For true hobbyists like us, collecting is a joy that can’t be described until you’ve had the pleasure of seeking out, buying, and displaying your collection. Whether you have a family collection or your family members each have their own, collecting is a fantastic hobby to enjoy.

However, it can also be sad when those collectibles start to show their age or become accidentally broken!

Owning collectible figurines is a bit like owning an antique – you have to give it proper care if you want to keep it in your collection for many years to come!

Here are some easy tips to follow to ensure that your collectibles last a long time.

Tip #1: Clean Them Gently

The first tip is to ensure that you clean them very gently.

Different collectibles will be made out of different materials, so there is not one set method on how to clean all collectibles. The common point is that they are breakable items, so they should be cleaned with gentle, non-toxic products that won’t degrade the quality of the item.

If you aren’t sure how to best clean the item, contact the manufacturer or another collector. They’ll be able to give you good advice on what to (and not) do.

Tip #2: Store Them Properly

Do you only display part of your collection at a time or during a certain time of year?

If so, that means your collectibles are often in storage. Believe it or not, items in storage are more often broken than those that are on display! Why? Because they do not get stored properly.

When storing collectibles, the best way to save them is to package them up the way that you bought them. Original boxes and packaging will keep them secure.

If you don’t have the original items, look for gentle wrapping papers or clothes and find an appropriately sized box to keep them in. Don’t stack collectibles on top of each other without proper weight distribution, or else you could break something at the bottom!

Tip #3: Keep The Display Somewhere Safe

While it’s natural to want to display your collection somewhere that it can be seen, you don’t want to risk it being somewhere that the youngest kids might knock it over or it gets trampled past every single day.

Try to display your collection somewhere out of reach, and somewhere that isn’t walked past dozens of times a day. A low-risk area is much safer for your collection.

Tip #4: Watch Temperature, Humidity, and Sunlight

Many collectible figurines can degrade in quality whenever they are subjected to:

• High temperatures
• Too much humidity
• Direct sunlight

Make sure that the room where you keep your collection is properly heated, cooled, and dehumidified. Additionally, try to display your collectible figurines somewhere that they are not being hit by direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.

Tip #5: Set A Cleaning Schedule

The final fast tip for you today is to set up a collectible cleaning schedule. Take one day a month to take care of your figurines, or do a little bit each week. Either way, make sure that you are taking the necessary time to clean your valuables so they last forever!

There’s no other experience that’s comparable to exploring the great outdoors. The fresh air, plants and wildlife make a difference as you escape the urban sprawl behind you. However, taking a trip into the wilderness has its challenges. You want to be safe and healthy during the entire outing. Learn how to be comfortable and safe in both hot and cold weather by following these outdoor tips. You’ll feel refreshed as a result.

Know the Basics

Before you venture out into any outdoor area, practice a few basics. You should be able to build a fire without a lighter or match. Understand how flare guns work, and be aware of how you stay warm on an unexpected overnight trip. Although you may not use these skills right now, they can come in handy in the future. A survival situation may arise where these skills are the difference between a comfortable or frightening evening.

Hydrate Year-Round

Whether it’s summer or winter, you must hydrate yourself in the outdoors. You’re losing moisture during every moment of your adventure. Bring along water bottles or fill one of those specialty backpacks with water.

If the weather is hot, freeze a few water bottles and allow them to thaw as you hike out to your camping spot. The frozen bottles are great for cooling your snacks as you walk. The bottles should be still ice cold by the time they’re thawed enough for a drink.

Layer Your Clothes

The outdoors can be confusing when it comes to temperatures. It can be freezing in the morning, but downright hot in the afternoon. Combat these issues by layering your clothes. You have a chance to remove any layers that are too hot as the day goes by. If you tend to venture outdoors at night, heated long underwear for hunting or hiking is best. You’ll always be warm as the nighttime activities carry on.

Sleep in Style

There’s no reason why you should sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag anymore. Splurge on a few accessories before your trip. Purchase tents, air mattresses and sleeping bags for your overnight comfort. The air mattresses feel like real beds at home. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day’s challenges.

For those truly cold nights, consider heat rocks or heated water bottles. Stay warm with extra layers as you sleep along with soft hats and socks. Choose a location away from prevailing winds too. Outside temperatures dip significantly with a wind chill.

Explore With Safety-Driven Tools

You’ve seen hikers with long sticks helping them up steep inclines. Bring or find a stick that improves your balance. Tipping over during a hike shouldn’t be part of the experience. Learn how to use a compass too. Your smartphone may have every gadget programmed into it, but it may not work in the great outdoors. Use landmarks and mark areas where you’ve passed to create a pathway back to camp. Regardless of the weather, getting lost is always an issue to avoid.

Always hike or camp with at least one other person. Let your loved ones know where you’ll be staying and how long the trip lasts. Being prepared for any situation gives you flexibility to stay safe. Your outdoor adventures can be a regular occurrence with these smart habits.