Collectible items come in different sizes, shapes, and values. Some of the popular ones include stamps, coins, action figures, comic books, and authentic signed memorabilia.
Each collection has its unique story, and every collector has a distinct purpose behind their hobby. The reasons may vary from enjoyment, business, historical value, emotional investment, childhood memorabilia, recognition, and the thrill of the hunt. But no matter the reason, collecting is healthy, ordinary human activity.
Proper storage is critical when it comes to collecting items. But it can cause serious problems once the collection piles up. We end up neglecting most of our collectibles, causing them to accumulate dirt, dust, mold. If left unprotected, most collectibles lose their value if they get scratched or damaged over time.
To keep your collectibles safe and protected, we’ll discuss the proper ways of storing and maintaining them.
Keep them out of humidity
It doesn’t matter whether you’re collecting movies, comic books, toys, or vinyl records. They come at a costly price, so you surely want to preserve them as possible.
Humidity is one of the greatest enemies of every passionate collector. If you’re storing your collection in a place with high levels of humidity, then you better transfer them someplace else before it gets worse.
There are plenty of storage options available to protect the quality and value of your items. In fact, some businesses offer professional storage services that ensure greater security, better climate control, and proper handling to prevent any form of damage.
But if you prefer to store your collectibles in your home, consider buying silica gel packets. These little packets act as desiccant dehumidifiers that naturally absorb moisture.
Rearrange your collection
Collectors with a large inventory of collectibles prefer to use their prized possessions as decorations to show to their family, friends, or guests.
Whichever place you want to show off your collection, make sure to rotate them seasonally. This means putting some of your collectibles on display while the others are in safe storage. Placing them together in one area exposes them to dust, sunlight, and other damaging elements.
When rotating items, make sure to use quality mobile storage to keep them protected while on display. It’s also worth noting that putting your collectibles in areas with constant access to light will do more harm than good. Ideally, place your collectibles in darker areas to protect items from chemical reactions that cause items to dry out or fade over time.
Observe proper dusting
Whether you want to store or display your collectibles, it’s essential to practice proper dusting regularly. Believe it or not, dirt and dust have their way of reaching the tiniest gaps. So regardless of how you store them, you have to dust them regularly!
Once you establish a regular cleaning routine, you can ensure that dirt and dust won’t easily tarnish or build up on your collectibles.
To effectively remove dirt buildup, use products and tools that won’t affect the quality of your collections. Microfiber cloth is known for its ability to trap and pick up dirt particles. For items with delicate surfaces, use a feather duster or any tool with soft brushes.
Keep your hands off
Ever noticed how museum staff use gloves when handling historical items? Gloves serve as the protective barrier to prevent perspiration and dirt from your hands from sticking on the items.
While it’s nice to pull out your collectibles from their boxes and admire them from time to time, overhandling causes long-term damage. Any particle can ultimately destroy the value of your precious collectibles. So, a good pair of gloves is always a must-have to handle your items without worry.
Use quality packing products
Keeping your collections in safe storage is never enough. To retain their quality and value, you have to pack them individually using reliable packing products that are chemical-free.
Avoid using tissue paper whether as a cleaning tool or as a protective layer. Tissue papers often contain acid, causing damage to any textile or fabric, such as furniture, dolls, and clothes.
Invest time in discovering the appropriate packing product fit for your collection. This will ensure your collection will retain its value over time. Sealed containers make the best packing products to prevent dust, moisture, and pests from damaging your collectibles.
Our collections are among our most prized possessions, so it’s important to store them properly to keep them well-preserved and valuable regardless of their age. Remember that collectibles involve plenty of time, money, and effort. Learning to store them properly can turn your innocent hobby into a lifelong investment.