How to Store Antiques

We know it’s heartbreaking to store your grandmother’s credenza or your favorite family heirloom, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. We at Albuquerque Self Storage understand and we want to help you preserve those antiques during their time in a storage unit. So here’s our tips on how to store antiques. 

How To Store Art and Mirrors

If you’re looking to store artwork that doesn’t have a frame, you should wrap it in glassine, which is a special paper that is resistant to air and water. Then, place the art and the glassine in clear plastic before storing it vertically inside a wooden crate lined with foam or cardboard to further protect it. Avoid using cardboard boxes and tubes, as the material is not durable or waterproof, nor will it help the art keep its original shape. 

If your art is stored in a frame, ensure that the frame is secure and that air cannot get to the artwork. If it can, take it out of the frame and store the art separately. If the frame is airtight, wrap it in plastic and bubble wrap to protect the glass. Lay it horizontally to avoid it falling over and never place anything on top of it. You can also lay it vertically if it is secure on all sides. 

Storing a mirror is very similar to a framed piece of art. It should be covered in bubble wrap, a blanket or your protective covering of choice and secured with tape or plastic stretch wrap. For added protection, consider storing it in a box that is designed for packing mirrors. 

Never place anything on top of a mirror or glassware, as the extra weight can cause damage. 

How to Store Antique Furniture

Antique furniture can be trickier to store due to its shape and weight, but it is not impossible. Before wrapping it, always dust and clean the piece of furniture and treat it with the proper conditioning products, such as leather conditioner, wood polish, or wiping down metal with oil to prevent rust. 

If you’re able, disassemble the furniture. This includes taking legs off of a chair, taking apart bed frames, and removing all of the cushions (if possible). Once ready, cover all exposed areas of the piece of furniture with blankets, sheets, plastic stretch wrap. If you have a custom bag or box for the piece, that is perfect for storage. 

Put all of the hardware into a bag, label the bag, and secure it to the wrappings. 

All of the frames should be free-standing and separated to avoid anything damaging them. Do not place anything on top of your antique furniture items while they are in storage. 

The same is said for antique rugs. Clean and vacuum them before rolling them up tightly. Double wrap it in plastic then store it on its side to avoid creasing. 

How to Store Antique Books and Documents 

When it comes to storing paper, it is important to keep the pages dry enough to remain legible, but humid enough so the paper doesn’t crack. Wrap the book in acid-free paper before storing it in a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag inside of a book box for added protection and put cardboard between each book to help keep the spines straight. 

If you’re worried about movement, use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to fill in any gaps in the box.  

Avoid placing the spines in the box at an odd angle! This could quickly cause the spine to warp. 

For documents, you can safely store them in archival-quality plastic sleeves. You can put them in an album or within a document box to keep its shape. If you’re worried about pests, you can place them inside a cardboard or wooden box, or a safe. 

Store Antiques in a Secure Facility

Once your antiques are ready for storage, you’re going to want peace of mind that they will be safe when you’re not there to monitor them. Storage facilities, like us at Albuquerque Self Storage offer secure facilities. We provide a lock for all of our new units and access is only allowed at business hours, so someone is always watching who is entering and leaving the area. 

Our facility is also well-lit and fenced, as well as 100% accessible by vehicle during business hours.

Our indoor units come in various sizes, from 4’x6’ to 15’x22’, so we can fit any and all of your antique furniture. We also offer month-to-month leasing, so if you know your antiques won’t be in storage for long, you won’t have to worry about being locked into a contract. All we ask is a 10-day notice before you vacant the unit.

If you’re interested in learning more about our self storage options, visit our website or contact us today.