Storing Antiques and Valuables in Self Storage

KEY WEST, Fla. - May 1, 2015 - PRLog -- Storing Antiques and Valuables in Self Storage

Per Fred Mullins, Top Producing Member of Team Mullins at Coldwell Banker Schmitt, "Antiques and valuables are two things you want to protect the most, especially if you’re storing these items in a self storage facility.

You’ll want them to be safe and secure, which is why you ought to choose a facility that has adequate security and climate control. Even self storage companies that provide good security and quality climate control will have variances, so, make sure to get the right insurance, just in case you need to file a claim.

Storing antiques and collectables is quite different than stuffing boxes of childhood memories into a corner. These items are more susceptible to damage from a variety of things, such as temperature, moisture, light, and the like. When putting valuables and antiques in self storage, you ought to take a bit of preventative caution and action to help retain their integrity.

How to Store Antiques and Valuables in Self Storage

Even in your own home, antiques and collectables aren’t necessarily safe, but when it comes to placing these into self storage, you must do so with the utmost care. Here’s how you ought to store antiques and valuables in self storage:

● Wrap artwork carefully. When it comes to paintings and photographs, you should wrap these in glassine to prevent air and moisture from damaging them. Place glassine-wrapped artwork in a wood crate vertically, padded with foam and/or cardboard. Be sure to give these items room, don’t stack them tightly together or on top of one another.

● Protect mirrors and glass items. Any mirrors or glass items should be protected from damage by wrapping them in bubble wrap. In addition, wrap a thick blanket around the bubble wrap, and put these in a special glass-safe crate or case. As with artwork, store these vertically and do not stack items against or on top of mirrors or glass.

● Clean and treat antique furniture. Before you place valuable furniture in storage, you’ll have to clean and treat it as a preventative measure. If you don’t, you’re likely to find it in a deteriorated condition later on and it might well be beyond repair. Dust and clean fabric, treating it with a fabric cleaner and preservative. For metals and leather, clean these and apply oil. Wood furniture ought to be carefully dusted and polished. All should be carefully wrapped and placed with ample walking room to be ready for retrieval when needed.

● Roll-up rugs and cover them. Valuable rugs, like furniture, ought to be neatly cleaned and then tightly rolled-up. Wrap rolled rugs in plastic and lay it flat on the floor. Do not lean these against a wall vertically as this might cause crimping and creases.

For books and documents, you should wrap these in acid-free paper, put into a plastic bag and then into a safe book box. Fill the box with foam peanuts to prevent any shifting.