Storing antiques: how it works
Antiques are not only valuable treasures, but often also emotional heirlooms or historical relics that require special care and protection. Whether you are a passionate collector, run an antiques business or own valuable heirlooms, proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving their value and condition in the long term.
A self-storage facility offers an excellent solution. In this article, you will find out why self-storage is particularly advantageous for storing antiques and which aspects need to be considered.
Why self-storage for antiques?
Optimal conditions for sensitive objects
Antiques require special conditions to prevent damage caused by moisture, temperature fluctuations or light. Modern self-storage facilities offer temperature-controlled storage rooms that ensure constant temperature and humidity conditions. This protects your antiques from mold, wood warping and other climate-related damage.
Safety and protection
The security of your antiques is paramount. Self-storage facilities have extensive security measures such as video surveillance, access controls and alarm systems. So you can be sure that your valuable items are protected from theft and vandalism.
Flexibility and accessibility
Self-storage facilities offer flexible rental contracts so you can customize the storage space to suit your needs. Whether you need a small unit for a few items or a large space for a comprehensive collection, the flexibility of self-storage is a great advantage. STORE ROOM offers storage units ranging in size from 1 to 50 m². In addition, you usually have round-the-clock access to your storage unit, which allows you to reach your antiques quickly if necessary.
Space saving
Antiques can take up a lot of space, and not every household has enough storage space. With self-storage, you can free up living space and still guarantee that your valuable pieces are kept safe and tidy.
Storing antiques: What should I bear in mind?
Choosing the right storage space
Pay attention to size and equipment when choosing a storage unit. A room that is temperature-controlled and has good ventilation is ideal for storing antiques. Avoid storage facilities that are exposed to high humidity or extreme temperatures.
Correct packaging
Pack your antiques carefully to protect them from damage. Use acid-free packing material such as bubble wrap or special types of packing paper. For furniture, use protective film and blankets to prevent scratches and knocks.
Regular inspections
Even if your antiques are stored safely in a self-storage unit, it is advisable to carry out regular inspections Check the storage conditions and make sure that no moisture or other environmental influences are causing damage.
Documentation and inventory
Keep a detailed inventory list of all stored antiques. This not only helps with administration, but is also an advantage in the event of damage or theft.
Insurance cover
Check whether your antiques are adequately insured in self-storage. STORE ROOM offers you additional insurance options that you should take advantage of in order to be covered in an emergency.
Storing antiques: tips and tricks
Paintings and works of art
Valuable paintings, especially those on canvas, require special care during storage.
Wrap your artwork in air and water-repellent paper and also protect it with transparent plastic film.
To ensure that the back of the painting remains stable, it is advisable to reinforce it with cardboard or thick paper.
Oil paintings should never be covered with glass, as this can alter the moisture in the canvas and cause damage.
To avoid dust accumulation, it is advisable to dust the canvas regularly with a soft natural hair brush.
Self-storage is an ideal solution for many types of antiques, but it is not the best choice for extremely valuable works of art such as a Picasso. These require specialized art storage facilities that are designed to meet higher security standards and insurance sums. Storing such artworks in self-storage can increase the risk and overstretch insurance cover.
Glass objects, mirrors, vases and co.
Fragile antiques such as glass objects, mirrors or vases require particularly careful packaging. Wrap these objects in special protective covers or soft material and also wrap them in bubble wrap to protect them from knocks. For mirrors, it is advisable to place them in suitable cardboard boxes for additional protection. Glass objects should always be stored flat, otherwise they could break under their own weight.
Wooden furniture
Antique furniture deserves careful preparation before it is stored in self-storage.
Start by dusting them thoroughly and treating them with suitable care products.
Wrap the furniture in blankets or protect it from scratches and damage with plastic covers. Particularly exposed parts such as table legs should also be secured with bubble wrap.
For leather surfaces, treatment with special leather care products is recommended, while metal parts should be lightly rubbed with oil to prevent corrosion.
Make sure that the furniture is stored as free-standing as possible, i.e. separate from other items, to prevent it from rubbing against each other. Furniture with moving parts such as drawers or doors should be placed on a flat floor to prevent warping.
Books and documents
Antique books and documents require particularly careful storage.
You should pack books in sturdy cardboard boxes and place cardboard strips between the books to prevent them from slipping.
Make sure that you do not place the books with the paper edges facing downwards, otherwise the cover and pages may warp.
Instead, they should be stored with the spine facing down and the paper edges facing up.
The best way to protect antique documents is to store them in special, acid-free sleeves that prevent them from deteriorating.