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Timeless Treasures: Expert Tips for Caring, Storing, and Moving Vintage Items
Vintage items are more than just beautiful pieces; they’re time capsules, each with a story waiting to be told. Whether it’s a delicate silk dress, a mid-century wooden chair, or a rare collectible, caring for vintage requires a blend of love and expertise.
When wardrobe stylist and vintage enthusiast Sara Fernandez needed to move her cherished collection, she chose Roadway Moving for our proven expertise in handling these one-of-a-kind items.
From her early days in fashion to running her own store, Sara has mastered the art of preserving vintage charm. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey and offers invaluable tips on how to care for, store, and move your cherished vintage pieces.
1. Your Vintage Journey – Can you tell us about your journey with vintage items? What first drew you to vintage fashion and home décor, and how did it evolve into running your own store?
Fashion has been my creative playground since I was old enough to put an outfit together.
Vintage, though, took things to another level—it’s like each piece has a soul and story, and you get to add your own chapter by wearing it.
That shift, from just “looking cool” to appreciating the intentionality and history behind what I wear, really made fashion feel meaningful.
For me, fashion and home décor naturally go hand-in-hand. If you have an eye for styling clothes, you probably can bring that same flair to your space.
Growing up, I always knew my career had to be something I loved, which was anything to do with fashion. I started selling on Depop with my best friend, and soon we realized the vintage community in Miami could use a real home. So, we decided to open our own store and bring that sense of community and love for vintage to the city we grew up in. And here we are, still building on that dream!
2. Why do you think vintage items, whether fashion pieces or furniture, resonate with so many people today? Is there a specific charm or historical value you think people should appreciate more?
There’s something special about vintage—each piece feels like a little time capsule, carrying a blend of history, individuality, and craft.
When you wear or decorate with vintage, you’re adding your style to its story, and that’s exciting. It’s not just about nostalgia but about appreciating the uniqueness and durability in each item’s design and craftsmanship.
To love vintage is to value that journey each piece has traveled, and it’s hard not to feel a personal connection to that.
3. Caring for vintage clothing can sometimes be challenging, especially with delicate fabrics. What are some key care tips you recommend for people who want to preserve vintage pieces in their wardrobe?
Absolutely, delicate fabrics can need extra TLC. First, always read the care tags! They’re often specific, and following the instructions can make all the difference.
Try not to over-wash vintage items, especially if they’re not actually dirty—washing wears them down faster. Gentle handling and spot cleaning go a long way to keeping your vintage wardrobe in good shape.
4. When it comes to vintage furniture or home décor, what are some must-do maintenance tips to ensure they last while keeping their original charm?
Gentle, regular cleaning is key to keeping vintage furniture looking its best.
Don’t wait until a piece starts showing signs of neglect—small, regular touch-ups can prevent major wear.
Vintage furniture is often made from durable, high-quality materials, so proper care can make it last a lifetime.
And storing it right, especially in a dry and well-ventilated storage space, is just as important.
5. What are the most common mistakes people make when storing vintage pieces, and how can they avoid them?
One of the biggest mistakes is storing vintage items without protection, especially against humidity.
Moisture can damage clothing, so using humidity-absorbing bags can help prevent that.
For furniture, avoid damp or closed spaces; vintage pieces need a little breathing room.
A bit of investment in storage solutions can make all the difference in keeping vintage treasures safe.
6. Many vintage items, such as clothing, furniture, and artwork, can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. From your experience, how important is it to store vintage items in climate-controlled storage facilities?
It’s super important—temperature and humidity can cause real damage over time.
A controlled environment can make all the difference between a piece thriving for years or deteriorating too soon.
It’s the best way to keep vintage items in the best condition.
7. Could you share examples of vintage pieces that particularly benefit from being stored in a climate-controlled facility? What kind of damage can occur if these items aren’t stored properly?
Items made from delicate fabrics like silk and wool, and wooden furniture are especially sensitive to humidity.
Without climate control, wood can warp, crack, or develop mold, and fabrics can weaken or discolor.
Climate control preserves both the beauty and the structure of these vintage pieces.
8. Moving vintage items can be tricky because they are often fragile or irreplaceable. What advice would you give to someone preparing to move, whether locally or long-distance, with their collection? Are there specific packing materials or techniques you recommend?
When moving vintage items, hiring a trusted moving company can be worth it.
For clothes, humidity-control bags can help prevent moisture damage. For furniture or delicate items, bubble wrap and padding go a long way.
And always keep boxes dry—vintage items are sensitive, so it’s better to go overboard with packing than to risk any damage.
9. Have you ever had to move particularly fragile or irreplaceable vintage items? Can you share a story from your own experience where special care was needed during a move?
Definitely! I have a collection of rare coffee table books, and I’m very particular about how they’re stored.
When I moved, I wrapped each book individually in bubble wrap and added extra padding to the boxes to avoid any shifting or bending.
It was a bit of a process, but knowing they were safe made it totally worth it.
10. Do you utilize additional insurance options when moving high-value vintage items, besides the regular insurance that is required by law?
I haven’t needed additional insurance yet because I’m very careful about hiring trusted movers for handling valuable pieces. But if I ever come across an item that feels extra precious, I wouldn’t hesitate to double up on moving insurance.
11. Many people are drawn to vintage for sustainability reasons. How does buying vintage help contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, and why should more people consider it?
Buying vintage is a form of recycling—it keeps items out of landfills, reduces demand for new production, and uses resources more sustainably.
It’s a more environmentally friendly way to shop, and each piece has character and uniqueness you won’t find in something new.
12. Have you noticed any specific trends in vintage shopping recently? Are there certain decades or styles that have been gaining popularity among your customers?
Absolutely! There’s a big resurgence of ‘90s and early 2000s styles right now, especially in streetwear and casual chic. There’s something about those decades that feels nostalgic but also fresh, and people love the individuality these styles bring.
13. If you could share your top three hacks for vintage lovers – whether it’s about care, storage, or moving – what would they be?
- Always read and follow care tags.
- Use climate-controlled storage for more delicate pieces.
- When moving, pack extra carefully with padding and humidity control bags to keep items safe.
14. Lastly, how important is the community aspect of vintage shopping? Do you feel that vintage pieces tell stories, and how do you share those stories with your customers?
The community is huge in vintage shopping! Each piece has its own story, and I love sharing those with customers. We make it a point to talk about the history and unique qualities of items in the store, which makes every piece feel special and connects us with our customers. It’s like sharing little slices of history, one piece at a time.
Need help with moving or storing your vintage items?
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your vintage journey, proper care and storage can make all the difference in preserving your treasures for years to come.
As Sara Fernandez reminds us, every vintage item tells a story—and with the right techniques, you can ensure those stories are shared with future generations.
At Roadway Moving, we’re proud to offer expert moving services tailored to the unique needs of your vintage collection.
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