Self Storage for collectibles: What you can store and how to store them

19 June, 2024
By Storo
Self Storage for collectibles: What you can store and how to store them

From arts and antiques to action figures and comic books, any collector wants to keep their cherished finds in mint condition. As your collection grows in both size and value, space can become an issue. If you’ve outgrown your display cabinet or shelves and have no more household space to spare, it’s time to start looking for external storage solutions. Of course, any old shed or garage won’t do for your precious collectibles. With safety and square footage at the forefront of collectors’ minds, self storage presents the ideal solution. 

But what collectibles can you store and what’s the right way to store them? We give you the full breakdown below. 

Why Choose Self Storage for Storing Your Collectibles?

someone flipping through comic books

Firstly, let’s talk about why self storage is a great option for collectors!

The best thing about self storage units is that they’re the safest option for storing your valuables. Most are under constant surveillance, with additional security measures like tightly controlled access, as well as the option to insure stored goods. Only you and those you’ve granted permission have access to your items — that means intruders are hardly a concern, nor clumsy friends and family members knocking over your stuff. All you have to do is take extra care when moving your things to your storage unit and be careful of how you store them. 

What Collectibles Do People Store in Storage Units?

a record player on a table

People store a wide range of collectibles in their self storage units. Some popular collector’s items kept in storage include:

  • Postage stamps and first-day covers
  • Comics books and trading cards
  • Toys, action figures, statues, figurines, and collectible dolls
  • Antiques and historical items like furniture, historical artefacts, medals, and documents
  • Art and photography such as paintings, sculptures, vintage photos, and cameras
  • Books and printed materials like first editions, autographed copies, and graphic novels
  • Music memorabilia such as vinyl records, concert posters, and autographs
  • Clothing and accessories like historical garments and designer pieces
  • Models and miniatures such as model trains and dollhouse furniture
  • Sports memorabilia such as jerseys and autographed items
  • Tech and gadgets like vintage computers and early gadgets

You can store any kind of collection in self storage, provided that your collector’s items don’t breach your storage facility’s rules for what can’t be stored. Here is a guideline of what typically isn’t allowed in a storage unit:

  • Perishable Items: Items that can spoil or decay are usually not allowed. These include food items, liquids, and animal products. 
  • Hazardous Materials: Flammable, explosive, toxic, or otherwise dangerous items are prohibited, as well as items that may cause excessive odours or smoke. 
  • Living Items: Plants and animals cannot be stored, as well as biological agents.
  • Illegal Items: Anything illegal to possess is not allowed.

While these are general rules that can be found at most self storage facilities worldwide, it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions at your chosen facility as more restrictions may apply. For example, many facilities don’t allow the storage of cash, so coin and currency collectors may have to seek alternative options. 

The Best Tips for Storing Your Collectibles in Storage 

We’re sure you’re a pro at keeping your collector’s items in tip-top shape, but as storage experts, we can’t help but share some storage-specific tips for safeguarding your things. 

Choose the Right Storage Unit

Not all storage units are made equal. Make sure you choose a reputable self storage provider with excellent security measures and policies aimed at protecting your things. For preserving your collector’s items, you’ll want a dry, temperate environment with climate control measures in place, like a minimum-temperature guarantee. 

Use Proper Packaging Materials 

When moving your things into storage, it’s crucial to use high-quality moving and packaging materials. This is especially important for valuables and fragile objects. Stock up on sturdy moving boxes, tape to secure them, and bubble wrap and/or packing paper to cushion your items. For antique furniture, corner protectors and furniture blankets can protect from bumps, scratches, and dust. 

If your items are diverse in size and shape, you’ll need a variety of moving boxes — big ones for large, lightweight items; small boxes for heavier, smaller, and more delicate items; medium size boxes for medium size objects; and even specialised ones, like wardrobe boxes for storing designer clothes. Using the correct boxes is particularly important; if you overload them, you run the risk of your items falling through the bottom or even injury to your body. 

Stack Boxes Carefully  

a man packing his boxes into a storage unit

Choose a unit size that’s big enough to comfortably accommodate all of your items. You should have enough space to walk through your unit unobstructed when you visit. If you have multiple boxes to stack, make sure to place the heavier boxes at the bottom of each pile to create a solid foundation. Don’t stack these piles too high in case they topple over. 

Use Shelving Units 

Standalone shelving units are a great alternative to stacking boxes on top of each other. They provide greater stability and reduce the risk of any of your precious items getting crushed. They can also be used to display the items in your collection. 

Store Your Collectibles in Belgium With Storo Self Storage 

If you’re serious about your collectibles, Storo is your go-to for trusted self storage in Belgium. Our fortress-like facilities in Antwerp and West Flanders offer the best in security while providing a clean, dry, and climate-controlled environment, perfect for your precious items. We have compact units for a few prized possessions and large spaces for more extensive collections. 

 

Check out our range of self storage units or contact us today to find the perfect space for you and your stuff! 


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