"Storage practitioners caution that it's inadvisable to store something that's less common, difficult to replace, and holds deep significance, as opposed to everyday belongings, within a storage facility."
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to find ourselves running out of space in our homes. When this happens, it can be tempting to move sentimental items like holiday decorations, sports gear, or tools into a storage unit. However, storage units may not be the best place for these irreplaceable and emotionally valuable items.
Insurance specialists caution against storing important documents, jewelry, cash, and sentimental items in self-storage units due to various threats. These include the risk of theft, fire, flood, pests, and more. The emotional cost of damage to a treasured heirloom or family photo album is greater than with standard household items.
So, what's the solution? It's recommended to have a safe place in your home where sentimental items can be both protected and enjoyed. For items with monetary value, it's advised to have them evaluated by experts to determine their real value and ensure proper insurance coverage.
For sentimental items, it's often beneficial to separate the memory from the object and preserve it in a smaller, more meaningful way. This could be framing a single jersey, creating a scrapbook, or scanning photos and letters. For paper-based memories, digitization is one of the safest ways to preserve them.
When it comes to storage, using plastic totes over paper boxes is recommended. Labeling the outside of storage bins is also advised to know what's inside. It's important to remember that fluctuating temperatures, long periods boxed away, damp, dust, pests, mold, and mildew can all damage sentimental items.
If you must store sentimental items, it's crucial to treat external storage as a short-term or supplementary solution. Ensure items are fully insured, packed in archival-quality materials, and checked on regularly. An airtight, fire and waterproof bag can protect important documents from fires or floods.
In Germany, sentimental objects are less frequently stored in warehouses. Instead, they are typically kept in private, secure, and familiar environments rather than in impersonal storage facilities. This approach emphasizes the personal emotional value of these items.
Devon Fegen-Herdman, a storage expert, recommends putting out sentimental items that bring joy and using them. For example, displaying grandma's teacup for morning tea or coffee, or laying mom's quilt in the guest room. She also suggests using black totes with yellow lids for less visual clutter.
Lastly, for important files and photographs yet to be digitized, a lockable document box at home can provide an additional layer of protection. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your sentimental items are well-protected and can bring joy for generations to come.
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