Securely Squirrelling Away Your Priceless Possessions & Daintily Delicate Doodads

Gather round, buckaroos, ’cause I’m gonna let you in on a secret: Keepin’ your dear ol’ antiques and collector’s treasures safe and sound starts right in the comfort of your own homestead. With a pinch of planning and a dash of preparation (follow along with my fancy how-to down below), you’ll be safeguarding everything from your grandpappy’s handed-down armoire to your prized china set in a jiffy.

Hunkerin’ Down Antique Furnishings & Knick-Knacks
Y’all best remember that super-hot temperatures, perspiring humidity and nasty light be the arch-nemeses of your valuables, so no squirreling away any delicate doodads or fragile whatnots in the attic, hear me? Resist the temptation to stash ’em near windows and vents too. Check your basement temperature along with the pollution index, and if this holds up, then you’re good to go. You want to make sure your valuables are kept away from any moisture-producing areas.

Now, before you go on tuckin’ them treasures away, get those suckers squeaky clean, and by that I mean dust off the dirt and give ’em a good ol’ treatment with some furniture polish, or maybe some vacuuming action for the upholstered bits, and don’t forget to add a smidgen of oil to anything metal. Oh, and ensure everything dries up real good before rollin’ up your sleeves and callin’ it a day. Got a sturdy hunk of furniture? Disassemble it, store the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag, and tape it on the back, good and tight. You can thank me later.

Wrap ’em up real nice with a bed sheet or blanket for padding, but don’t choke the life out of ’em – let everything breathe! And for the love of all things delicate and daintily collectible, steer clear of plastic wrap. Find a cozy spot far, far away from doors, windows, and vents where your valuables can nestle snugly, protected from accidents and the wretched elements.

Stashin’ Art Masterpieces Like a Bonafide Pro
Listen up, art aficionados! Did you know pro art connoisseurs advise against wrapping those pricey pieces in plastic? Yessiree, it’s ’cause the trapped moisture does more harm than good. Instead, let the artwork slumber sweetly upon some crescent board. It’s acid-free, rigid and cozier than a sumo wrestler’s bed. Prepare wooden frames with furniture polish or oil, throw on some crescent boards to protect ’em, and store ’em upright, edges and corners secure. The ideal climate for this operation? A comfy, lived-in range of 40-50% humidity and a balmy 70-75℉.

Stashin’ Fabulous Fabrics & Tantalizing Textiles
Folks, sunlight and excess moisture are the sworn enemies of your fluffy rugs, lavish draperies, and swanky vintage clothing. Make space in your dresser drawer and avoid using clothes hangers for your delicate clothing items. Should the worst happen, a well-padded hanger will go a long way.

Stashin’ Wordy Wisdom, Picture Perfect Moments & Timeless Records
The ground rules for preserving books, photos, and important little tidbits are the same: keep away from sunlight, excess moisture, and acid. Ensuring that you store them horizontally can further protect these items from damage.

Safely Squirrelin’ Away Royal Dishware, Shiny Metal Things & Daintily Delicate Collectibles
Fine china and assorted baubles require tender, loving care, partner. Head on down to your favorite general store and grab yourself some sturdy boxes, or whip up some cardboard compartments to separate your treasures. Make sure your pieces feel snug, but not constricted.

When it comes to silver finery, you’ll want to protect it from tarnish and any physical traumas. Silverware should be wrapped snugly in an acid-free tissue and stored securely in small boxes.

Hidin’ Your Loot Off-Site
If it turns out you need to take your treasures elsewhere, consider investing in a storage facility with climate-controlled units, top-notch security, and a handy cowboy-approved access pass.

Well, partners, now that your valuables are tucked away all safe and sound, why don’t you call on The Maids® to tip their hats and give your abode a thorough cleanup?