All You Need to Know About Storing Valuables in Self-Storage
Most of us have valuables of various kinds that we don’t want to get rid of but you also don’t need to take up prime space in your basement or garage. Although jewelry and antiques are valuable items you can place in storage, items like your wedding dress, photos, and musical instruments can be placed in self-storage.
How Can I Store Jewelry in Self Storage?
Jewelry is exceptionally valuable and irreplaceable. Choosing a highly secured unit will help prevent theft; however, by signing the renter’s contract you are complying with whatever their policies are in the case of theft. Ensure you are comfortable with the renter’s agreement before placing your valuables in their storage unit.
You should also pick a climate-controlled unit. A climate-controlled unit is essential because it prevents jewelry from tarnish and damage.
Before storing, you should clean the jewelry from dirt and grime. Store the jewelry in its original casing if possible because the velvet lining prevents scratching and tarnishing. If you don’t have the original boxes, use soft materials like anti-tarnish tissue paper and cotton-padded boxes.
Another way to prevent scratching is to sort the jewelry by metal or material. For instance, store gold, silver, and gemstones separately.
Prevent tarnishing by using silica or chalk packets, which absorb moisture that would otherwise settle on the metal.
How Should I Store My Wedding Dress in Self Storage?
A wedding dress is a prized heirloom that can be passed down for generations and worn again if preserved. Here’s how you can preserve your wedding dress for generations to come:
- Use a professional dry cleaning service to properly clean your dress. This is particularly helpful for any stains that seem small now but time makes them large and grotesque. The dry cleaning service may also be able to fix any minor repairs.
- Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper, which protects the fabric from discoloration over time.
- Store the dress in a breathable garment bag or wedding dress box. Don’t store the dress in plastic, as this will trap moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and staining.
- Add a silica pack and/or cedar blocks to prevent moisture build-up and deter pests.
How Should I Store Photographs in Self Storage?
Printed photographs are some of the most prized personal possessions one can own. These pictures can’t be reproduced, and developing photos from film can be expensive. Storing photographs in self-storage is an excellent way to keep photos handy without taking up storage space in your home. However, store photographs carefully, or you’ll be sorely disappointed when you look for them again.
Use proper storage containers, such as:
- Acid-Free Boxes and Albums
- Photo Sleeves and Envelopes
- Plastic Bins
- File Folders
Placing acid-free tissue paper between photos will prevent them from sticking together and ruining the photograph. If possible, store the photographs flat, or at least don’t overfill storage boxes, as this can bend and warp the photographs over time.
How Should I Store Musical Instruments in Self Storage?
Each musical instrument has its own storage needs, so ensure you know the specific storage needs of your musical instrument. Most musical instruments need a climate-controlled unit to keep the temperature between 55 and 85 degrees F. This prevents the instrument from warping, cracking, or rusting from extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Before storing, clean and disassemble (if applicable) the instrument. Loosen the strings on a stringed instrument and remove the mouthpieces or reeds for wind instruments. Pack the instrument carefully in its original case; if you don’t have the original case, you should invest in a new one. The instrument’s case is the best protective layer and shouldn’t be substituted for blankets or packing wrap.
If you are storing a piano, use a piano cover designed to be breathable to prevent moisture build-up.
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