It might feel like your family heirlooms are safe in your attic or basement, but is your basement ever damp? Is your attic ever hot? And don\u2019t get us started on dust, bugs, and mold.<\/p>\n
Everything deteriorates over time, but the wrong conditions can really speed up the process. The <\/span>importance of family heirlooms<\/span> to you and your relatives is typically a main factor when looking into the best storage options \u2013 because if something is worth preserving it\u2019s worth preserving properly.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But you may be asking <\/span>how do I organize family heirlooms<\/span> and keep them in the best shape for the next generations? We\u2019ve gathered the best tips and tricks and here\u2019s how:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For the reasons we just mentioned, keep heirlooms out of attics and basements. But also keep them away from outside walls and heat sources. This is absolutely the most important thing you can do.<\/span> If you don\u2019t have enough space in the main parts of your home, consider a <\/span>climate controlled<\/span> storage unit<\/span>.<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your great-grandfather\u2019s love letters sent from Europe. Your mother\u2019s christening photos. Your daughter\u2019s kindergarten report card. They\u2019re all worth saving, but <\/span>what can you do with the old family heirlooms<\/span>?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If they are something that you can envision placing around your house, that is the best way to keep an eye on them while displaying a piece of family history. Unfortunately, not all family heirlooms will fit into the design of your home. Before you pack them away, however, use your phone to take a quick photo of each item. That way, you\u2019ll know what you have, can share items with family, and have a backup\u2014just in case.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once that\u2019s done, the next task is to learn the term acid-free and seek out products that guarantee it. But before you start grabbing papers and photos, make sure your hands are clean or, better yet, wear a pair of clean white cotton gloves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Library of Congress Photograph Preservation<\/a> steps, it is suggested to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most important steps in the storing process is to make sure whatever type of box you decide to store them in, moisture stays out. Keeping moisture out of boxes<\/a> prevents further aging and deterioration of your heirlooms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a treasured quilt or a military uniform, there are some garments or items made of fabric that are definitely worth keeping.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If the item is new\u2014say a wedding dress\u2014the first step is to have it professionally cleaned by a specialist (not all dry cleaners have the skills to tackle the job.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once that\u2019s done, the dress should be wrapped in acid-free paper and stored in an acid-free box (never hung in your closet in a plastic bag).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re storing antique clothing<\/a><\/strong>, however, your best bet is to avoid cleaning it. Instead, store in acid-free paper in an acid-free box.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether your garment is new or old, don\u2019t use mothballs, which are both toxic and ineffective. Instead, textile conservators recommend making sure that the acid free box you use does not have a plastic window as it can be punctured over time. Also, store the box in a clean closet with a stable temperature, not an attic or basement, and make sure you clean the area occasionally. If you don\u2019t have space or the proper closet to store these items, a climate controlled storage unit is a great option.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to avoiding attics and basements, there are a few steps you can take to keep your antiques in shape.<\/p>\n Before you store wood pieces they should be conditioned\u2014and not with a shiny product like Pledge. Instead, use a wax specially designed for wood furniture (if in doubt, ask a local antiques expert about his or her suggestion for your specific piece.)<\/p>\n When stored, furniture should be kept away from exterior walls and heat sources and it should never be stacked, which places stress on the joints and can mar the finish.<\/p>\n Storing family heirlooms wouldn\u2019t be so hard if we could just stick them in basements or attics, but most of us are short on closet space in the main living areas of our home\u2014which is where they should be kept.<\/p>\n If you need a little extra room<\/strong>, consider renting a climate-controlled self storage unit. At StorageMart, we offer affordable self storage units<\/a>\u00a0that range from about the size of a closet to the size of a garage\u2014or even bigger. They can be rented on a month-by-month basis and are always clean and well lit.<\/p>\n Check out our Self Storage Calculator<\/a>\u00a0or rent a unit online<\/a>\u00a0today. While it\u2019s certainly true that some of the things we keep are better off donated or discarded, there are some remarkable heirlooms that deserve the chance\u2014and the proper storage needed\u2014to be appreciated by the next generation.<\/p>\nLocation, Location, Location<\/h2>\n
Storing Paper and Photo Heirlooms<\/h2>\n
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Storing Family Heirlooms Made of Fabric<\/h2>\n
Storing Antiques and Other Delicate Family Heirlooms<\/h2>\n
Sometimes, You Just Need More Space<\/h2>\n