How To Store Antiques in a Storage Unit

Antique or collectible items may be beloved to you, but that doesn’t mean you have the space available to keep them all at home. Luckily, you have other options. At Universal Storage Group, we offer spacious storage units perfect for storing all your antiques. However, even if you are storing your items at home, there are many steps that must be taken to keep your antiques looking good as new.

Storing personal items such as antiques requires careful planning and execution to ensure that they remain in good condition. In this guide for storing antiques, we will take you through each step of the process. We’ll also discuss how to store clothing, quilts, furniture, and books.

With the following steps and tips, you can help protect your antiques while they are in storage so they remain in good condition for years to come. Read on to learn how to store antiques or contact us to receive additional information about your storage options.

Preparation Steps For Storing Antiques

Prior to renting your storage unit, there are quite a bit of research and preparation steps that need to be taken. Let the storage experts at Universal Storage Group help you choose the right unit, prepare antiques for long-term storage, find the right storage materials, and give you some things to consider when storing antiques for a long period of time.

Choose the Right Storage Unit

First, you need to make sure you are choosing the right storage unit for your items. One option is climate-controlled storage to protect your antiques from extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture. These units will help to regulate temperature to help your antiques resist damage such as cracking or fading. Browse through our storage locations to find one near you that offers climate-controlled storage.

Prepare Your Antiques

Before storing your antiques, clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust. Use a gentle cleaner and soft cloth to avoid damaging the surface of your antiques. Take apart any removable parts such as legs, handles, or knobs to prevent breakage during transportation or storage.

Use Protective Packing Materials

Use high-quality packing materials like acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts to wrap and protect your antiques. This will help prevent scratches, dents, and other damage during transportation and storage. Use boxes that are specifically designed for antiques and that fit your items snugly, but not too tight. You can always drop by your local storage facility to pick up packing and moving supplies for all your storage needs.

Considerations for Long-Term Antique Storage

As you are packing your antiques away for storage, label your boxes clearly with their contents and any special instructions, such as “fragile” or “this side up,” to ensure they are handled properly during transportation and storage.

You also want to make sure they are not stacked too high or leaning against anything else. This will help prevent any potential damage from other items in the unit. Also, place your antiques on pallets or shelves so they are not sitting directly on the floor. Check out even more detailed packing and storage tips before you start loading things into your storage unit.

It’s also a good idea to visit your storage unit periodically to check that your antiques are still in good condition. Be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the unit, and address any issues immediately if they arise.

How To Store Antique Furniture

Antique furniture requires proper storage to safeguard it from damage, especially during long-term storage. Here are some tips on how to store antique furniture:

Clean the furniture. Before storing antique furniture, clean it properly using a gentle cleaner to remove any dirt or dust from the surface.
Disassemble the furniture. If possible, disassemble the antique furniture to make it easier to store. Remove any drawers, shelves, or other detachable parts from the furniture.
Wrap the furniture. Wrap the furniture in a soft, breathable material such as moving blankets, towels, or furniture pads. Avoid using plastic or other non-breathable materials, as they can trap moisture and cause damage. You should also use corner protectors to protect the corners and edges of the furniture during transport and storage. You can use foam or bubble wrap to cover the corners and edges.
Rent a climate-controlled storage unit. Store antique furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause damage to the furniture over time, so it’s important to keep the storage unit at a consistent temperature and humidity level.
Elevate the furniture. Store the antique furniture off the ground by placing it on blocks or wood pallets. This will help protect it from moisture and pests. Avoid stacking furniture on top of each other, as this can put stress on the legs and joints of the furniture.

Steps for Storing Antique Clothing

To preserve it for future generations, antique clothing requires careful storage. Luckily, we’ve gathered the best tips on how to store antique clothing properly. Before storing antique clothing, it is key to clean it properly. Any dirt, stains, or insects left on the clothing can cause damage over time. However, it is equally important to use gentle methods of cleaning that will not harm the fabric or any fragile components of the clothing.

You will also need to invest in proper storage materials such as acid-free tissue paper and padded hangers. Antique clothing should also be stored in a cool, dry place that is free from direct sunlight, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. Basements and attics are not suitable storage locations as they are often too humid and prone to temperature fluctuations.

Finally, avoid packing items too tightly together. This can cause the fabric to crease, wrinkle, and become damaged. If possible, store antique clothing flat in acid-free boxes or containers. This will help prevent any stress or strain on the fabric.

How To Store Antique Quilts

Quilts are another antique storage item that requires extra care and proper storage to remain damage-free. If you’re storing antique quilts or handmade linens, we recommend placing the wrapped quilt inside a muslin cover to protect it from light, dust, and insects. Muslin is a breathable fabric that will allow air to circulate around the quilt.

If possible, you will also want to store the antique quilt on a flat surface, such as a bed or a table. Folding the quilt can cause creases and damage the fabric over time. Do not hang the antique quilt on a hanger or a rod. The weight of the quilt can cause stress on the fabric, which can lead to damage over time.

Tips for Storing Antique Books

Antique books are delicate items that are incredibly susceptible to damage if not stored properly. Here are some tips on how to store antique books:

Choose the right storage location. Store antique books in a cool, dry place away from harsh sunlight or extreme temperatures. Especially if you live somewhere prone to flooding, storing books in places like basements can put them at risk of water damage and more.
Use bookshelves and bookends. Antique books should be stored on bookshelves that are sturdy and can support the weight of the books. The shelves should be at least 12 inches deep to allow the books to be stored upright. Use bookends to support the books on the shelf and prevent them from falling over.
Avoid overcrowding. Do not overcrowd the bookshelves, as this can cause damage to the spines and covers of the books. Leave some space between the books to allow air to circulate.
Store books upright. Store antique books upright with the spine facing out. This will help prevent the pages from sagging and the spine from becoming damaged.
Handle with care. When handling antique books, use clean, dry hands and handle them gently. Do not pull on the spine or bend the pages.
Use acid-free paper. Place acid-free paper between the pages of the book to prevent them from touching each other. This will help to prevent the pages from sticking together or becoming damaged.

Find Climate-Controlled Storage for Your Antiques With Universal Storage Group

For storing antiques, household furniture, and more, a self storage unit is a great solution to ensure you have the space to do it properly. Fortunately, Universal Storage Group offers storage units with climate control and in a range of sizes fit for your antique storage needs.

To unlock more space, locate a storage facility near you, and rent a climate-controlled storage unit today!