Many of us have collectibles because we have a passion for what we’re collecting. Meanwhile, there are others who collect and invest in items with the hopes of making money in the future.
Whatever your reason for collecting, it’s important that you take care of and store these items properly so that they can be preserved and appreciated in the future.
Here are our 10 best tips for storing collectibles and antiques…
1) Do not store collectibles in areas of extreme dryness or excessive moisture. Many people tend to store stuff in basements or attics, but these spaces are not ideal. Items made of organic materials can dry up or attract mold, pests, or corrode.
2) Any type of collectible that is made of paper such as comic books, sports cards, or other ephemera should be stored in plastic sleeves and away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
3) Anything made of metal should be stored in a cool, dry place so it doesn’t rust.
4) Store jewelry in a fabric-lined box or wrap them in a soft tarnish-proof fabric to minimize tarnishing and scratching.
5) Store old photos in an acid-free archival storage box. They should also be stored in a cool, dry environment.
6) Antique items made of cloth or fabrics should be stored in a place that won’t be affected by drastic changes in temperature. Do not store them in plastic bags because they won’t be able to breathe. Fabrics should also have no direct contact with wood, blue tissue, regular tissue, or other wrapping paper because the acid in papers can damage textiles.
7) Before storing any item, make sure to remove all dust and lint. With some collectibles, you can use a soft cloth, but it’s best to check with an expert first before cleaning an item. Never use a cleaner that contains harsh chemicals.
8) Use cotton sheets to cover antique furniture. Never wrap wood furniture in plastic or bubble wrap because it needs to breathe. Also, give the furniture a wax treatment to avoid cracking and splitting.
9) Make sure to check on your collectibles on a regular basis. Keep items dust-free and make sure bugs have not taken up residence in them or made holes in them.
10) Vinyl records should be stored upright and in polyethylene sleeves. Handle records by the edge or center label.
Are there any tips that you would add to this list?
Looking for collectibles and antiques to add your collections? Check out our current online estate sale auctions!
