Is it Safe to Keep Your Jewelry in Public Storage?

First things first, public storage is not a place where you go to store items as a collective. Well, technically it is, but instead of keeping the items as you find in a supermarket aisle, each tenant (yes, you rent the space) has their own unit within the storage facility where they can keep their possessions.

It’s like a vault in the bank, only this time, the service is offered by an independent storage company or moving company that also doubles up as a storage unit provider.

Public storage is usually a great way to store your possessions temporarily – and by temporarily it could even mean several years. It can be a great option when you’re moving house or leaving town and you don’t want to keep paying the high rental costs.

Public storage is also a great idea when you want to make room in your home by removing some belongings.

What’s to love most about this storage solution (the affordable costs aside) is that you can virtually store anything in the facility, provided it is permitted by the company.

From luggage and boxes, to furniture and even vehicles (which are kept in a lot) you can store pretty much anything that is not narcotics, flammable, pets or anything else the storage provider does not accept.

Question is, is it safe to store your jewelry in public storage?

In a word, yes. It is possible AND safe to keep your jewelry in a storage unit.

For that, though, you need a reputable storage provider for one, and a storage provider who can guarantee optimal conditions that can uphold the condition of your prized possessions, which takes us to our next section.

The Right Conditions to Store your Jewelry

Protection is one of the key things you need to think about when looking for a storage provider to keep your jewelry with.

Most jewelry, for example, will last the longest when stored in clean and dry conditions. The sure way storage companies can guarantee you that is through climate control, a feature necessary for preserving sensitive items that keeps temperature and humidity levels optimal around the clock.

The financial value and/or personal nature of the jewelry you’re storing should also come into play. Ideally, you want a facility with robust security measures that include onsite management and video surveillance.

A well-secured facility is also one that has electric gate access that requires anyone entering the premises to have a key code.

Then there is the small matter of insurance. Your storage provider should be able to give you the options they provide to cover jewelry. Make sure you understand what each entails and check the policy before signing any document.

Alternatively, you can always opt to get specific jewelry insurance, which you should research on.

Preparing Jewelry for Storage

When preparing your jewelry for storage, it’s always recommended to clean it before placing in storage.

Cleaning silver – You’ll need a good seal and polish to get and keep your silver jewelry tarnish-free. You can find these products in either liquid form or as cleaning wipes, a more convenient option. Alternatively, you can clean your silver using products readily available at home such as a mix of baking soda and water, or dish soap, or even toothpaste.

Cleaning gold – Gold earrings, chains, bracelets and other items can be cleaned using a gentle solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Allow jewelry to soak for 5 minutes, then use a clean toothbrush to scrub it softly, before drying and polishing it with a soft cloth.

Cleaning gemstones – If you have gemstones you want to keep in a storage facility, the cleaning process is more like cleaning gold, the difference being that you should use seltzer water instead of regular warm water. You can still use a toothbrush to scrub gently and buff dry it to get that sparkle.

After cleaning your jewelry items, it’s a good idea to place them in tissue paper before putting them back in the original jewelry box. If you don’t have the original box, you can use a cotton-filled jewelry box as an alternative.

Always keep the items separate to avoid any tangling, and of course, always document and inventory each item before placing it storage. This can be done on your phone or on a notepad, and it helps you know exactly where each piece is.

Putting Jewelry in Self-Storage

If you’re only storing the jewelry alone, all you need is a small 5 by 5 storage unit, or whatever small options your storage provider of choice offers.

When placing the items in the storage unit, avoid stacking other items on top of your bling, which might sound like a good idea when you want to hide them. But stacking has a negative effect on the jewelry, especially over an extended period.

Similarly, if you’re storing your jewelry along with other items, it’s okay to place the jewelry box on top, provided it’s no more than your shoulder height. This is because in case of any drops, the risk of breakage, tangling, or even loss is minimized.