Proper long-term storage is essential for preserving high-value and sentimental items, from collectables to family heirlooms. This guide for storing valuable items provides practical tips for organising, preparing, and protecting your items to prevent damage over time. With proper storage methods and a long-term storage company, you can ensure your treasured possessions remain safe for years to come!
Preparation is Paramount: When considering long-term storage, ensure that you clean items thoroughly and use the correct packing materials (e.g., bubble wrap for fragile items, acid-free tissue for textiles) to prevent deterioration.
Document Everything: Before storing, create a detailed inventory list with descriptions and photographs of each item's condition. This is crucial for insurance and tracking.
Environment is Everything: Choose a storage unit that protects your items from temperature fluctuations, moisture, and pests. Using moisture-absorbing desiccants like silica gel packs is highly recommended.
Security is Non-Negotiable: Opt for a facility with robust security features, including 24/7 CCTV surveillance, secure gated access, and a strong reputation.
Insurance for Peace of Mind: For high-value items, consider taking out a specific insurance policy to protect against potential theft or damage.
Choose the Right Partner: The longevity of your valuables depends on the quality of the storage provider. Look for a company like U Can Store that offers a secure and stable environment, along with a range of storage unit sizes.
So, you’ve made the wise decision to invest in a long-term storage company for storing valuable items, but now you need to actually prepare your valuable and precious belongings and choose the right self-storage provider. Knowing how to maintain these items ensures their longevity, meaning they’ll retain their value and stay in pristine condition for years to come. Whether it’s a sentimental art canvas you bought with your first paycheck, storage furniture, like a handmade coffee table from your grandfather, or a prized antique watch collection, we’ve got you covered with these top tips for storing valuable items!
Valuable items are not always expensive, they often hold historical or sentimental significance, such as:
No matter what kind of item you value, proper storage will ensure they remain intact and pristine for future use!
Here’s how to start storing valuable items long term:
Before placing your valuables into long-term storage, make sure you take note of everything going in there, even down to the guitar picks inside that retro guitar case. This helps keep track of what you own and allows for easy retrieval later.
The last thing you want is to collect your prized antique photo album after a few months in storage only to find that one damp corner has spread and ruined all your precious photos! Not properly cleaning items can lead to severe deterioration, so ensure your valuables are stored in their best possible condition.
Ensuring you have rented the correct self-storage unit for your valuables is essential in preventing damage and protecting from temperature fluctuations, pests, and wear and tear! Storage providers like U Can Store offer secure and stable environments to protect your valuables. When choosing a storage unit, consider the following:
Security is just as important as environmental care when storing valuable items, especially in Johannesburg where break-ins are a sadly common occurrence!
Whether you’re preserving a whiskey collection, safeguarding family heirlooms, furniture, or ensuring your collectibles stay pristine, following these best practices for storing valuable items will keep your treasures safe for generations to come.
And now you know how to properly store your high-value items, make sure you choose the best storage provider for your needs! Investing in a quality long term storage company ensures the longevity of what matters most to you, and U Can Store is the best provider on the market. Not only do U Can Store self-storage facilities provide high-end technology solutions to keep valuables safe and secure, but their wide range of storage options mean you can find the perfect size unit, in the ideal location, and for the best cost on the market!
Find out more about why U Can Store is ideal for high-value possessions!
Q1: What kind of items are considered "high-value"?
High-value items aren't just expensive. They include anything with significant monetary, sentimental, or historical worth. This includes anything from coins to designer handbags, jewellery, antique furniture or sentimental items.
Q2: Why can't I just store my items in a regular garage or attic?
Standard home storage areas are subject to temperature swings, humidity, dust, and pests, all of which can cause irreversible damage like mould, warping, cracking, and corrosion. A professional storage facility provides a controlled, clean, and secure environment.
Q3: How should I prepare leather furniture or goods for long-term storage?
To prevent leather from drying out and cracking, clean it thoroughly and apply a specialised leather conditioner before storage. Wrap the item in breathable fabric covers (like cotton sheets) rather than plastic, which can trap moisture.
Q4: How do I know what size storage unit I need?
Choose a unit that is large enough to hold your items without cramming them in. You should be able to walk around and access boxes without having to move others. This prevents accidental knocks, scratches, and damage. Most storage companies, including U Can Store, can help you determine the perfect storage unit size for your needs.
Q5: Should I insure the items I store?
Absolutely. While a secure facility significantly reduces risk, insurance provides essential financial protection against unforeseen events, such as fire, flood, or theft. Check with your home insurance provider or the storage company to determine specific policy options for storing valuables.
Q6: Can I check on my items while they are in storage?
Yes, with a reputable provider like U Can Store, you can access your unit during designated access hours. It's a good practice to visit periodically to ensure everything remains in good condition.