Bowling Green, with its distinct seasonal shifts and humidity, presents a unique set of challenges for preserving valuable antiques and collectibles. As a trusted self-storage company, ACE Storage understands that these items are more than just property—they are investments, memories, and heirlooms. Our priority is to help our community keep these treasures in pristine condition. This guide details the necessary precautions, ensuring your priceless pieces are safe from temperature fluctuations and moisture while they are in our care.
The Ultimate Guide to Storing Antiques and Collectibles in Bowling Green's Climate
Why Climate Control is Essential for Valuables
Many common materials, such as wood, leather, and paper, are highly sensitive to significant changes in temperature and humidity. Exposure to damp air can lead to warping, mildew, and corrosion, while rapid temperature shifts cause expansion and contraction that damage delicate finishes. Using a climate-controlled storage facility is not just an upgrade; it's a fundamental necessity for true preservation.
Preparing Wooden and Upholstered Furniture
Before placing furniture into your storage unit, we recommend a thorough, but gentle, cleaning and ensuring everything is completely dry. For wooden pieces, a light application of a quality furniture wax provides a barrier against moisture changes. Always use breathable cloths or moving blankets, never plastic wrap, to cover items, allowing the wood to breathe and protecting against scratches during transport and stacking.
Safeguarding Paper, Artwork, and Textiles
Paper items, including historical documents and fine art prints, are prone to yellowing and becoming brittle in humid conditions. We advise storing these flat in acid-free archival boxes. Textiles like antique clothing or quilts should be meticulously cleaned and folded with tissue paper, then stored in archival containers, never compressed.
Best Practices for China, Glass, and Metal Items
Fragile items like china and glass require individual wrapping using a generous amount of paper and careful packing into sturdy, labeled boxes. When storing metal collectibles, such as vintage toys or tools, it is crucial to ensure they are clean and dry, as humidity is the primary cause of rust. Storing them slightly elevated off the floor of the unit offers an extra layer of protection.
This commitment to secure self-storage means offering the features necessary to counteract Bowling Green's climate challenges. By partnering with a dependable self-storage company like ACE Storage and following these preparation steps, you can confidently store your antiques and collectibles, knowing they will remain protected and preserved for future generations. Contact us today to learn more!