Whether you collect trading cards, figurines, antique furniture, or art, keeping your items in good condition is critical to maintaining the value of your collection. However, storing collectibles safely is easier said than done, as many environmental factors can affect your items over time. If you’re placing your collectibles in a storage unit, here are a few ways to keep them safe from harm.

How to Properly Store Collectible Items

1. Invest in Temperature Control

Fluctuations in temperature can cause many different materials to wear or warp, especially if humidity is introduced to the storage unit. To avoid these problems, it’s best to choose an indoor facility that offers heated storage for even temperature and humidity control.

2. Take Security Seriously

Theft is a major concern when you have valuable items kept in a storage unit. For this reason, it’s critical to use a secure facility that ensures only you can access your unit. For added protection, use a provider that offers monitoring services and keeps a staff on site.

3. Pack Tightly

Leaving your items exposed in the storage unit can result in damage caused by dust, moisture, or pests. As such, you should keep all valuables packed in a sealed storage box or wrap them in plastic to keep out contaminants. If you’re packing fragile items in a box, wrap them in a padded material to keep them from breaking.

4. Use Strategic Placement

If you’re storing multiple items, it’s important to place things in a way that they won’t be damaged. For example, you won’t want to put fragile items beneath heavy objects that may crush them. If you have to stack, make sure the items are in containers that can withstand weight pressure and put the heavier objects at the bottom. If you’re concerned about moisture forming on the ground, arrange your items on pallets.

5. Keep an Inventory

When you have an assortment of collectibles, knowing where to find each object can help you avoid unnecessary—and potentially harmful—handling. For easier retrieval, clearly label each box and all its contents. If you have a large unit, also consider creating a chart that explains where is item is located.

If you want to store your collectibles with confidence, turn to International Self Storage. Reliably serving the Anchorage, AK, community for more than 30 years, this facility is prized for its high commitment to keeping belongings in good shape. With secure, accessible, and heated storage units available, you’ll have all the resources you need to protect your valuables from harm. To learn more about their sizing options and pricing, visit this self-storage facility online. For questions about availability, call a friendly team member at (907) 563-3287.