The toys we play with when we’re young can help us develop a life-long passion for different things. This can include farming, building, mechanics, cooking, and much more. They can also become treasures and vital pieces of collections. In some cases they can be incredibly valuable too, both in terms of sentimentality and actual monetary value. So, it’s important to understand the tips and tricks to ensure you are storing everything properly, including farm toys.
The basics
When you’re thinking about toy storage, it’s best to start by considering your basic needs. Are you looking at storing a collection for a long time, ensuring toys will remain in a fantastic condition? Or, are you dealing with toys that are still in use regularly? This will have an impact on what you can, and should, choose.
There are also a few basics you need to think about no matter your needs. Firstly, it’s essential you make sure toys are clean when you store them. Dirt and moisture can cause a lot of damage.
Secondly, make sure you aren’t storing toys in places where temperatures fluctuate too much. Don’t put them too close to heat sources or cold spots. Avoid any areas that have problems with moisture and humidity. This is especially important if you’re dealing with old metal products, including farm toys like tractors. The conditions can destroy them.
Finally, make sure you pack them carefully. There are two key things here; choose the right type of storage and materials and actually packing properly. With certain toys, and other collectible for that matter, it is better to minimise handling to avoid getting grease and grime on anything.
Storing toys
One of the best things about toy storage is you can choose different options for various needs. Want solutions to give your toys the best protection for the long term? Vacuum packed plastic storage containers with UV protection are a good choice. Or, do you want to be able to display your collection? If so, glass display cases are wonderful. Standard bookshelves can work well for toys that are played with regularly.
Are you storing farm toys in original packaging? Some collectors like to buy wonderful scale models of tractors and farm vehicles. Many remain in the packaging to preserve them. In fact, this can add significant value. However, keep in mind that different materials deteriorate over time. For example, PVC and soft plastics can evaporate and make toys sticky. Vacuum packed storage helps prevent this. If you aren’t using it, make sure you have good air circulation and regularly shuffle your collection to get airflow to it.
Self storage is a booming industry in the UK. It can be a fantastic option if you don’t have space at home for collections or various other possessions. However, you need to be careful. Think about your needs, key features like temperature controls, security, and your budget. It’s likely you will still need quality containers. The good news is you shouldn’t need to worry about direct sunlight and UV though.
If you have plush toys, you need to be extra careful to protect the materials from deterioration. It’s important whether they are sentimental or valuable collectibles. Ensure moisture, dust, and pests can’t harm them with vacuum bags, vacuum boxes, or temperature controlled display cases.
It’s a great time to collect farm toys
For a long time collecting toy tractors and similar items was a bit of a niche hobby. It wasn’t as popular as collecting cars, trains, and other vehicles. However, there is a bigger audience today around the world. There is even a wonderful collection at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) in Reading, donated by Peter Wade-Martins. It includes some very rare items, and provides a great look at how the farming industry has changed in the last 100+ years.
If you want to start collecting farm toys, we have some really good ones. Bruder is a great brand because their models are so realistic. They are wonderful if you want accurate scale models of vehicles you use. Contact us if you want to learn more.