Do you have too much jewelry to store at home? Whether you have seasonal pieces you won't wear for months or you don't have space to keep every item in arm's reach, take a look at what you need to know about off-site rental units and how to safely store jewelry for weeks, months, or even years.
Should You Store All Your Jewelry in a Rental Unit?
There's no universal answer to this question. Before you pack every necklace, bracelet, or earring and bring your baubles to a self-storage facility, consider:
- How often do you wear the jewelry?
You don't want to rush back and forth between the storage facility and your home daily. If you wear your jewelry often, you may only want to store a few pieces. But if you only bring out the jewelry for special occasions, you can safely store most or all the jewelry in a rental unit.
- How far away is the storage facility? A long-distance drive will make it more difficult to get pieces in a pinch. If your chosen storage facility isn't nearby, you may need to keep some of the selection at home.
- How much jewelry do you own? A large jewelry collection may not fit securely or safely in your home. If you can't keep the overflow items in your dresser drawers, cabinets, or jewelry boxes, you may need to divide the pieces. This allows you to store part at home and part in an off-site rental.
Along with these questions, you also need to evaluate your own personal preferences. Some people prefer to completely declutter their in-home storage spaces. If you want to downsize, you may need to store all or most of your jewelry collection in a rental facility.
Are Storage Facilities Safe Places for Your Jewelry?
Not only are precious gemstones and metals pricey, but these pieces often hold significant sentimental value. This makes it essential to find a secure, safe storage option.
Even though you aren't near your jewelry 24/7 when it's in storage, you should feel comfortable with the safety level of the facility. Before you select a storage company or move your collection into the unit:
- Ask about on-site security. Does the facility provide a security guard or have overnight staff? If not, discuss other security measures the company may offer.
- Learn more about video surveillance. On-site monitoring isn't the only way storage facilities protect their renters' belongings. Ask the facility manager about video monitoring and other surveillance.
- Choose a strong lock. Even though the storage facility's rental units may already have locks, you can also add your own (if it's permitted). Select a strong lock that isn't easy to tamper with.
Surveillance and locks aren't the only ways to keep your valuables safe in storage. Some homeowners and renters insurance policies cover belongings stored outside of the home and in storage facilities. Review your policy before you store high-priced or irreplaceable jewelry items. You may need to buy additional coverage for anything (including jewelry) in storage.
How Should You Prepare and Store Jewelry?
Now that you know you can store your jewelry safely in an off-site facility, start packing. The way you prep, pack, and store your jewelry depends on several factors. These include:
- The type of jewelry.
You can store several rings in one container. But if you layer long necklaces or chain bracelets together, they may tangle in storage. This means you may need to store some types of jewelry separate from others or use a specialized storage box or container.
- The material. Some metals may rust or tarnish — especially with exposure to air or humidity. Store these types of items in a dry, airtight container. Along with rust and tarnish, delicate pieces could easily scratch. These require special protection, such as bubble wrap or tissue.
- The condition. Repair, clean, and dry jewelry before storage. Pay special attention to worn, damaged, or tarnished items.
Reduce the risks of loss during the moving or storage processes. Place multiple small jewelry boxes into a larger container for safekeeping.
Do you need to rent a storage unit? Contact Tysons Self Storage for more information.
