Whether you’ve recently inherited family heirlooms, are downsizing, or need a safe place for your precious antiques, proper storage is essential. Without the right precautions, your exquisite collectibles could lose their value or sustain irreparable damage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your antiques stay in pristine condition during moving and storage.
Choosing the Right Storage Space
Selecting the best storage unit for your antiques involves careful consideration:
- Climate Control
- Keep the temperature between 50-80°F to prevent damage caused by heat or cold.
- Use a dehumidifier in high-humidity environments to prevent mold, mildew, paper rot, or metal corrosion.
- Accessibility
- If you plan to rotate antiques or sell items, choose an easily accessible storage space.
- Ground-floor or drive-up units reduce the risk of damage during transportation. However, note that these may limit climate control options.
- Security
- Opt for facilities with surveillance cameras, keypad entry, and proper lighting.
- For high-value items, consider units with advanced security features like fingerprint readers.
- Cost Consideration
- While high-security, climate-controlled units might be more expensive, they’re worth the investment to protect irreplaceable items.
Packing Antiques for Storage
Proper packing can make all the difference in preserving your antiques:
- Protective Measures
- Leather Items: Apply leather conditioner to prevent drying or cracking.
- Metals: Coat lightly with oil to prevent rust.
- Wood Furniture: Use furniture polish to maintain moisture and shine.
- Upholstery: Cover with plastic or fabric sheets to prevent dust buildup.
- Disassembly
- Take apart large items (e.g., beds or armoires) and label small parts to avoid misplacement.
- Fragile Items
- Wrap dishes, glassware, and lamp bases individually. Use bubble wrap or foam pellets in boxes for added protection.
- Remove light bulbs from lamps to avoid breakage.
- Books
- Use acid-free book covers to prevent page wear and humidity damage.
- Framed Art and Mirrors
- For double-sided pieces, encapsulate them with polyester film.
- For single-sided pieces, use mat boards or storage boxes designed for delicate frames.
- Store framed items upright, never flat, to avoid collapse.
- Air Circulation
- Place items on pallets to allow airflow and protect them from potential water damage.
Insurance
If your antiques are valuable enough to store, they’re valuable enough to insure.
- Check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers items in storage.
- If not, consider an additional endorsement or a self-storage insurance policy.
- Keep a detailed inventory, including photos and appraisals, for easy reference and claims.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Taking the time to properly store your antiques ensures they’ll retain their value, condition, and sentimental significance. Although Big Box Storage doesn’t specialize in antique storage, we’re here to help with your other storage needs.
Need advice or assistance? Contact Big Box Storage today, and let us help you protect your valuables!
