If you own items which are valuable, both in monetary terms and personal value, then it’s vital that you keep them stored safely, securely and to keep them in optimum condition. The rules for storing valuables depend on each individual item, so here are some general guidelines for different things that you might want to consider.
Documents
Important documents can easily get damaged or worn if they aren’t stored correctly, so it pays to spend a little time and effort preserving them to ensure they stay in good condition. Filing cabinets and display cases make ideal storage places for documents, but make sure you keep the documents flat or preferably separated by dividers, so that they don’t get bent or torn. You may want to consider storing valuable documents away from your home in specialist storage services that deal with storing important goods off-site. These types of places usually have climate controlled storage units to prevent deterioration of important documents.
Artwork
Many pieces of artwork are original and collectables, so it’s essential that you pay great attention to how you store these items when not on display. You’ll want to avoid the artwork becoming humid, so avoid storing it in plastic bags. Moisture can also come into contact with artwork if it is stored on concrete flooring. Ideally, artwork should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment but away from any direct draft. Any covering should be made with acid-free materials and the surrounding area and storage containers should be checked for dirt, mold or pests.
Musical instruments
Take extra care where you decide to store your musical instruments as heat can play havoc with wooden items, causing it to crack and even rot. Many musical instruments require storage in a climate-controlled unit because of their sensitivity to temperatures. For this reason, you should consider external storage services with experience in handling instruments if you are going to be storing the item/s for a significant period of time.
Photos
Treasured photos may not have much monetary value, but for most people they have a lot of personal importance. Pay attention to where you store all of your photos, as they can end up discoloured and damaged if exposed to heat and humidity. A cool, dry and preferably dark room is the best place to store them. If placed in any kind of book or separated, the materials used should be acid-free. Regular storage boxes may damage your prints so a trip to a photography store may be worth your while.
Special items of clothing
Valued items of clothing, such as expensive suits or a wedding dress, may never be worn again, but you’ll still want to keep them in tip-top condition. Follow instructions on the label for storage advice. Avoid storing in plastic dry cleaning bags, and make sure the area is dry and free from humidity or damp, as this may allow mould to flourish. Acid-free boxes make a good choice for storing wedding dresses, for example. It’s worth periodically checking the clothes to make sure they are in good condition.
Vintage cars
If you’re lucky enough to be the proud owner of a vintage car, then you’ll probably know of the importance of ensuring it is kept in pristine condition. Old cars can be susceptible to damage and rust, so make sure the car does not come into contact with humid or damp surroundings. If you don’t use the car very often, you might want to consider storing it off-site in a special climate-controlled storage unit.
Guarding against theft
Storing items well isn’t just about making sure they are kept in perfect condition, but it also requires consideration to how safe they are from potential theft. Never leave valuable items on show in your house, such as in windows. Install a fireproof and airproof safe to keep valuables in. Make sure you take out adequate insurance to cover the cost of theft to your treasured items. If in doubt, you might well be safer considering the services of external storage units, which are guarded day and night and have state of the art security systems in place.
