glass-front frames, keep boxes on shelving or another raised surface, and avoid stacking heavy items on top.

Store standard, replaceable frames and wall décor that fit your rental agreement. Keep personally significant photos, original artwork, and hard-to-replace items at home.

Picture Frame Storage Essentials:

• Dust frames and glass with a soft microfiber cloth before packing.
• Apply glass cleaner to the cloth rather than directly to the frame.
• Check backing, hanging hardware, and corners before storage.
• Wrap each frame individually with clean packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Add extra cushioning around glass corners and frame edges.
• Pack frames upright in sturdy boxes with cardboard or foam between pieces.
• Label boxes with contents, sizes, and orientation.
• Keep frame boxes on shelving or another raised surface.
• Do not stack heavy boxes or furniture on frame containers.

Picture Frame Storage at a Glance:

How Should You Clean Picture Frames Before Storage?

Clean picture frames by removing dust from the frame, glass, backing, and hanging hardware with a soft microfiber cloth. Apply any glass-cleaning product to the cloth instead of spraying it directly onto the frame.

Check the corners, backing, and hanging hardware before packing. Tighten loose hardware only when the frame manufacturer’s instructions support it. Let every surface dry fully before wrapping.

How Do You Wrap Picture Frames for Storage?

Wrap picture frames individually with clean packing paper, bubble wrap, or a soft cloth. Add extra padding around corners, especially on frames with glass fronts.

Use this packing process:

1. Place the frame on a clean, flat surface.
2. Cover the front and back with packing paper or bubble wrap.
3. Add corner protectors, cardboard, or folded padding around the edges.
4. Secure the outer wrapping without placing tape directly on the frame.
5. Place the wrapped frame upright in a sturdy box.
6. Add cardboard or foam between each frame.
7. Fill open spaces with packing paper so frames do not shift.

Do not use newspaper, since ink can transfer to frames, mats, and glass.

Should You Store Picture Frames Flat or Upright?

Store picture frames upright in boxes or against a stable interior wall. Upright storage can reduce pressure on the glass and frame edges when each piece is supported and separated.

Do not stack frames flat in tall piles. Weight from other frames or boxes can place pressure on the glass, corners, and backing.

How Should You Label Picture Frame Boxes?

Label picture frame boxes with the contents, size range, destination room, and handling instructions. Write the label on the top and at least two sides of the box.

Use labels such as:

• Frames — 8 x 10 and Smaller
• Living Room — Wall Frames
• Bedroom — Decorative Frames
• Frames — This Side Up
• Frames — Do Not Stack

A simple phone note or spreadsheet can help you track boxes when storing multiple groups of frames.

Should You Use Climate-Controlled Storage for Picture Frames?

Climate-controlled storage can be useful for picture frames made from wood, metal, glass, plastic, or composite materials. High heat and changing humidity can affect wood frames, adhesives, mats, backing materials, and metal hardware. Heat can contribute to warping, fading, or material changes, while humidity can affect wood and metal components over time.

More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units. These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than non-climate-controlled storage.

Wrap frames individually, keep boxes raised on shelving or another stable surface, and store frame containers away from heavy furniture and high-traffic areas.

Where Should You Place Picture Frames in a Storage Unit?

Place picture frame boxes on shelving or another raised surface in a designated décor area. Keep the boxes away from the main walkway and do not place heavy containers on top.

For larger frames, position them upright along a side or back wall with cardboard, foam, or moving blankets between each piece. Keep larger frames supported and easy to retrieve without shifting unrelated household items.

How Should You Check Picture Frames After Storage?

Check picture frames when you are ready to redecorate, move, or rotate home décor. Inspect the wrapping, glass, backing, corners, and hanging hardware before bringing frames home.

Replace damaged packing material before moving the frames. Wipe away any storage dust with a soft cloth and confirm the frame hardware is ready before hanging.

Store Picture Frames With a Clear Plan

Picture frames are easier to store when they are clean, individually wrapped, packed upright, and clearly labeled. Use cushioning around corners, keep boxes off the floor, and avoid placing heavy items on top of frame containers.

Find a Public Storage location near you to reserve climate-controlled space for replaceable picture frames, wall décor, furniture, and household items while you move, redecorate, or organize your home.

A clear frame-storage system makes the next home refresh easier to begin.

Picture Frame Storage FAQs

Can you store picture frames in a storage unit?
Yes. Store standard, replaceable picture frames after cleaning and wrapping them individually. Pack frames upright in labeled boxes with cushioning between each piece.

How do you keep picture frames from breaking in storage?
Wrap each frame with packing paper or bubble wrap, add corner protection, and pack frames upright with cardboard or foam between them. Do not stack heavy boxes on top.

Should picture frames be stored flat or upright?
Store picture frames upright when possible. Use a sturdy box or stable wall area with padding between frames to keep them supported.

Should you use climate-controlled storage for picture frames?
Climate-controlled storage can be useful for wood, metal, glass, plastic, and composite frames affected by heat or changing humidity. More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units.

How should you label picture frame boxes?
Label boxes with the room, frame size, and handling instructions. Use labels such as “Living Room — Wall Frames,” “Frames — This Side Up,” and “Frames — Do Not Stack.”