How do I care for items while waiting to give them to a museum?

Keep the items as stable as possible. Store them indoors in a clean area with moderate, steady temperature and humidity, away from attics, basements, garages and direct sunlight. Sudden swings in conditions cause more harm than people realize.

Avoid cleaning, repairing or restoring anything before the museum sees it. Polishing metal, washing textiles or gluing breaks can remove original surfaces or evidence that curators and conservators want to examine. Handle items with clean, dry hands, and support the whole object rather than lifting by handles or edges.

Keep any related papers, letters, photos and labels together with the item, but in a separate folder so acidic paper does not touch the object. If an item seems fragile or is actively deteriorating, mention that when you first contact the museum.