Dec
05

Storage Solutions for Hobby Enthusiasts: Organizing and Preserving Collections

If you have a hobby that involves collecting things, or creating and displaying them, you know you need two important things: storage that protects and preserves your collection, and storage that helps you display it in a way that works for you. There are some specific storage solutions for hobby enthusiasts that can give you both of those aspects in one, but organizing collections and keeping them safe from harm isn't always easy. Here's what you need to know, so you can store, display, and preserve what matters most to you.

Storage Tips for Preserving Collections

The specific methods you'll use to store your collection will depend on exactly what kind of collection you have. Stamps won't be stored the same way as model trains, for example, so it's important that you understand the options you have and which one will be right for your needs.

You may need special paper, glue, and other items to keep your stamps preserved and all in one place, while you may want to pack your models in paper or even bubble wrap, especially if you're storing them for some time or you're packing them up for a move or to take to a show. Focusing on the specific kind of collection you have can help you get the right storage solution, for proper preservation and more peace of mind.

Storage Solutions for Displaying Collections

Displaying collections is another reason you need good storage solutions. Even if you want to have your collection out where everyone who comes over can see it, you still need to make sure it's not at risk of being harmed accidentally. That's particularly important if you have children or pets, but there are other factors to consider, too. Your climate and the temperature in your home, for example, may both affect sensitive collector's items.

Stamp Collecting

Stamps are often stored in books similar to photo albums, or under glass or plastic coverings. They can be placed in clear envelopes, or in a display case. Depending on the vastness of your collection and what kind of display you're looking for, you may use just one of these options or a combination of them.

Model Building

When you build models you know they can take a lot of time and effort to complete. Some of them can also be very expensive and valuable, especially if you can't get them anymore. Keeping them in a China cabinet or other lockable display case is one good way to protect them. You may also consider high shelves or even an option to suspend them from the ceiling.

Crafting and Creating

Crafts generally need two specific methods. One of these will be for storing the supplies, and the other will be for storing and displaying the finished product. If you're making products in bulk for sale, you'll need different options from someone who's making one or two individual crafts for display in their home. Additionally, the type of crafts you're creating also affect what storage and display options you'll require.

Other Hobbies

There are all kinds of hobbies that can require storage and display methods to preserve items and keep them looking great for a long time. Whether you pack them up to take to shows where they're displayed, sell them, or just enjoy them at your home, anything you make and collect or buy and collect needs careful consideration. If you're collecting something really unique, you may need a solution that's unconventional, to give you the best value and protection.

Innovative Options for Storage and Display

If you need a lot of room for storage, and you don't have that space in your home. renting a self-storage unit can be a great choice for organizing collections. Displaying them, of course, will require something different. You can use store-bought solutions, or reimagine something to create exactly what works for your needs. A repurposed hutch or cabinet often makes a great storage option for smaller collectibles, and you can choose an open look or something with a glass front.

There are caddies, peg boards, drop-downs, desks with storage in them, bookshelves, and nearly anything else you can think of. No matter what kind of collection you have, and how you want to show your passions to the world, you have choices to consider.

There's no reason to keep your collection hidden away if you want to show it off. However, if storing some or all of it is important to you, you can also find sealable tubs and other options that can be stacked inside a storage unit for safekeeping. If you store any important, collectible items this way, make sure you choose a climate-controlled unit, for the best level of protection.

Proper Preservation Techniques

Not only does storage and display matter, but you also need to preserve your collection carefully. Sometimes, it's not safe to display something on an open shelf in your home, and you need a sealed case of some type. Another type of collection may be something you can handle and examine, but maybe you need gloves to reduce the risk of transferring dirt and oils from your skin onto a stamp, parchment, or anything else that's very delicate.

The most important thing you can do to preserve your collection is understand how other collectors do that, and what issues you could run into if you don't take the right measures. The more you know about proper care and storage, the more likely it is that you'll keep your collection in good condition for the long term.

Show Off Your Passion and Protect Your Investment

Collections and hobbies are more than just something fun you like to do. They're passions, happiness, joy, and expense. Over time, they can have some real value. With that in mind, you want to make sure you're showing off what you're passionate about, but that you're also protecting the investment you've made in your items. The right storage solutions can help you do both of those things more easily, and at the same time.

By: Lee Preston
Lee is the Director of Marketing and Promotion for EZstorit.com. When she is not working with our storage facilities partners, she is writing about topics that affect our daily lives.