How to preserve antique belongings in storage?

Storing antiques is always something you want to approach very carefully. These items have considerable value and mishandling them is simply not an option. When they are inside a storage unit, they are not going to accumulate any damage if you prepare them accordingly. The best option is to have one of the moving companies Tennesee prepare them for you. That way, you can be sure that your items are going to be in the same state as when they were before. But if you want to preserve antique belongings in the storage on your own, then some special care is warranted. This article is going to provide you with some tips on how to go about it.

Preserve antique belongings in storage – Useful tips

Follow these simple guidelines and your items will be safe and sound:

• Get organized
• Clean all your antique belongings
• If possible, disassemble before placing your antique belongings in storage
•  Wrap everything up and pack carefully
• Choose a good storage facility

Get organized

The first thing on your to-do list is to organize your efforts. You will need plenty of time for everything and now is the right moment to figure that out. You will also need packing materials and various other supplies for the job. Seeking help from local movers Nashville TN is a good idea, as well, even if you only need a bit of advice. If you want to save some money, you can try to scour the internet for good deals. Then you are going to need the means to transport all of your items to the storage unit and schedule the time for it. All of this requires some consideration on your part. If you need help, contact some friends or family members and give them plenty of notice.

Or you can simply hire professionals and have them deal with everything. It all depends on how much time and effort you are willing to invest.

Clean all antique belongings

This is the most important tip that we can give you. All of your antiques need to be sparkly clean before you can store them. You are going to need various cleaning supplies as no two antiques are the same. Go through all of your items and figure out exactly what is it that you need. Then create a list before you go shopping, to save yourself a trip or two. While storage units Fairview TN are clean and safe themselves, you need to make sure that your items are too. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate, even in a storage unit, and if you have some of it on your antiques already it will only compound the effect.

It is also good practice to visit your unit from time to time and clean your belongings. While this may sound like an arduous task, consider that you are going to spend time basking in the glory of these items. That is what they are for, after all, to be seen and thought about. And you are going to have that opportunity while taking care of them.

If possible, disassemble before placing your antique belongings in storage

Not all items can be disassembled, true. But if some of your antiques can be, it is always advisable to do so before you store them. This way, you are going to be able to prepare each part separately and ensure maximum protection. Yes, it does present you with a bit of extra work but the added safety is more than worth it. If you simply don’t have the time or energy to do it, moving companies offer packing services that also include disassembling. Letting your movers deal with your antiques is a great way to save time while ensuring their safety. It does cost a bit more, yes, but in most cases, it is definitely worth it.

Preserve antique belongings in storage – Wrap everything up and pack carefully

But if you go the DIY route (which is perfectly fine, btw), you will want plenty of wrapping for the job. Bubble packs are especially handy for packing antiques, as well as any other delicate items. Carefully wrap each item in the protective layers of bubbles and take extra care when packing them. Consider using high-quality bubble packs for this job. Obviously, it is best if you can pack each antique in its own container. However, if you are packing more of them in a single box, make sure that the heavier and sturdier items are on the bottom. Also, try to make it so there is no empty space within the box after you pack your items.

To ensure that there is no “wiggle room” inside your containers, utilize paddings such as packing peanuts, packing paper, or some pieces of soft clothing. Old socks work remarkably well for this purpose, as you can easily fit them in between your items and the box. Once you finish padding the box, give it a slight shake. If you can’t hear any rattling sounds, you’ve done a great job! But if you sense a lot of movement, it is prudent to spend a little more time in further securing them.

Choose a good storage facility

Finally, all your preparations might be for naught if your storage unit is simply not up to par. You need to choose a proper unit for your needs. If you have plenty of items that are endangered by humidity, you may need to consider renting a climate-controlled unit. Other than that, try to make sure that your storage unit is secure and that only you can easily access it. After all, you are going to be storing items of considerable value, be it emotional or monetary. Choosing a good unit will ensure that your belongings are safe and easy to access. The best way to preserve antique belongings in storage is to ensure that the storage unit is not susceptible to outside elements such as heavy rain, heat, or anything else.