What’s in your Attic? Dickinson’s Real Deal’s Simon Schneider reveals the treasures of many Londoners

How to store and keep your heirlooms, antiques and collectibles safe
by Simon Schneider and Attic Self Storage
Clean the item
Before putting your item away, make sure that you clean it and remove any dust that could impact the antique. We recommend a gentle tool such as a feather duster so that no harm is caused to the antique.

Opt for an environment with a suitable temperature
It’s ideal to store your antiques in an environment with a suitable temperature if you want them to be well-preserved. Extreme temperatures can impact various materials. For example, wood might become brittle or certain dishes might crack. Additionally, colours can fade and fabrics can dry out if they are exposed to direct sunlight. This includes photos, paintings, leather and paper so ensure that you’re store these items in an area with little to no light.
Wrap it up
When storing antiques, prepare your items properly for storage. For example, fragile items such as furniture, paintings and mirrors should be wrapped with bubble wrap. If the item has sharp corners, use cardboard corners for extra protection. Wrap artwork or paintings in thin acid-free tissue paper, before adding a layer of plastic wrap and packaging foam.
Safety first
When looking at the best storage for your valuables you will want to find somewhere that is safe and secure, particularly if you are unable to keep it in your home due to space. Ideally look for a storage company that has CCTV, access to it 24/7 and electronic pin code access to your storage unit.