You should ensure that your family heirlooms are properly stored so they can be kept safe and sound. It doesn’t matter if you want to keep them for sentimental purposes or if you intend to sell them one day. There is a right way for antiques to be stored, just like other belongings.
If you’re thinking of storing your antique items, consider using a storage facility that offers 1st month free storage. This will help you get everything sorted and organized, so that you can avoid any potential damage or theft. Plus, it’ll save you time and money in the long run.
These hacks will help you to protect your antiques when they are in storage.
1. Clean first
It’s a good idea first to clean everything before you store anything. A good cleaning will ensure that your antiques arrive in perfect condition and last while they are waiting. To remove dust and dirt, wipe your furniture clean.
You can protect your antiques by treating their surfaces for a few weeks before storing them. Wood polish or wax can be used on wooden items to prevent cracking and drying while oiling metal frames can help protect against rust. Make sure to do your research before you purchase the right product. Cleaning is also a great way to inspect antiques. To ensure that your antiques are in perfect condition for storage, be sure to keep an eye out for things like woodworm and wood rot.
2. Avoid excessive handling
You may have seen curators with gloves when handling artifacts in museums. To preserve your antiques’ condition, do the same when you handle them. Oil and dirt can build up on your hands and skin, which can lead to damage.
Avoid touching antiques with your hands. To reduce damage, use kid gloves when handling antiques. You can avoid scratches and prevent the antique’s luster from fading by taking extra care. This is especially important for the most expensive items, such as antique furniture and silverware.
3. Avoid stacking
It is a good idea to not stack your items on top. It might seem like a good way to increase your storage space and store more items. Excessive stacking can cause damage to antiques by putting extra strain on items at the bottom.
4. Assemble as soon as possible
You can check to see if the furniture can be disassembled before storage. This is especially useful for furniture with fragile or heavy parts that require extra care. Larger furniture can be heavier and take up more space so disassembly may be an option to save space and make transportation easier. You can also take a look at headboards, tables, and shelves. Antique furniture can be fragile because it is older. The disassembly of antique furniture can reduce the stress on the joints and make the wood last longer.
5. Take care when wrapping
Bubble wrap can be used to protect fragile items such as mirrors or lamps. It also works well for blunt objects like tables and chairs, which might get knocked against other items. Bubble wrap should not be used for prolonged periods. Bubble wrap can reduce airflow and cause mold growth by suffocating wooden objects. Use cloth sheets or covers instead. These covers will protect antiques from dust and other harmful particles while still allowing furniture to breathe.
6. Choose somewhere temperature-controlled
A controlled environment for storing antiques is essential. Low-humidity places can cause wood damage, while high-humidity zones can rust metal.
A temperature of 20 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature, but no higher than 22 degrees. To protect your furniture from warping and splitting, you can use a drop cloth or furniture pad to cover it.
7. Avoid bright lights
It is impossible to mix light and antiques. Excessive exposure to light, natural or artificial, can cause serious damage to antiques. Too much light can cause faded colors, warp wood, and dry-out fabrics.
To reduce the harmful effects of UV-blocking films and UV filters for fluorescent lights, you can apply them to your windows. To keep leather looking great, apply a leather conditioner to it once or twice per year.
8. Smart packing
It is important to properly pack your items when storing them. Proper preparation is crucial for preserving antiques. Different materials require different storage requirements. Wood furniture, for example, needs to be polished before being wrapped in a furniture pad or secured with tape.
Make sure you have the right size boxes for your items. Make sure to keep track of everything you have stored after you pack. This is a great way to keep track of all your belongings, especially when you have to take something out.