Preserving Your Treasures: How to Keep Your Precious Items Safe

Imagine receiving a beautiful, ancient Japanese tea set from your mom, a delicate heirloom that originally belonged to your grandmother. You love it so much that you place it in a curio cabinet for display. But one day, your dog jumps up, hooks his collar on the cabinet knob, and pulls the entire cabinet down. The tea set shatters into hundreds of tiny pieces. Just like that, your treasured heirloom is gone.

This story highlights a common question: Why don’t things survive over the generations? Accidents, mishandling, and normal wear and tear all contribute to losing cherished items. Almost everyone has something they want to preserve—antiques, vinyl records, photographs, or even an old wedding dress. Louisa Jaggar and Don Williams offer valuable advice in their book Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Prized Possessions.

Know the Hazards

Understanding what can damage your items is the first step to preserving them. Light, temperature, moisture, air pollution, and improper handling are common threats.

Light: Sunlight and fluorescent light can fade photos, textiles, and paintings. To protect valuable items, switch to lower-wattage lights or keep them out of direct light altogether.

Temperature: Extreme temperatures can make many items brittle. Museums often keep their thermostats at 70 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve their collections.

Moisture: Water can dissolve, stain, or cause mold to grow on your treasures. Store them in a plastic tub with a tight seal, but avoid wrapping anything in plastic cling wrap, which can trap moisture.

Air Pollution: Tobacco smoke and oily polishes can harm antique furniture. Using furniture wax can provide a protective barrier.

Practical Tips for Preservation

Handling: Delicate items can be damaged by bare hands. Wear cotton gloves when handling antique books, papers, fabrics, metals, and ceramics.

Pests and Screens: Ensure your home is well-maintained to keep mice out, and screen windows to prevent insects from entering.

Flood Protection: If you must store important items in a basement, place them in a plastic container with a secure closure to protect against flooding.

Think Twice About Displaying

While displaying precious items allows you to enjoy them, it also increases the risk of damage. Consider whether it’s worth the risk. Sometimes, keeping items safely stored is the best way to ensure they last for future generations.

By following these tips, you can help preserve your treasured items and keep your family heirlooms safe for many years. Remember, a little care and attention can go a long way in saving your stuff.