People collect almost anything; old records, comic books, baseball cards, action figures, coins or stamps. The list goes on and on. Some people collect things for sentimental value, while others do it as a hobby, often to make money. Whatever the reason, if you have a collection that’s valuable to you, it’s important to make sure you that you store it properly. Most collectibles tend to be older items and you want to make sure that they stay in the best condition possible. There can be a lot of money riding on it in some cases.
A.B. Richards Will Keep Your Items Safe
A.B. Richards can help. We’re storage experts and we can help keep your collectibles safe and close to where you are. You don’t have to go across town to a storage facility to gain access to your collection. We can deliver a portable storage container to your location and we’ll pick them up at no extra charge when you no longer need it. We’d like to give you some tips on storing your collectibles.
Organizing Your Collection
The first step to collectible storage is organization. The Arizona Republic suggests keeping a detailed inventory preparing for storage. There are software programs and apps available to help you keep track of that inventory, but even a handwritten list will do. It’s also a good idea to keep items like toys in their original boxes or containers. If you’re looking to sell your collectibles, you’ll want to authenticate them as well. So it’s smart to keep the receipts from your purchase of the items as well as any other types of documentation.
Maintaining Proper Storage Conditions
Once you’ve prepared the items you’ve been collecting, it’s time to consider storage conditions. According to about.com, there are certain things you should look out for to avoid ruining your collection. One of these is light. Light can damage a number of materials like wood, paper, and textiles. It can cause colors to fade and even melt materials like plastics. You should avoid storing collectibles in direct sunlight and instead choose low levels of light. If you’re storing a display cabinet, the lights should be turned off as well.
Another huge problem when storing collectibles is controlling humidity. Excessive humidity can cause mold to grow on objects and can also attract insects. But dry storage conditions can also cause problems like shrinking paper and making things like paintings and wood brittle. Humidity should stay as close to 50 percent as possible.
Temperatures should also be controlled when storing items. The ideal storage temperature is about 64 degrees and you should avoid storing collectibles in areas which are subject to extreme temperatures like your basement or your attic. If you need to move your collection, you need to avoid making the transfer of glass or ceramic items in extreme temperature differences. This can cause these items to crack.
Securing Your Valuables it’s Our Highest Priority
Security is also important when handling collectibles and A.B. Richards portable storage containers are a strong choice for keeping your collection safe. Our containers are durable, they’re constructed of rugged 14-gauge steel and contain hardwood floors. They can be padlocked and they’re weather resistant. They’re the perfect place for your collection. For more information, contact A.B. Richards today.
