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Do you collect for fun or for money? Heres our list of the top collectables and how to store them
March 19, 2020
Wether you're building and investing in a collection of valuable items or just for fun, collectables come in many different shapes and sizes! Heres our top 10 and how you should be storing them.
Over the years we have had some great tenants who's storage needs have varied from the very basic storage unit all the way to very specific requirements for their items. A storage unit is a great option for that collection that you have been building on for years and although it is taking over the house you just can't bear to part with it! Choosing to keep collectables in storage can be daunting and feel like a gamble but if you're not ready to sell then it is one that will certainly pay off!
Although many items come in and out of fashion like swings and roundabouts (remember Ty beanie babies) Some of the most popular collectable items will always be worth storing and continuing to increase in value.
Vinyl Records
Its amazing how Vinyl has come back! After making it though the cassette tape, minidisk and CD era it seems that music lovers around the world have have circled back around to the records that our parents used to listen to in the swinging 60s, 70s and 80s!
This amazing move makes vinyl records so much more valuable.
Of course many will only be worth what you paid for them now but the older, rare records can be worth a lot so storing your collection properly is a must!
You never know which record may all of a sudden have a spike in value.
1. Always clean your records before putting them away.
Get yourself a proper record cleaning brush. Your shirt or the rag on the counter defiantly will not do and will probably cause damage!
2. Always store records in their jackets.
As soon as you're done with your record, put it back in the jacket! the only time it should be out is when it is being played, that means no leaving it on the turntable either!
3. Never stack your records on top of each other always upright.
The weight of stacking records on top of each other can cause irreparable damage, cracks and scuffs to the vinyl. If you are storing them for a long time then make sure they are upright and use crate dividers to prevent them being stored on a slant.
4. Make sure you are handling and playing them properly.
Most importantly here, always pick up your record from the edges. And don't try to skip that song for the next one, placing the needle in a random spot can cause damage if it ends up in the wrong groove. Just start from the beginning and enjoy the music!
Comic Books
The humble comic book has been a collectors favourite for decades and there is no sign of that changing anytime soon.
The problem with comic books is that they can be fragile and even the smallest of damage or defect can have a catastrophic affect on its value. Of all the rare collectables that people are interested in, how comic books are stored is probably one of the most important aspects of maintaining their value.
Those not in the know would assume that comic books are there for reading and wrinkled page or tear is no big deal. But to an avid comic book collector that just isn't so! Main rule of thumb: sticky hands off!
1. Handle the Good Stuff with Care
Asses your collection and when you are preparing to handle your comic books make sure that you have washed your hands. Many collectors recommend wearing gloves when handling your collection.
2. Organise Your Comics
This step is a matter of personal preference but you can go by author, series, publisher or date, its really up to you. As for storage there are a few options here: Specialty Comic Boxes, Long Boxes, Short Boxes or Archival Storage Boxes
3. Long-term Comic Storage
You may have a few favourites that you want to keep out for display or to read but put the rest into long-term storage. It is recommended that you put 'bagged and boarded' comics into a cool dry place. if possible a climate controlled storage unit or well ventilated cupboard.
Dolls and Toys
Doll collectors take their passion seriously. If you’re into doll or toy collecting, chances are you own not just one or two pieces, but dozens or even hundreds.
Like many collectables, some toys and dolls will go in and out of fashion, like beanie babies. However, antique toys and dolls have a much more steady market, and storing these pieces well is of the utmost importance.
The list of do's and don'ts is pretty long when it comes to storing collectable toys and dolls and you should do your research if you plan to put these collectables on display or into long term storage.
1. Avoid exposure to both natural and fluorescent light.
2. No smoking as toys will absorb odours
3. Don't let dust accumulate
4. Avoid damage by keeping pets away
5. Beware of bugs and pests in long term storage
6. Always store your dolls in closed display cabinets
7. Avoid extreme temperatures of hot and cold
8. Don't store your dolls in sealed air tight
plastic
Stamps
Stamp collecting seems like a pastime, for the older generations but there are still many stamp collectors out there. There may in fact be more stamp collectors in the world than any other collector in our list. Stamp collecting is for those with a love of history and of art. With each stamps the collector can learn an infinite amount about the country it came from and the social and political atmosphere at the time the stamp was created and used. Fascinating stuff!
Once again the list of how to store and what to avoid could be a whole blog on its own but there are a few key things to know for safely storing your collection.
1. Temperature
Keep temperatures between 18°C and 22°C
2. Humidity
Keep humidity levels between 35% and 55%
3. Light
Avoid excessive exposure to natural light
4. Height
Keep your collection at least 6" off the floor
5. Storage Boxes
Don’t use cardboard boxes or other materials that attract pests
Classic Cars
Its rare that you'll meet someone with a large collection of classic cars! But as we have mentioned in previous posts, New Zealand has a great culture and love for their cars.
You're much more likely to know someone that has one classic car that is at the top of all their possessions.
An excellent vintage car is well kept, well maintained, and well stored. This might seem like a lot of work, but if you have a passion for cars, it will become a welcomed past time.
Check out our detailed guide on how to store your classic car .
Whether you're moving, downsizing or just need a place to put some boxes, we look at how to find a storage facility that's right for you. We offer great value, secure storage units in Christchurch with flexible agreements which can dove-tail with your personal requirements. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your storage needs,
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