Coming into possession of valuable antiques and art takes great responsibility. These items can hold significant emotional and financial value. Your current storage method may not be adequate to preserve their history and craftsmanship. Investing in long-term storage is a wise decision to preserve treasured possessions for future generations.
This blog will provide practical, easy-to-follow tips for properly storing your art and antiques, helping you protect their beauty, value, and legacy. Whether you’re a long-time collector or just looking to care for a family heirloom, you’ll find advice tailored to your needs.
Steps To Prepare and Store Valuables
This process requires preparation, careful packing, and thoughtful placement in a secure location to ensure their longevity and condition. Following these steps will protect delicate and valuable items from damage, deterioration, and environmental factors.
Make an Inventory List
Before packing anything, take the time to create an inventory list. This provides an organizational reference when packing and unpacking, reduces the risk of losing track of items, and is essential in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Be sure to be thorough, detailing the name, description, and condition of each item. Supplement the list with high-quality photographs to capture details like markings, signatures, current wear, or imperfections.
Clean and Treat Your Valuables
Cleaning antiques and artwork before placing them into storage is essential because the process removes dust, dirt, and grime that can cause damage. Use appropriate cleaning methods and solutions for each item depending on their material.
For example, wooden furniture may require gentle wood polish, paintings need specialized art-safe cleaning solutions, and leather upholstery benefits from conditioning treatments to maintain its texture and durability. Some items may benefit from professional cleaning or restoration.
Once every piece is clean, ensure the items are completely dry. This will prevent mold or mildew development during storage.
Gather Proper Packing Supplies
Choosing the right packing materials will keep your valuables safe. Invest in materials specifically designed to safeguard fragile or delicate items such as archival-quality boxes, sheets of fabric, and high-quality packing tape.
Acid-free materials are beneficial as they prevent discoloration and other chemical reactions that can deteriorate antiques or art over time. Avoid using bubble wrap; the material can trap moisture and humidity, potentially leading to discoloration or mold.
Disassemble Furniture When Necessary
Minor disassembly is a wise choice when storing antique furniture. The process reduces the risk of damage, minimizes the amount of space required, and makes transportation easy. Remove detachable parts like table legs, armrests, or glass panels, and wrap each piece individually.
Label each component to make reassembly straightforward. Use a small, durable bag to store screws, bolts, and other small parts, and attach it securely to the main piece to avoid misplacement.
Wrap and Box Belongings
Once you’ve finished preparing your items and gathering the necessary packaging materials, it’s time to pack them securely. Start with acid-free tissue or soft fabric for individual items, ensuring full coverage.
Place them snugly in properly sized boxes to prevent movement during transport. Double-box delicate items like China plates or crystal glasses, using padding material between layers.
Avoid overcrowding or leaving excess empty space in each box; these practices could damage the stored object. Securely tape the boxes. Then, add a detailed label that describes the box’s contents and storage instructions, like “fragile” or “this side up.”
Research Reputable Storage Facilities
Where and how you store your valuables is significant in the quality of their preservation. Research storage facilities thoroughly, opting for locations with climate-controlled units, 24/7 access, and comprehensive security measures. Ask about their experience handling antiques and art, as specialized facilities can provide better accommodations for your valuables. Furthermore, take aspects such as distance to your home, unit size, and budget into account to select the facility most ideal for you.
Transport Valuables Safely
Transportation is a high-risk period for your valuables. Make sure to follow the best practices for loading and unloading items into vehicles or moving vans.
For smaller, delicate items, consider personally transporting them to the storage facility to ensure proper handling. For more extensive collections or oversized pieces, hiring a professional moving company with experience in antiques and art is highly recommended. Transporting with care is just as important as how you store the items once they reach the destination.
Storage Considerations To Keep in Mind
Storing your antiques and art properly in a secure location is crucial to ensuring their preservation over time. Let’s delve into the leading considerations when storing valuables long-term in a storage facility.
Purchase Specialized Insurance
Even with all precautions, unexpected accidents can happen in storage. That’s why it’s important to have specialized insurance for your antiques and art. If you haven’t already, hire an appraiser to assess the value of your items so they can be properly insured if lost or damaged.
Specialized insurance can protect your items against damage, theft, or loss, offering peace of mind and financial support in worst-case scenarios. Consult an experienced insurance provider to gain coverage for all your valuables.
Select Climate-Controlled Storage
Temperature and humidity fluctuations are major threats to antiques and art. Materials including wood, fabric, and canvas are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. Climate-controlled storage units maintain stable conditions, preventing these fluctuations from causing warping, cracking, or mold growth.
Consider the Facility’s Level of Security
Your valuables deserve top-tier protection. Look for facilities with advanced security measures such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit locks. If possible, inquire about on-site staff and alarm systems for an additional layer of safety.
Avoid Heat and Light Exposure
Prolonged exposure to natural or artificial light and heat can accelerate fading, discoloration, and material decay. Shield packed items by keeping them away from windows, vents, and direct light sources within the storage space. Store paintings and prints in specialized archival cases or shaded corners to minimize exposure.
Partner With Experts for Professional Storage Solutions
Storing antiques and art properly isn’t a task to take lightly. Cleaning and packing your treasured items, safely transporting them, and choosing a reputable facility to keep priceless heirlooms from damage is a detailed process. Professional moving and storage services ensure the safety of your collections.
At Capitol North American, we assist with warehousing and distribution services to simplify storing your valuable possessions. Our team combines expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help store your cherished belongings.
