To unknowledgeable homeowners, storing vintage items may seem like a simple process – just wrap the items in some paper or bubblewrap, pop them into a cardboard box and place the whole shebang in the attic. More experienced ones, however, understand that this process is far from optimal for safeguarding valuable, vintage items. Here are a few suggestions for doing the job right:
Use Brown Paper as Padding
Often used by the frugal as a cushioning material, newspaper will often bleed ink and stain the materials it is supposed to protect while brown paper won’t. In addition, brown paper is sturdier and actually provides more protection than newspaper.
Get the Right Packaging
The past decade has seen a remarkable number of specific packaging products developed. There are boxes specifically designed to store clothes, china, lamps, paintings, sculpture and almost anything else found in the home. Take advantage of these products as your items will be more secure and storage will be a lot easier to accomplish.
Limit Exposure to Water and Humidity
Primarily, most vintage items require a low humidity environment. Even if you cannot completely control the actual temperature, make sure that the space is safe from flooding or any other types of water infiltration. In addition, place any items susceptible to mold or insect damage inside sealable plastic containers.
Keep Clothing and Textiles in the Dark
Though sunlight is the worst culprit when it comes to fading vintage textiles and clothes, artificial light can also cause damage. Using opaque storage materials significantly reduces this problem.
Rent a Climate Controlled Environment
For truly valuable or irreplaceable objects, the attic, the garage or the basement simply will not do. Items such as artwork, antiques and objects d’art should be packaged carefully and stored in a climate controlled facility with the proper security. These facilities have the added benefit of being monitored 24/7 so your valuables are probably safer there than in your home.
Check the Items on a Regular Basis
Just packing an item with great care and placing it in a secure area is not enough to ensure its long term care. As they say, “Things Happen” and you should periodically check on your stored valuables no matter where they are.
Purchase Insurance
No matter how careful you are or how well you plan in storing vintage items, sometimes the worst happens and an item is damaged or destroyed. While insurance won’t replace a treasured photograph, it can go a long way in ameliorating the loss of an expensive piece of furniture or a valuable sculpture.
If you want to store your valuable vintage items, contact Safe Storage Depot today. We offer safe and convenient storage solutions, including internal and outdoor climate controlled storage facilities.
