One of the most popular pastimes in America is collecting things that are near and dear to our hearts. There are casual collectors, who keep things that have a significant meaning in their lives or remind them of something from childhood, and there are serious collectors who know the value of the things they collect. Whatever your goals or motivations behind the things that you collect, it is important to know how to properly store and protect your collectible items to ensure that they don’t get damaged and continue to hold their value.
Affordable Storage in Fall River has a wide variety of self-storage unit spaces available that can be used to house and protect your collectible items. Whether you collect large pieces or small things in boxes, there is a storage solution for collectibles that is right for you. Below is a list of tips that will help you to properly store, pack, protect and display your collectible items so you can make sure they stay in good condition for many more years to come.
Tip #1 – Pick a Theme
It can be really easy to start collecting items that are related to something that you are interested in, such as a sports team, movie, book or other cultural icon, only to see that collection explode into a huge room full of stuff that you don’t want or don’t need. Try to choose a theme rather than allow your collection to turn into a hodgepodge of mismatched items. Smaller items can be grouped in shadow boxes or on shelves, while large pieces can be limited to a single room or area to incorporate them into your home decor.
Tip #2 – Rotate Your Display
If you have a large collection and you want to show it off, the best way to accomplish this is to rotate the items that you display by season or according to your current decor. Rotating your items also helps to keep them safe and protected while they are not on display, keeping them free from dust, out of damaging sunlight and organized. When you rotate your collectible items in storage to your home again, you’ll be able to enjoy them all the more, as if they were new.
Tip #3 – Store Items by Group
If you collect a lot of different items, it is in your best interest to group your items before placing them in storage for easy location at your self-storage unit. Group antiques together in one box or area, keeping items in the original boxes and packaging whenever possible. You can use plastic tubs or bins for these items, but for fragile or easily damaged collectibles, you should look into “archival quality” storage boxes for this purpose. Consider bringing in sturdy storage shelves when you place collectible items in storage so you can organize them by year, by type or by group.
Tip #4 – Make an Inventory Sheet
This is a great tip, whether you store your items at home or keep them in an affordable storage in Fall River. When you create a display or storage solution for your collectibles, it always helps to have an inventory sheet that will mark down all of the items you have, as well as their location. Some collectors like to keep a sheet on a clipboard in their self-storage unit, labeling boxes with letters or numbers for easy location. Whatever method works best for you, having an itemized inventory sheet can also be helpful with insuring your valuable collection.
Tip #5 – Go Chemical-Free
When wrapping and protecting your collectible items in storage, make sure to only use chemical-free products for packing. Using a tissue paper supply that contains acid can damage fabric or textile-based collectibles, such as clothing, furniture and dolls. Spend some time researching packing materials online before purchasing to make sure that they won’t harm your items instead of protect them.
Tip #6 – Always Use Sealed Containers
There are a number of reasons why you should always keep your collectible items in storage packed inside sealed containers. A sealed container will prevent dust, moisture, insects and other pests from getting in to your valuable items. Choose a reputable self-storage unit, such as Affordable Storage in Fall River, to ensure that your things are stored in a safe, secure, clean and well-maintained facility.
Tip #7 – Take Special Care With Antiques
Antique items can be especially sensitive to light – particularly sunlight – which can damage or fade wood, porcelain, fabrics and painted objects. This is why it is best to put your collectible items in storage when they aren’t on display in your home. A dark, enclosed place, such as a self-storage unit, can protect your antique collectibles from all sorts of harmful environmental hazards.
Store Your Collectibles at Affordable Storage
If you are looking to find a safe place to store your collectible items, contact Affordable Storage in Fall River. They have a wide variety of storage solutions for collectibles and other personal items or belongings that can suit your specific needs and budget. There are many different sizes and rates for self-storage units available to choose from, and Affordable Storage can also store large items, such as collectible cars, boats and recreational vehicles.