If you are planning a move, are about to embark on a remodeling project, or need to declutter the house, put fragile heirlooms in an off-site, climate-controlled storage unit. Putting items out of the way for safekeeping ensures they won’t get snagged, chipped, or suffer additional damage. To ensure objects with sentimental and historical value last for years to come, follow the below packing advice.

How to Preserve Common Heirloom Items in Storage

1. Put Photos in Leather-Bound Albums

If you have a box full of vintage photographs, put them in a leather-bound album. The durable covering will keep away insects that might get into the unit, including moths that feed on paper. A climate-controlled unit will minimize the risk of moisture problems that corrode and discolor photographs, but you should still place acid-free sheets over each album page. The polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene dividers have a neutral pH to preserve the integrity of chemicals used to develop the images.    

2. Sort Jewelry Before Storing

Placing heirloom jewelry in a climate-controlled storage unit will extend the life of your pieces. That’s because extreme heat can alter the pigment in gemstones and corrode some precious metals. Some gems are also too fragile to handle frigid temperatures and could crack in cold environments. Before putting jewelry in dust pouches, sort items and wrap each piece in archival tissue, which is acid- and lignin-free to prevent corrosion. Costume jewelry should be kept in separate dust pouches from fine jewelry to prevent impurities from inferior metals rubbing off on your more expensive pieces.   

3. Place Silverware & China in Tissue Paper & Bubble Wrap

Silverware and china can shift as you place boxes in the storage unit. Securing the pieces will reduce the risk of nicks, scrapes, breaks, and additional damage. Wrap each piece in a layer of acid-free tissue paper to avoid discoloration, followed by a layer of bubble wrap. When you put items in a box, fill in the gaps with bubble wrap. This way, when boxes are jostled, the extra padding will hold the items in place. 

If you are looking for a safe place to store family heirlooms and additional possessions, reach out to International Self Storage in Anchorage, AK. The facility has both unheated and heated storage units to ensure all customers’ belongings are stored properly. To deter theft and vandalism, there are managers and video surveillance cameras on the premises. To inquire about storage unit availability and package deals, call (907) 563-3287. A representative will also let you know what you can and can’t keep in storage. Visit the company online to learn more about the self-storage solutions they provide and follow them on Facebook for news updates.