How to store antiques and collectables safely? | Storing Vintage Tips

 

Living in a fast-paced world, many people either don’t get enough time to plan proper storage of their collectables or they consider storing collectables as meaningless trivia. However, you must know that by not storing them properly you’re damaging them. If you want your vintage antiques and collectables of high value to remain that way, you must get to organising your valuables the right way. We’ve curated a list of storing collectables tips for you. Let’s delve.

Make a list 

Keep a detailed inventory handy. You can use any of the many inventory software apps out there which can assist you in this regard. If you’re not comfortable with it, simply jot the items down on a paper. It will help you to keep track of where your collectables are stored. This will especially help you organise the items packed and stacked in boxes that remain out of sight for a long time. 

Keep it clutter-free

If you’re one of those who store collectibles alongside their possessions then sooner or later you will come across this reality check – while it may work for some time, such kind of consolidate storage habit will ultimately lead to sprouting up of space concerns, especially as collectables grow – thus increasing clutter. This can make it difficult for you to access your collectibles. 

So, it’s important to keep the clutter away for proper storage of antiques and collectibles. To begin with, start with this - clear out all the items you don’t need. You can even sell them and pump back the money into purchases you need. If you can’t sell, simply donate. Eventually, you’ll see that clearing the clutter will make it easier for you to store your collectables.

Safe display

This is one of the most important aspects of storing collectables tips. Properly displaying collectables is paramount for their safe storage. Here are some basic rules -

• Use LED light bulbs instead of fluorescent ones for the display as the former produces fewer UV rays which decrease the chance of the light impacting the colours of collectables
• Do not place your collectables in areas that are damp (not even on slightly wet walls!)
• Keep artworks, in particular, away from areas that undergo fluctuating temperatures like the fireplace
• Keep your collectables safely away from things that may knock the collectables over or damage them
• Don’t congest display shelves or cabinets with antiques and collectables. This may lead to dents and scratches on your valued items. 

Sun can spoil the fun

Last but not least, you mustn’t place your collectables under direct exposure of sunlight. Although the sun shows up with varying degrees of intensity every day, when it comes to vintage antiques and collectibles, the more direct sunlight they touch, the worse they get. It’s because sunlight dries out, fades or discolours collectables like furniture or vintage clothing or even paper items like certain books. Sunlight is also notorious for greatly diminishing the quality of fine wine. You don’t want that to happen, do you? So, to avoid all of this mess, store them in a place where there is minimal sun exposure like basement area, garage, or a space with curtained windows.

Pro tip – Place them in a secure self-storage unit that is 100% sealed-off from sunlight exposure!