Here’s a question I hear often: What is the right temperature for safely keeping a __________ (painting, book, papers)?

Here’s the answer: The temperature is not as important as the FLUCTUATION of the temperature within a 24 hour time period. You don’t want to have the temperature change more than 20 degrees F. That’s why, storage in a garage or attic that heats up in the day and goes cold at night is not good for your items of value.

Jumps in the mperature not only happen in storage but right inside your house too… even if it feels comfortable to you: For instance, an item getting full sun through a window could heat up easily more than 20 degrees (besides the light damage). Or what about a painting, for instance, that is being blown upon by the heating vent?

Case in point, the photo is of a $150K picture that was in great shape a year or so ago. But after having the heater vent blowing on it, the paint began to peel up (see photo).

Its common sense. Be vigilant. You may not have to spend lots of money retrofitting your house. just watch out for the obvious: temperature fluctuations, too much light, pests… and poor handling!

So, there you go… the tip of the day that can really save your stuff.