Keeping your antiques and art safe in self storage

Whether you antiques and art are retained for precious memories or they are collectibles, when storing and transporting, you need to use extra caution to protect from damage and theft.

How to keep your antiques safe when packing

• Aquire a valuation for any good going into storage, you will be required by your storage company to purchase insurance while storing and may need to list some of these specific items on your insurance.
• Clean and dry thoroughly, this prevents airborne dust particles and mildew from staining and damaging your antiques whilst in storage.
• Treat each piece before storage e.g. for wooden antiques use a proper wood conditioner before storing to protect the integrity of the piece.
• Remove any loose or fragile parts to be wrapped separately and tape mirrors and glass.
• Only use acid-free paper when wrapping antique items
• Use layers of acid-free paper between layers of clothing and linen and where possible do not fold.
• Roll silverware individually in soft cotton clothes to protect from tarnishing.
• Cover or wrap furniture in a  protective layer and store each item separately.
• After items have been wrapped put extra fragile items into crates for extra protection.
• Remember you cannot go overboard with use of corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap or polystyrene peanuts to keep fragile items safe.
• Label everything and indicate correct orientation (this way up arrows).

How to properly pack art pieces

• Wrap every piece of art in acid-free polyester plastic specifically designed to store artwork.  
• Avoid using bubble wrap as the first layer as it may leave marks on your artwork.  
• Where possible use acid-free boxes specifically designed to store artwork. For expensive and fragile artwork it is worth the investment of custom built crates.
• Label all items correctly and indicate orientation, this is critical as framed painting may otherwise become dislodged and damaged.

Extra safety and security measures

• Choose a self storage facility that has individually alarmed units and pin code entry on security gates.
• Spend the money on purchasing a heavy duty lock.
• Ensure your insurance will fully cover your antiques and art while in insurance against theft, fire and flood damage.
• If unsure how to look after any antique or art items pop into a local dealer such as Antique Alley where they will be able to advise you on storage of each individual item. 

Lastly ... rest easy knowing you have done everything you can to keep your memories safe for future generations.

Creating Space in a Small Bedroom without a SpaceX rocket!

Renovation costs in Auckland are rising and so are property prices so we need to be creative as we move into smaller spaces to accommodate our stuff.  Our bedrooms are often last on the list as they are the room seen least, but as the room we spend a great deal of time in, we really need to think about this space.  

My bedroom is my haven.  It is not particularly large but every inch is used to its best advantage.  When I was renovating I made sure I bought relaxing big space ideas into my little sanctuary.

Remove the Excess - Use a Storage Box 

The more you have in your small space the more cramped it is going to feel.  I made a tough decision to sell many items and the rest I put in a storage box or removed into Self Storage.  This instantly created an illusion of space and calm in my room.  

Choose the right furniture and storage

I was lucky enough to have the option to build my wardrobes in with drawers to negate the need for a dresser or amoire.  This was one less challenge to deal with.  However, what I found was space was created by choosing furniture that was slim but high and rectangular not curved.  Nightstands with space underneath also greatly increased the illusion of space.  Perhaps the biggest space was created though with a bed that had storage underneath.  Storage baskets are a godsend for small spaces.

Make your bed the focal point

In a small bedroom your bed will more than likely be the focal point.  Size your other furniture and decor to fit the size of your bed so your room is well proportioned.  A large mirror can also add an illusion of extra space and bring a romantic feel to the bedroom.

Make room for a reading chair

Not only does a reading chair and lamp make your room so much more relaxing, but it can be multifunctional in getting more use out of your small bedroom and for throwing the odd piece of clothing on when you just want to crawl into bed for the night!

Choose your colours and artwork wisely

I used light muted colours in my small space and bought the darker and brighter colours in as accents.  Not only did this give the illusion of a larger space but it utilised the natural light to its best advantage.  Artwork will have the same effect, so plan carefully to ensure your haven stays as just that - your haven.  

Eleven easy storage hacks to create space in your wardrobe

Being able to create enough space to fit everything in your wardrobe can feel like a never ending battle, especially in New Zealand with our love of outdoors and adventure sports, never mind the ever changing seasons and temperatures.  However, there are some quick easy storage hacks you can to to create more space in your wardrobe.  

1.  Store out of season clothing and sports gear elsewhere

Clear out what you won't be using for the next six months, neatly pack in boxes and put it into a self-storage unit.  There are many available throughout the country.  One of the newest to open is SpaceMax in Henderson, Auckland.  A self-storage unit will give you the peace of mind of round the clock security and month to month flexible rental periods.  

2.  Recycle fizzy drink tabs to create more hanger space

Save yourself valuable time and space.  This is a simple way to keep those tops, bottoms and accessories in one place and to be able to hang more than one piece of clothing on a single hanger and space those hangers out so they don't all bunch together.  

3.  Purge your wardrobe

Have a clean out every six months.  Fewer items mean better organisation in your wardrobe.  One of the best tricks I have been taught is to turn all of your hangers so the open end faces out towards your room.  As you wear things turn them back the other way.  Every six months take out everything still facing in the original direction and store the things you really love and can't bear to throw away and sell or donate the rest.  

4.  See-through boxes

If your shelves and drawers in your wardrobe are getting a bit chaotic get your hands on some clear boxes in different shapes and sizes like these brilliant ones from Ikea.  This keeps everything visible and easy to find and can house all those little things like accessories that often end up lost at the back of a sock drawer or wardrobe.

5.  Organise those shoes

If the bottom of your wardrobe looks like a shoe hurricane has paid a visit, a simple shoe rack or shelves can quickly create space inside your wardrobe.  Or be creative, clear boxes with beautiful shoes in them can form a display feature in your bedroom or in a prominent place inside your house.

6.  Remember the doors

Install hooks and rods on the back of the wardrobe doors to store everyday items like belts, scarves, shoes and even costume jewellery.

7.  Give your jandals some love

With a small amount of creative genius metal coat hangers can be used to store your jandals and get them off the pile on the floor.  Read more about how to create beautiful jandal holders here Jandal Love.

8.  Go Vertical

People often forget about the empty space just above the clothes railing.  Adding some temporary shelves or clear plastic boxes to store some extra items, especially those which aren't used to often is a great way to utilise space.

9.  Look after handbags with shower curtain hooks

To keep your handbags damage free and out of reach of little girls playing 'Ladies', use shower curtain hooks along the railing or rod of your wardrobe.

10.  Refold your t-shirts

Folding t-shirts neatly into thirds and organising vertically rather than stacked on top of one another means you can see what you are looking for and your increase your storage space.  This is especially great for teenage wardrobes!  

11.  Garment Tags

If your wardrobe is like mine and you have clothes stored in garment bags it is easy to forget they are there.  Take a picture of the item and glue it onto a tag that you can hang on the coat hanger.  Now you will always know what is inside!