South Africa’s coastline is beautiful and stubbornly humid. Durban’s warm air, misty mornings and summer storms create the sort of moisture that sneaks into wood, paper, canvas and metal. If you collect paintings, care for family photographs or play anything from guitar to saxophone, you already know that humidity is the invisible enemy. Here is a clear, practical guide to protect artwork and musical instruments in sticky coastal conditions, with simple steps you can use at home and in a self storage unit in and around Durban.
Why humidity causes damage
Humidity is water vapour in the air. When it rises, materials absorb moisture and expand. When it falls, they release moisture and contract. Repeated cycles stress joints, weaken adhesives and invite mould. Paintings cockle, paper stains, varnish softens and dust sticks. Wood swells and warps. Metal parts tarnish and corrode. Instruments go out of tune and stay there for all the wrong reasons. None of this is dramatic on day one. It is slow damage that becomes obvious only when it is very expensive to fix.
The safe zone for storage
For most art and instruments, aim for a stable relative humidity between 45 and 55 percent and a temperature around 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Perfect precision is less important than stability. Fast swings in either direction do the most harm. If you cannot achieve full climate control, use small buffers that slow the rate of change.
Preparing artwork for storage
Paintings on canvas or board
- Examine the surface. If you see active flaking, do not press anything against the paint. Place a loose layer of clean acid free tissue and stop there until a conservator can advise.
- For stable paintings, cover the face with glassine or silicone release paper, then a sheet of acid free tissue to protect from dust.
- Add corner protectors, then place paintings upright with rigid spacers so nothing leans directly against the surface.
- Use a simple travel frame or a sturdy carton to guard edges and stretched fabric from knocks.
Works on paper and photographs
- Slip each item into an archival sleeve made from polyester or high quality polypropylene. These plastics resist moisture better than paper folders.
- Store flat in a rigid portfolio or archival box with a snug internal fit. Interleave with acid free tissue to prevent transfer.
- Avoid ordinary plastic bin liners. They trap condensation and invite mould.
Framed pieces with glass
- Add frame spacers so the art does not touch the glass. Condensation on the glass can wick into the paper if they touch.
- Tape the glazing with a low tack cross pattern so that if the glass breaks it will not shatter onto the artwork.
Sculpture and mixed media
- Wrap metal parts in acid free tissue, then add soft polyethylene foam for cushioning.
- For wood, allow a little breathing. Use tissue then a cotton cover. Keep padding loose rather than airtight.
Preparing musical instruments for storage
Stringed instruments such as guitars, violins and cellos
- Bring the instrument to a healthy mid range humidity before packing. A case humidifier or a rechargeable desiccant pack can stabilise the interior of the case.
- Loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension without leaving the neck completely slack.
- Support the neck inside the case with a soft cradle and ensure nothing presses on the soundboard.
- Place a small hygrometer in the case for quick checks when you visit the unit.
Pianos and keyboards
- Choose a climate controlled unit where possible. Keep the piano covered with a breathable cotton cover rather than plastic.
- Lift the instrument off the floor using pallets or piano castor cups. This improves airflow and protects against unexpected moisture.
Brass and woodwind
- Clean thoroughly before storage. Moisture and residue left inside the instrument accelerate corrosion.
- Dry pads completely. Use a pad saver for drying, then remove it so it does not trap moisture.
- Lightly oil bare metal where appropriate and place a small desiccant pack in the case.
Percussion
- Loosen drum heads a touch to reduce stress. Wipe hardware clean and dry.
- Keep cymbals clean to prevent spotting. Use soft sleeves inside the case.
Smart packing materials that resist moisture
- Acid free tissue and glassine for interleaving and dust protection
- Polyethylene foam sheets for cushioning that does not shed fibres
- Silica gel or rechargeable desiccant canisters to buffer humidity inside boxes and cases
- Breathable cotton covers for large items such as framed art or pianos
- Rigid archival boxes for works on paper
- Pallets or racking to keep items off the floor and to encourage airflow
Avoid plastic shrink wrap on anything organic. It traps moisture. If you must use plastic temporarily during a move, create vents and remove it as soon as the items reach the storage unit.
Choosing the right storage unit in a humid city
Along the KwaZulu Natal coast, a unit with climate control is the gold standard for art and instruments. It keeps relative humidity steady and temperature within a safe band. StorBox offers climate controlled options at select facilities, supported by twenty four hour security and access control, so your high value items are protected from both the elements and unwanted attention. Ask the team to confirm availability at your preferred Durban location and to advise on the best size for your collection.
If climate control is not available in your chosen size, you can still create a safer microclimate with the steps below.
- Elevate every item on pallets or steel shelving so air can circulate and any unexpected moisture on the floor cannot reach your valuables.
- Place a digital hygrometer in the unit and set a reminder to check it during visits.
- Use vented storage rather than sealed plastic tubs for organic materials such as wood and canvas. Sealed tubs are better for metal components and hardware if you include desiccant inside.
- Space items a few centimetres apart so nothing presses on a delicate surface.
- Consider a portable dehumidifier if the facility permits it and ensure the condensate drains safely into a container you can empty on each visit.
Transport tips that prevent damage before storage
Most losses happen during handling, not during storage. Keep packing gentle and methodical.
- Move paintings upright, not flat. Do not stack them directly. Insert rigid boards between pieces.
- Allow instruments to acclimatise at the destination before opening the case. A sharp change from a cold van to warm humid air can cause condensation on metal and finish checking on lacquer.
- Keep vehicles clean and dry. A quick wipe of damp interiors on a rainy day can save a finish.
Insurance, records and peace of mind
Document every item before storage. Photograph front and back, plus any identifying marks. Record serial numbers on instruments. Keep copies of invoices and valuations where you can find them fast. If you have specialist insurance, check the policy wording on storage conditions. Some insurers require climate control or specific humidity bands to keep cover valid. A bit of paperwork now prevents big arguments later.
Quick checklist
- Target 45 to 55 percent relative humidity and steady temperature
- Wrap art in archival materials with surfaces kept apart
- Pack instruments in hard cases with internal humidity control
- Elevate everything and allow airflow around all items
- Monitor the unit with a hygrometer and record readings
- Avoid plastic against organic materials for long periods
- Keep records, photos and valuations up to date
Bringing it all together in Durban
Humidity is part of life along the KwaZulu Natal coast. It keeps the hills lush and the beaches warm, and it can quietly wreck canvas and tonewood if you let it. With the right preparation and a storage unit that keeps conditions steady, your paintings and instruments will come out in the same condition they went in. If you want the simplest path, speak to StorBox about a climate controlled unit and the best configuration for your collection. The team can help with shelving, pallets and moisture control so you are not guessing. Book before the next humidity spike and give your art and your favourite instruments the care they deserve.