If you love antiques and collectibles, preserving them is of the utmost importance for their longevity and usability. Antique furniture is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and environmental factors, so when it is placed in long-term storage, it will need added protection. Preserving antique furniture may look different for each piece, but the first step is finding the right storage facility.
Our team at 700 Block Storage offers some of the best storage units for antique furniture and other personal items, keeping them from damage or theft. With multiple unit sizes and climate-controlled options, our facility can keep your collectibles from unnecessary damage. Let’s look at some techniques helpful in preserving antique furniture and what to look for in a storage unit that will hold your antique items.
Use Protective Wrapping And Padding
The best way to keep dust, debris, and moisture off your antique furniture is to wrap it with specialized tarps or paper. While moving, stacking, and resting in the storage unit, the furniture should be wrapped with padding to keep it safe. Owners can wrap table legs or corners with bubble wrap, while bookcases or desk tops are covered with a breathable fabric. It is best to avoid stacking antique furniture, but if you need to stack it inside a storage unit, having it wrapped will prevent scuffs and scratches.
Choose A Temperature-Controlled Storage Space
Climate-controlled storage units will help preserve antique furniture, keeping it from warping in extreme temperatures or growing mold from excess moisture. These storage units limit humidity in the unit, which can cause discoloration and mold on precious furniture pieces. Climate-controlled units are also best for other belongings like clothing, documents, books, and metal collectibles. Preserving antique furniture and other belongings is much easier with a temperature-controlled unit.
Clean And Treat The Piece Before Storing
Planning to store items for a long time will require proper preparation, including cleaning and treating certain materials. Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any stuck-on debris. Remove dust or dry debris with a duster or a new cloth before applying any stain or paint. A coat of stain or paint can add a barrier between debris and pests that could weaken your antique furniture. Make sure to follow the paint and stain directions if you want to preserve antique furniture well into the future, especially while in long-term storage.
Raise The Furniture Off The Floor
Instead of placing antique furniture directly on the storage unit floor, it is best to raise it up on bed risers or pallets. Keeping furniture off the floor will lower the risk of damage from flooding or insects. While the floor of a storage unit may be clean, it can collect dust and debris over time and build up around the legs or base of furniture. Raising the furniture, even just slightly, can also help prevent dents and dings when you move other furniture or items into the unit in the future. Walking or wheeling in with more belongings can damage antique furniture if it is placed on the floor.
Can Other Collectibles Be Stored In A Storage Unit?
Other collectibles, like coins, magazines, books, cards, and clothing, can be stored in a storage unit in addition to antique furniture. Climate-controlled units will also keep moisture and sunlight from damaging these fragile items. When collectibles are damaged or discolored, they can also lose their value, preventing them from being passed down or sold. Keep your collectibles in good condition so they can be enjoyed by you and future generations by putting them in a storage unit.
Secure Units With 700 Block Storage
700 Block Storage is one of the top facilities in Salt Lake City and offers units of all sizes for your convenience. Our facility is highly secure, easily accessible, and can be accessed by renters 24 hours a day. Whether you want to preserve antique furniture, are remodeling your home, or need to get clutter out of your home, storage units can help. Each of our units is less than 100 feet from an elevator, which makes moving large items or multiple items into our facility less of a hassle. 700 Block Storage is proud to serve the Salt Lake community and those moving to our area. Visit our website or give us a call to see available units and start storing today!
