Every collector takes its collection very seriously and they should. Collectors invest time and effort into expanding their collections and finding rare pieces. For this reason, they value their collections the most. However, what happens if they are moving internationally? Then, the collection might be in danger. If you are proud of your collection, then you have two choices. You can either move your collection with you or find a storage unit. If you rather go with the second option, then, here are all the important tips for storing collectibles.  

Storing collectibles by reducing the other clutter 

People store their collections with other items. It is a perfect solution when you need to save money. However, soon your unit can turn into a mess. Your collectibles can be in danger if they fall. In addition to this, it will take you a long time to reach your collectibles if they are buried under piles of other items. Therefore, you should reduce the clutter even before you rent a storage unit. Here are the ways to achieve it. Make two piles, one to sell or donate and the other to throw away. Selling your items is a good way to earn additional money that you can use for sea freight forwarders. You can list your items at Craigslist or similar websites. You can always organize a garage sale if you time. As for the donation, you can contact major charities, such as Goodwill or the US Salvation Army.  

Get the proper packing supplies 

Since you prize your collectibles the most, you should properly protect it. You cannot achieve this without the proper packing supplies.  

• Moving boxes – the most common packing supply yet very effective. Ger dozens of boxes for your collectibles and other items as well.  
• Bubble wrapping – even though moving boxes will protect your items, you still need to protect them inside as well. For this reason, get bubble wrapping. Wrap it directly around your collectibles to protect them. 
• Old clothes, sheets, and blankets – if you do not want to buy bubble wrapping, you can still use old clothes, blankets, and sheets, especially for larger items.  
• Plastic sleeves – if you collect vinyl records, comic books, and similar items, you should use plastic sleeves as it is great protection from smudges or stains. 
• Pape, markers, and tie-downs – do not forget to seal your boxes and label them. 

Avoid placing your collectibles in direct sunlight 

You cannot avoid sunlight as it shows up every day. However, you can avoid placing your collectibles in direct sunlight. Most collectibles get easily sun-damaged. The colors will fade and their shape might change. Most affected items are books, vinyl, comic books, trading cards, and antique furniture. For this reason, you should check if your storage is completely sealed or not. Usually, they are 100% sealed, but still, better check. In addition to this, do not forget to pack your items properly. If you wrap into protective material and then place it in a moving box, your collectibles will be perfectly safe. There are other reasons why you should visit your future storage unit. First, you have to make sure it is clean and tidy. The second reason is to check security measures. Expensive pieces in your collection should be well-protected. 

Storing collectibles by renting a climate-controlled unit 

As mentioned, most collectibles are susceptible to damage. For this reason, standard self-storage might not be the best solution. They might not be able to offer the protection your collectibles need. However, a climate-controlled unit can. As the name suggests, you can control the temperature inside your unit. Usually, you can also control humidity as well. This is a perfect option when you are storing collectibles. However, the problem with this type of storage is its price. They are more expensive than standard storage units due to all the additional features. If you worry about money, you can rent a climate-controlled unit for a couple of weeks until you settle into your new home. On the other hand, you can find affordable storage facilities or check if there are any discounts offered at the moment. In any case, a climate-controlled is a perfect option for collectors.  

Storing antiques and vintage clothing 

Let’s get specific. When you are storing antiques, you should follow these rules. First, for antique wood, you should set humidity level between 35 and 65 percent. As for room temperature, you should have it set between 68 and 75 degrees. Next, you should not place your antiques directly on the floor, but rather, use a pallet or cinder blocks. Lastly, all the items should be wrapped into protective materials. Now onto vintage clothing. Use large wardrobe boxes and lie them flat. You can also hang your vintage clothes but do not use wire hangers. Keep the clothes in a dry place to prevent mold and mildew. A climate-controlled unit is the best option in this case. Lastly, you should not use plastic bags for your vintage clothes. They need to “breathe” so use pillowcases or sheets instead. Reduce the stress of storing collectibles by following the rules.  

Storing collectibles such as vinyl records, books, and jewelry 

Lastly, read the rules for storing vinyl records, books, and jewelry. 

• Vinyl records – temperature should be set at 50 degrees while humidity at 35. You should keep them in an upright position. In addition to this, place the same sized records together in order to save their edges.  
• Comic books or books – first, place each item in their individual sleeves. Make sure the place where you store them is dry and cool. The temperature should be slightly lower than room temperature while the humidity level at 50%. 
• Jewelry – the most valuable collectibles require special conditions. The temperature should be under 75 degrees. Get insurance when storing jewelry. 

As you can see, this would be storing collectibles 101.  Make sure to follow these tips in order to preserve the valuable pieces of your collection.