If you have some antiques to store, you need to take precautions to ensure they are stored carefully in a self storage unit. Wondering what you need to do? Take a look at these tips:

1. Find a climate-controlled storage facility

If you want your antiques to stay well preserved, they need to be in a climate-controlled storage facility. If the air is too humid, fabrics and canvases may start to mould, and if the air is too dry, woods and paints may get dried out and crack. To avoid that, find a facility that has climate-controlled units rather than using a drafty garage, a hot attic or a wet basement.

2. Clean and seal all antiques

Before putting your items into storage, make sure that you clean them. This removes dust that could turn into grime and get embedded in the antique, and cleaning is important whether you're storing a book, a painting or a piece of furniture. After cleaning, seal any items that can be sealed. Put furniture polish onto wood furniture, rub leather conditioner into antique saddles or leather goods and oil metal objects to give them a layer of protection.

3. Use dust cloths for furniture

For upholstered furniture in particular, it's important to keep the dust off by using dust cloths. Also, if the furnishings come in two pieces, such as a chest of drawers and an antique mirror, detach them from each other. Dust cloths allow the furniture to breathe while still keeping dust and dust mites away.

4. Pack paintings and framed antique art carefully

When packing paintings or framed art for storage, wrap the item in palestine paper -- thin, acid-free paper made for storage. Then add a layer of plastic wrap and packaging foam. To give the painting some support, cut out pieces of cardboard and wrap them around the item using plastic wrap. Don't store these items upright. Instead, lay them down so they don't get jostled, fall and break the glass in the frame.

5. Book insurance

Finally, no matter how careful you are, at times the worst can happen. To ensure your antiques are safe from floods, fires, theft or other types of damage, contact your insurer and make sure those items are covered. Remember to check the excess on your policy to ensure that it is not too much to pay out of pocket in the case of an accident occurring.

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