A Resource Guide for Protecting What You Store: Is there an expert for that?
How do I store my grandmother’s artwork? What type of packing is best for older photographs? Can I keep vintage furniture in a storage unit?
There are experts in just about everything, and packing and organizing is no exception! If you are in the process of packing items to take to a storage unit and you need some help, try a professional organizer.
Look for members of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), which maintains a directory of certified organizers searchable by location and specialty. Some members specialize specifically in estate transitions and senior moves.
Should I appraise items before putting them into storage?
The short answer is yes. It’s best to know what you have before you make the decision to store an item or maybe even sell or donate it. Appraisers can assess the monetary value of antiques, artwork, jewelry, furniture and collectibles. Preservation specialists can advise on the best environment for those items.
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) both include searchable directories of credentialed appraisers organized by specialty and location.
What is a conservator and do I need one?
Not to be confused with a conservator for court matters, another definition of a conservator is a professional who repairs, restores or maintains the condition of artifacts, artwork or documents in museums and libraries.
They can also help the general public if items need restoration. Maybe you acquired a lot of photographs, but they weren’t in plastic sleeves and are now stuck together. Perhaps you have artwork, but the paint is showing bubbles or the canvas is torn.
The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) offers a free Find a Conservator tool searchable by object type and location.
Guardian Storage Is Here to Help
Our climate-controlled units across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado are designed to protect what matters most. Not sure which unit is right for what you’re storing? Our teams are always happy to talk it through. Find a location at guardianstorage.com.
