Packing

Using appropriate techniques and materials for packing will both protect the item whilst being handled and also ensure that the object will be safe whether it is being stored or moved.

Objectives

Provide a suitable environment

• Provide a barrier to changes in relative humidity and/or temperature
• Provide safe, compatible materials
• Archival quality box/container or protective measures taken if not
• Acidity – use acid-free or alkaline buffered paper to counteract
• Staples – remove as they can rust or stain
• Packing materials will vary depending on the reason for packing ie whether for storage or transport, and may include the following:
  • Acid-free or buffered tissue paper
  • Ethafoam™
  • Cotton tape
  • Tyvek™
  • Washed calico
  • Acid-free cardboard
  • Bubblewrap
  • Cushions of washed calico with polystyrene bead filling
  • Polythene sheeting
  • Remember to recycle materials where possible
• Ventilation – areas need to be kept clean, dry and well-ventilated. Good air circulation can protect against risk of mould or deter insects attracted to damp areas
• Prevent dust – dust absorbs moisture readily and areas with a large build-up of dust can have quite high local humidity. 
• Dust on an object may:
  • absorb pollutants which can lead to severe damage eg staining, which on some objects may be impossible to clean off or remove
  • attract and harbour pests
  • cause physical abrasion or scratching if rubbed
• Prevent insects – be able to recognise the signs of insect and moulds activity, take steps to control them including keeping the environment clean, dry and well-ventilated.  Make regular inspections and seek professional advice if unsure of appropriate action.

Minimise handling of object

• Use gloves when handling objects (refer to info sheet on ‘Handling’)
• Put the item in a container, box, tray or on a pallet
• Label the container with the registration number, object name and a brief description. Item/s in the box should be labelled with acid-free swing tags with at least the registration number
• Item should not be wrapped

If an item is safely packed it should:

• Prevent movement of the item/s, especially if the box is tipped
• Prevent contact with other items
• Provide adequate support for the item
• Not be over packed – which can place undue pressure on the item
• Avoid putting one item over another

References and further reading:

Museums Australia Inc (NSW) (2002), Museum Methods: A Practical Manual for  Managing Small Museums, Section 4.8 Storing small objects, Section 4.9 Box and folder making

Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM)

Heritage Collections Council, Guidelines for Environmental Control of Cultural Institutions. Canberra (Available in pdf format via AICCM website)

National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries