People choose to collect valuable items for many reasons. Anything from the thrill of finding collectibles to making a profit buying-and-selling them is a good motivation for many to venture into this hobby. However, what they all have in common is the need to keep these possessions in the best condition possible for as long as they have them. This can be a little tricky in a time of relocation. While Dundas movers can pack and move your whole household, sometimes the time for such big transportation is not right. Whether it is for the lack of space or options, leaving your belonging in a storage unit is perfectly fine, as long as you know how to do it. This is especially important if you want to properly store collectable items. Luckily, this text has found you well and can tell you all about the matter.
Know what you have in order to store collectable items correctly
Although our introduction may have led you to believe otherwise, we know that a great number of people may be completely oblivious of the treasures they keep in their homes. For the slight chance that you are one of those lucky fellas, we will make a disclaimer: all items that hold value, and are worthy to a collector can be viewed as collectables.
Howbeit, certain items are a safe bet for anyone looking to find a potentially priceless piece. If you have any of the following in your possession, you can stop saving for your child’s college this very moment:
- Antique furniture. These could be worth a lot of money, especially if they are in good condition.
- Coins and different currencies. These are some of the most frequently collected items. However, even if you are not keen on numismatics, chances are you might have a coin or two whose value is worth looking into.
- Records. If you have these, chances are they carry emotional value. For the very least, they remind you of good times, and such items can be rather hard to part from.
- Stamps. We all know at least someone, if not the person in the mirror, who collects stamps.
- Expensive jewelry and fine art. When venturing out to properly store collectable items, get ready for the challenge that is these tricky objects.
The necessary prerequisite
In order to successfully and properly store collectable items, you must first clean them. This is a prerequisite to a job well done. Apart from being a paramount step to the safety of your valuables, it is also a bit complicated. You need to make sure to clean them from all the dust and grime that might have accumulated. Now, here comes the fun part: you must steer clear from any chemicals that could potentially harm your collectables. You need to be extra thorough, yet gentle, and stick to some light dusting. Cotton swabs, water, and soft brushes are all the tools you will need for this job.
Get adequate packing materials
When storing your valuables, you do not want to use some old, stained and damaged boxes that are oozing with an unidentified, yet slightly unpleasant smell. Rather opt for moving boxes Ontario, and have your peace of mind knowing that your belongings are getting the protection they deserve. Make sure to pad carefully, yet generously.
In order to store collectable items properly, you ought to steer clear from:
Keeping them in well-lit areas
This sentence can be regarded as an unwritten rule (that we just wrote. Huh, would you look at that? Life can be funny that way). Make sure to keep them in a dark place, especially if you are storing wooden furniture. Wood has a tendency to fade if put under direct sunlight, further diminishing the value of your goods. Still, it’s not only wooden items that are in danger. The vast majority of your collectibles are best kept in dark areas. Even if you deem them virtually indestructible, we suggest that you don’t test that belief by exposing them to direct sunlight.
Not minding the temperature when picking the storage unit
Some items that you have can handle all kinds of weather changes with great ease. However, it should not surprise you that properly storing collectable items greatly differs from storing your motorcycle. While your bike can take both low and high temperatures, your finer pieces are to be stored in mild temperatures, with the optimal one being 64 degrees Fahrenheit (about 18 Celsius). Luckily, storage units with climate control are not too hard to come by. You ought to be able to ensure the safety of your items with great ease.
Being oblivious to humidity levels
Most of us think of the troubles humidity carries when our hair gets annoyingly frizzy. However, the humidity levels in your storage unit are directly related to the safety of your possessions. Don’t wait for the damage to occur before you act. The humidity needs to be just right in order to avoid any unpleasantries. The rule of thumb to follow here is to keep the humidity levels at around 50 percent at all times. If this level drops, some of your collectables are exposed to the risk of shrinking and cracking. On the other hand, if that level rises too much, your belongings can develop a fine number of problems. Some of the most common include the all-time-favorite mold and rust. Not to mention that some insects could find their place in your boxes. Especially, if you were careless enough to store some of the restricted items.
You must be attentive
There is no other way to go about this delicate matter. If you want to store collectable items properly, you must know how to act. If you feel that a certain step is giving you too much trouble, or that you don’t know how to organize your storage unit, do not be fearful of asking for advice. Other than that, keep your belongings cool, dry, and out of light. They should be fine for the time being.