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STORING PORCELAIN DOLLS

August 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Many people spend a great deal of time collecting porcelain dolls.  Some dolls may be of little monetary value, while others can be extremely valuable if kept in mint condition.  If you are not displaying your dolls, and need to store them, there are a number of tips that should be followed to keep your dolls in good condition and stop them from losing value.

Cleaning Porcelain Dolls

Before you store your porcelain dolls, you should make sure they are properly cleaned.  Note, if your dolls are kept in proper storage containers or display cases, you will not have to clean your dolls as often.  When picking a storage area, make sure to remove any dust or debris.  This can be done with a duster, air compressor (the type you might use on a keyboard), or even a blow dryer, on low setting.  Make sure if there are any smudges or marks, take a cotton ball, or q-tip with a mild soap, and gently rub it over the porcelain.  Make sure you avoid getting water or soap on any of the glue (that may be where the hair is attached to or even clothing to avoid from falling off).  Make sure not to use any chemicals that contain bleach, or peroxide, as this can damage the condition of the doll.  Make sure you porcelain doll is dry completely before storing.

Storing Porcelain Dolls

When it comes to storing your dolls, you want to make sure that you keep the collection out of direct sunlight or light.  UV rays, or improper lighting can cause the dolls to fade or turn yellow, the clothing to fade, or even the hair to discolor over time.  It’s a good idea to keep your porcelain dolls out of extreme heat or cold temperatures.  Too high of temperatures can cause vinyl to fade.  Good temperatures generally range between 50-80°.  Avoid areas where humidity might be too high as this can cause mold, mildew, or the dolls hair to fray or split.  Its a good idea to wrap your dolls with acid free paper to preserve your dolls before placing into storage.  You should use air tight, sealed, glass or plastic containers to store your dolls.  Never wrap the dolls with newspapers, and avoid the dolls having direct contact with wood, as the acid from the wood or cedar chips can damage the porcelain dolls.  If the porcelain doll has wool clothing, it’s a good idea to use moth crystals to avoid getting moths, make sure not to let the crystals touch the physical part of the doll, as the chemicals can also damage the doll.    When placing the dolls in storage, lay flat so the clothing does not get creased or wrinkles, as well as the hair.  Avoid areas like attics, basements, etc where temperatures are not controlled.  A good place would be an interior part of a house, closet, trunk, or climate controlled, humidity controlled storage area. 

Make sure to keep dolls out of the reach of children and animals.  If you follow these rules for storing porcelain dolls, your dolls will keep their value, and maintain their condition.

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STORING ORIENTAL RUGS

August 10, 2010 By 4 Comments

An oriental rug that has been maintained becomes more valuable over time.  Oriental rugs are generally family heirlooms, and passed on from generation to generation so correctly storing your rug is important to preserving its condition.

Before you put your oriental rug into storage, the first thing to do is to make sure it is completely cleaned and dried.  A professional carpet cleaner is generally a good option if you are not familiar with the proper cleaning techniques.  It’s a good idea to spray the rug with a fabric safe moth spray before storing your rug.  If you are storing your rug for long-term storage, never wrap your rug with plastic since most oriental rugs are organic and the fabric will not be able to breathe.

Climate controlled storage is important for the preservation of your rug.  Avoid spaces where humidity is too high as this can lead to mold and mildew problems.  Make sure the storage space has sufficient air circulation, if the area you live in is generally low humidity levels (under 50 RH).  A good temperature is generally between 40-60 ° F.  It’s important to keep your rug away from dust and dirt.  Avoid storing your rug on floors, attics, garages, basements.  You should also keep your rug away from sharp edges to avoid indentations.  If you are storing on shelves, you should provide a buffer between the wood acids and your rug.  Acid free paper should is a good option to use as a barrier as long as the paper is able to absorb acid for lengths of 2-3 years.  After that you should change the paper out.  If storing in your home, under a bed or closet is a good option to keep out of light.  Make sure if you are storing more than one rug, never stack rugs on top of each other, lay them side by side. 

The best way to store your oriental rug is to roll it.  Folding the rug will cause creases over time and can damage the foundation causing it to break, especially when it comes to oriental rugs such as:

Finely Knotted Rugs (which generally feel like leather), Goat/Wool rugs (if folded will not be able to restore to original condition), Silk Rugs(the delicacy of these rugs will cause permanent creases), and Antique rugs, (which are similar to silk and will also not return to original condition.  Folding rugs are only an option if they are smaller rugs or cotton, still you probably want to roll the rugs to avoid permanent damage  if you are unsure of the fabric, or length it will be stored for.

Rolling the Rug:

The best way to roll the rug is to roll along a tube that is at least 2” in length longer than your rug.  Acid free archival tubes are generally the best option (they are the most expensive, usually over $2.00 per foot), Cardboard tubing can also be used (which is generally a cheaper option).  It’s a good idea to stay away from tubing that can give off damaging chemicals and damage your oriental rug.

Start rolling the rug by laying it on a flat surface, make sure there are no folds or creases before you start.  Whether you are going to roll the rug “pile in” or “pile out” (Pile=upper layer of the carpet attached to the backing) should depend on the overall condition, whether fragile, knots, silk, if numerous split/breaks, etc.  Also if the pile is thick, the rug should be rolled pile facing outward.  Place the tubing on the rug starting at the end, it’s usually best to start where the weaving begins.  Keep the rug as straight as possible easing up if the rug gets too uneven.  Roll the rug tightly till you get to the end.  Tie the rug off with string so it is tied firmly in at least 3 ties to keep the carpet from unraveling.  You can use muslin (loosely woven cotton fabric) as a finish to your rug, it acts as a good barrier from dust and light, museums will generally use rolled textile sheets or clear polyethylene instead of muslin which protects the rugs from water damage, dust, and helps keep the rug in its original condition for long periods of time.

It’s a good idea to inspect your oriental rug from time to time.  Lay it flat allowing it to receive natural light and breathe for a day or 2 before restoring it.  Spray the rug with the moth spray again to keep it protected.  If you notice any loose fringe, do not trim it, this can cause your rug to unravel.  These are some tips to help make your oriental rug storage a success.

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HEATED STORAGE UNITS AND COLD STORAGE UNITS

July 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

 

Depending on your region of where you live, one thing you must consider when storing your valuables is what kind of temperature or weather will there be while you are storing, how long you will need your storage space for, whether climate controlled storage is the best option for you.

Climate controlled storage facilities can protect artwork, documents, wood, leather, electronics, fabrics, and other personal and business possessions.  If you live in an area where humidity is high, too much moisture can cause mold, pathogens, bacteria, & rotting if the storage space is poorly ventilated or  storage temperatures are unregulated.  Just because your storage unit facility claims they have temperature controlled units does not mean your valuable items like artwork, wine, and antiques will be protected, you should know the variables the unit goes through and what temperatures and humidity levels your goods are stored at.  When renting a climate controlled storage space, there is usually an increased fee for these units as this is an additional expense your storage facility has to maintain.

Climate controlled facilities are usually in a finished building with indirect cooling and heating protection, and usually offer greater levels of protection against flood, dirt, and dust, than your average storage facility.  Temperature levels usually do not fall below freezing or rise above 90 degrees F.

If you live in extremely hot temperatures, or have items that need to be kept in cool temperatures, refrigerated cold storage units may be the best option for you.  Temperatures are usually kept between 50-80°F, with the average humidity about 50%.  These units are generally used to protect artifacts, paintings, food storage, and other cold storage items.  Some cold storage facilities are sometimes underground to keep better control of the climate and also assist with prevention of moisture and dew to your items.  Most cold storage units will offer additional security to prevent access to your storage space.  Underground cold storage can also protect from man-made or natural disasters and can also offer more protection from storms, fires, floods.  The security levels systems are usually maintained with video surveillance, security systems, fire alarms, and metal doors.  Another type of cold storage unit is a portable storage unit, which is used to provide good cooling systems with effective insulation.  Some portable storage units can be built to suit a custom size room, can be kept indoors or outdoors, or may be at an off site storage site.  Whether its food, or other items that need to be kept in the portable cold storage units, they are designed for needs which can range from -15°-75°F.  Security levels may vary for these types of storage units depending on where you have them, and if on personal property what type of security you have onsite.  Other items that should be considered for cold storage would be wine, you can reach storing wine to get more tips.

In cases of severe freezing temperatures, or extreme cold, you may want to consider a heated storage facility.  This can help insure your items will not get damp, or collect mold/mildew.  When humidity is too high liquid droplets can form in your storage items, and cause them to get warped or get filled with mildew.  You also want to make sure your furniture items stay dry.  Some heated storage facilities will offer indirect heat instead of heating units in each unit, and may include using radiant floors or radiant heat which can be useful for storing antique furniture and other valuables.  Heated storage facilities generally maintain a consistent temperature so your items do not go below 50-55°F.  This can be useful for storing books, records, electronics, leather, wood, music, clothing, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and other valuable items.  When looking for climate controlled storage, know what your belongings need to maintain their value and condition, if unsure, you can always check with an expert to see how an individual piece would best be stored.

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WHY CHOOSE CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE?

April 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

 

If you live in an area where temperatures are extreme, from freezing to excessive heat, or if you have items that are valuable and are temperature sensitive, climate controlled storage may be the best option for you when it comes to storing your business or household goods.  Remember items like electronics, wines, furs, documents, wood, leather, and much more can be destroyed if not kept in the proper temperature setting.  If you live in a geographical area that is generally humid, your items can warp, crack, or split from moisture if the temperature is too hot or cold.  Bacteria, mold, and other species can grow on your items over certain lengths of time if not properly stored.  Bees, Wasps, Mice, etc can also be attracted to areas that are not a climate controlled storage environment. 

Many self storage facilities offer climate controlled storage units, that also have humidity control, this is also very important.   Temperatures should generally range between 58-80 degrees,  avoiding freezing levels, and anything in excess of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  It’s best to check with the storage facility to make sure temperatures are constant and not fluctuating more than 5-10 degrees at a time.  The temperature in most climate controlled storage facilities is generally maintained by indirect heat, rather than heaters, or air conditioners in each unit.   The big thing in any climate controlled self storage unit is that the temperature and humidity is consistent.

Along with protection for you furniture, remember a climate controlled storage facility can ease the process of moving whether it is a scorcher outside, or freezing with below zero temperatures.  Climate controlled self storage can be a little more comfortable for whoever is doing the moving.  So to recap, check with the storage facility first, find out what options they have for climate control, humidity levels, and restrictions before you make your self storage decision.

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STORING PHOTOGRAPHS

March 22, 2010 By 4 Comments

If you decide you need to place your photographs in a self storage unit, you want to make sure that your storage facility has a dark, cool, and dry unit where your photos will be.  Climate controlled storage is key to preserve your photos.  Certain types of photos are more likely to deteriorate, so it’s best to keep the temperature between 65-75 degrees, with the humidity of about 35%-50% to avoid damage or loss of value.

Make sure when you are packing your photographs, before placing them into a self storage unit, you pack them properly.

A few tips for packing:

If photos are loose, you want to make sure that paper is placed between each photo to prevent them from sticking together.  Archival Paper is recommended to be used for documents or photos that will be preserved for a long time.  This type of paper holds colors well to avoid from fading.  Most supply stores sell archival paper for your photographs or important documents; some may refer to it as “Ph neutral” or “lignin free” paper.

Another option for your photos would be to place in an airtight plastic sleeve or folder to avoid moisture, but you want to make sure you avoid the use of PVC plastic if you are using this option for storage.  This type of plastic sleeve can stick to your pictures, and cause the pictures to fade.

Another option would be to put your pictures on a mat board.  This is generally more expensive, but you can do this prior to packing.  When it comes to your actual photo albums and packing, make sure they are on end, and you are alternating the spine of the album, one in-one out, or right/left, etc.  Store the albums in smaller boxes (about 1.5 cubic feet), called book boxes often supplied by moving companies or self storage companies who sell packing supplies.  Because of the density and weight of the photo albums, it’s important to keep the boxes small and to try and avoid stacking too much weight on top of them.

When placing your photos and boxes in storage, try to keep them either directly off the ground, on pallets, or something to raise them up a couple inches, just in case of moisture.  Don’t forget to check with your self storage unit, make sure they have climate controlled units, and to make sure the units are away from light.  Your pictures will be the way you left them by following these simple steps.  These are a few different ways to help you preserve your memories and valuable photos.

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