Safely Storing Collectibles

Collections can be fun, impressive, and a significant source of pride--but they also take up a lot of room. If you want a little extra space in your home but don't want to risk the safety or value of your collectibles, you've come to the right place. Here's how to store your favorite collections!

A Storage Guide for Popular Collectibles

Self-storage is a lifesaver for collectors who are running out of space in their homes. Whether you're a passionate collector of antique furniture, vinyl records, coins, bills, or clothing, self-storage offers a way to keep your items safe and organized.

By choosing climate-controlled units, you can rest assured that extreme temperatures or humidity won't damage your collectibles. Additionally, selecting the right unit size and location ensures easy access to your items whenever you need them. With self-storage, you can keep your collection intact, no matter what changes life throws your way.

Here's how to store some of the most popular collectibles:

Storing Antique Furniture

When it comes to protecting your antique furniture, prevention is key. Before you even think about storing your beloved pieces, take the time to thoroughly inspect them for any signs of mold or moth damage. If you spot any issues, address them immediately with the appropriate treatments to prevent further damage in storage.

Once your furniture is in good condition, it's time to clean it thoroughly. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove any dust or debris that has accumulated over time. Then, polish the wood and wipe down any fabric with a gentle cleaner to ensure that your items are spotless before storage.

When it comes to wrapping your items, there are a few different options to consider. Old sheets or blankets can be a good choice for larger items, as they provide an extra layer of protection and allow your furniture to breathe. For smaller items, bubble wrap can be a great choice, as it provides cushioning and prevents scratches.

Finally, when you're ready to transport your furniture to your self-storage unit, take care to do so carefully. Use pallets or cinder blocks to elevate your items off the ground and away from any potential moisture. Pull your furniture away from the walls to prevent damage, and avoid stacking anything on top of or around it. With these simple steps, your antique furniture will be safe and secure in storage for years to come.

Storing Coins and Bills

Collectible coins and bills can be highly valuable items and require special care when being stored. It's important to handle them with care, wearing gloves to prevent any oils from your skin transferring to the coins, which can cause damage over time.

When cleaning coins, it's important to use a gentle touch and mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could potentially damage the coin's surface or inscriptions.

After cleaning, it's important to choose the right storage solution. Coin and bill albums are a great option, as they protect your items from the elements and keep them organized. These albums are specifically designed to hold coins and bills in individual pockets, which prevents them from rubbing against each other and causing damage.

If you have a larger collection or need to store your items for an extended period of time, you may want to consider a safety deposit box or secure storage unit. These options provide an added layer of security and protection for your valuable collectibles.

By taking the time to properly clean and store your collectible coins and bills, you can ensure they remain in good condition for years to come.

Storing Clothing

When it comes to storing clothing, it's important to consider the material of the garment. Delicate fabrics such as silk or lace should be hung on padded hangers to prevent any rips or creases. On the other hand, heavier items like coats or suits should be stored on sturdy hangers to maintain their shape. It's important to avoid using wire hangers, as these can rust over time and damage your clothing.

For items that are better suited for folding, such as t-shirts or jeans, it's best to store them in boxes or totes. Make sure to fold them neatly and avoid overpacking the container to prevent any wrinkles or damage.

When it comes to covering your clothing, it's important to avoid plastic bags or other restrictive materials. These can trap moisture and cause your clothing to mildew or become discolored. Instead, cover your clothes with a sheet or breathable fabric to protect them from dust and light.

If you have hats, it's best to store them in hatboxes to maintain their shape and prevent any damage. You could also store them in a wardrobe inside your storage unit if necessary.

When it comes to storing collectible shoes, it's important to keep the original packaging if possible. This will keep your shoes separate and protected from any potential damage. If the original packaging is not available, use plastic containers and acid-free paper to pack your shoes, then put them inside a larger box. This will prevent any scuffing or damage to the shoes during transport and storage. With these tips, your clothing and footwear collection will stay in great condition for years to come.

Storing Vinyl Records

Storing vinyl records doesn't have to be a challenge. Start by handling the records with care, being careful to only touch outside edge and any areas with a label. Clean each record before storage to eliminate dust and fingerprints.

When it's time to head to your self-storage unit, make sure to keep your records in their paper sleeves. You can even add polyurethane sleeves inside for an extra layer of protection.

Store your records upright and make sure other items do not bump them; that way, you can protect the sleeves. You should also organize your collection to keep vinyl of similar size together, which limits the risk of bumping, rubbing, and ruin.

Storing Collectible Trading Cards

Trading cards are a huge hobby for people of all ages. Just like any other collectible, though, these little cards can rapidly take up a whole lot of space, especially if you buy large packs in an attempt to make a rare find. Baseball and Pokémon cards are among the most popular, partly because they can be very valuable in the right market.

Whether you're storing these cards to sell them later or just want to protect your collection, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, you'll want to pick an effective storage container--and in this case, a plastic tote or cardboard box likely won't do. You need something like a card tin, binder, or penny sleeve to keep your cards from bending or scratching.

Next, you should determine how you'd like to organize your collection. For example, Pokémon cards are often organized by color, type, and rarity, especially when they have holographic images or unique artwork that increases their value.

Finally, you should decide how long you'd like to store your cards. If you want to sell your collection, use short-term storage organization and solutions to make sure they stay in mint condition. If you're just looking for a place to keep your favorites, though, you might prefer longer-term storage containers.

Storing Books

Whether you have valuable antique books or just a library that's bigger than your home shelves can handle, it's important to take care of books when you bring them to a storage unit. That means checking for dust and pests before you even leave your house. If you take these problems with you to your unit, they'll get bigger over time.

After that, you'll want to look for the right kind of wrapping. Books with dust jackets generally need protective covers, and archive paper--never newspaper or plastic bags--is a great choice for additional protection.

For best results, you'll likely want a climate-controlled unit (more on that later). Just keep in mind that even the best storage unit can't protect books forever, as organic materials like paper will eventually show their age.

Storing Comics

Your favorite comics might be mighty, incredible, and amazing, just like the characters they contain--but one thing they aren't is invincible.

To take care of comics in a storage unit, your first job is to find protective plastic covers. Next, you'll want to get enough boxes or totes so that you don't have to stack a lot of comics on top of each other and so that they can stand upright. Finally, try to avoid exposing the books to a lot of light.

Storing Toys

The key to storing toys is to start by determining their material. For example, fabric items like teddy bears will need different care than plastic--so you may want to organize your toys by type. That allows you to choose the best protective wrappings and storage containers for each group. Generally speaking, though, it's best to keep toys clean, dry, and out of direct light. You should also think about where they'll fit in your storage unit so you don't risk scratching or breaking them by accidentally bumping the box.

The Importance of Climate Control

Almost every type of collectible can benefit from a climate-controlled storage unit. That's because temperature changes can lead to damage--for example, heat and humidity can make the paper wet and cause rust, while extreme or lasting cold can cause certain items to crack and deteriorate. Even the best wrapping and storage techniques can't protect your things from the air itself.

While a day or two of temperature extremes may not ruin your entire collection, it's smart to plan ahead and make long-term plans by choosing a climate-controlled storage solution that will protect your items no matter the weather.

No matter what you collect, self-storage is a great way to take care of these valuable, impressive, or nostalgic items. Remember to clean everything before storage, pay attention to the item's material so you can choose the best wrapping, and organize your unit to prevent stacking.

Want more self-storage tips? Looking for the perfect unit for your collectibles? Contact us today!