How to prepare collectibles and antiques for storage

No one wants their personal items damaged or destroyed during a move, right? It is difficult finding the right movers, especially when you need antique moving companies. Nonetheless, antiques and collectibles require particular packing and handling. These are typically one-of-a-kind, financially valuable pieces that are difficult to replace. Therefore, they have substantial sentimental or historical worth. Even when something of exceptional value is insured, it is a big disappointment when it arrives broken. It’s better if we know how to prepare collectibles and antiques for storage. Most collectors place a higher value on the antiques and collectibles themselves than on money that only reflects a fraction of their true worth. With these kinds of products, white glove moving takes on a whole new meaning.

How to prepare collectibles and antiques for storage: Our tips in general

Many people say that their collectibles are a part of them. It’s the culmination of years of searching, bartering, and maybe just good luck. It could be worth hundreds of dollars or pennies, but it’s precious to you. If you’re putting your collection in storage, make sure that all of your treasures are carefully stored. You still want them in mint condition even if you don’t see them for months or years. We’ve put up a collection of general collector storage advice as well as item-specific guides for antiques, vintage apparel, comic books, and other typical collectibles. This guide will show you how to prepare collectibles and antiques for storage in the most efficient, simple way.

Try to reduce clutter to save time and money

Due to the space limitation, there is a greater risk of clutter, which might make finding valuables difficult. Start by getting rid of items you don’t need in order to eliminate clutter and properly store your collection. If you’re an experienced collector, you’re unlikely to part with your prized possessions. Instead, take inventory of your other belongings and determine what may be discarded or sold. You might be able to make some additional money by selling objects, which you can save or invest in new items for your collection. In the end, whatever method you take to get rid of your unwanted clutter, you’ll discover that having fewer objects in your storage space will make it easier to store your collections. Most Miami storage facilities recommend the same thing, really take your time to get rid of some things you don’t need. It will be better for everyone!

Get the right packing supplies and containers suitable for your collection

To avoid UV ray damage, keep your antiques out of direct sunshine. UV radiation may discolor antiques as well as cause materials to dry out, fade, and break. However, be cautious when putting them in the dark! If you keep your antiques in a chilly, gloomy environment, they might collect moisture and mold. With the help of the moving company of your choice, get the right boxes and containers that are big enough and have the right shape, for all your collectibles. Depending on your valuable items, the packing and storing process changes. These are just some examples of how to prepare collectibles and antiques for storage so they stay in mint shape!

Antiques

• Before you pack your antiques, double-check if they need any particular cleaning. You can find cleaning products for fine furniture at your local hardware store, furniture store, or antique dealer.
• Avoid using any form of oil or wax treatment on wood furniture right before you move, especially if you will store these items. Some products may cause the finish to become softer, making it more susceptible to imprinting from furniture pads.
• A local historical organization or library may offer books on the subject if you are unsure about how to care for a specific antique piece. An antique dealer may also be able to assist you.
• Use a stretch wrap or foam wrap to completely cover glass or wood, making sure to extend the wrap over corners and edges.
• Add more layers to absorb tiny shocks that occur during transportation. Attach tightly with a combination of blankets, foam, and bubble wrap.

Trading cards, comic books, and other collectibles

• Individual sleeves should be used to store both comic books and trading cards. Investing in a binder with clear sleeve pages to store huge card collections efficiently is the easiest method to do this for trading cards.
• Comic books will need to be stored in boxes or specialist comic bookcases. Both collectibles thrive in cool, dry environments with temperatures just below room temperature and humidity levels around 50%.
• The majority of comic book collectors keep their collections in cardboard collector’s boxes, which come in two sizes: long and short. These boxes are designed so they can hold comic books upright.

  

Art

• Keep your prints and paintings in a box upright!
• Protect your canvas prints with a suitable cloth
• Pack your artwork in mirror boxes once it’s in the storage facility. Artwork such as paintings, canvas prints, and decorative mirrors. Sun, dust, dampness, vermin, and other sorts of damage can all be avoided with the use of a mirror box. In fact, with the exception of a big flood, they can protect your artwork from almost everything.
• Putting artwork and huge canvas prints into a wooden crate is another great way to keep them. In reality, this is perhaps the best, safest, and most secure technique of art storage available. A wooden container is strong, and it can protect you from just about anything.
• When possible, avoid stacking paintings on top of one another. If you absolutely must, consider padding. Use a painting rack if you need to stack paintings next to each other. This is particularly useful if you have a large number of paintings to store.