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Snow globes are treasured decorations that make the holidays festive and are also valuable childhood keepsakes. You may also be an avid collector of different snow globes and enjoy having them on display in your home. But when it's time to pack away Christmas snow globes or move them to a different place, it's necessary to pack your snow globes safely so that they stay in good condition.

Without taking the proper steps to protect your snow globes, they can dry out, crack, and fade in color. Overall, you should keep your snow globes away from extreme heat, direct sunlight, and any high-risk environments where they can fracture. This quick guide will show you how to prepare your snow globes for long-term storage so that when you retrieve them, they look just like the way you left them.

Put Snow Globes in a Well-Fitting Box with Protective Padding

One of the most important steps to protect your snow globe is to place it in a box in which it won't move around. If you have the snow globe's original box, this is the perfect size for it. Especially if you keep the original inserts that are typically made of plastic or Styrofoam. If you don't have the original packaging, then find a box that is a similar size to the snow globes original box and reinforce your snow globes with bubble wrap.

You must be able to fit your snow globe into the box about forcing it. There should also be some extra space around the snow globe, so you can place a soft cloth, bubble wrap, or packing paper to keep it protected from any impacts. If the box feels tight in any way if it doesn't have enough room for padding, then keep on looking for a better fitting item.

If you plan on packing multiple snow globes, consider fitting a few snow globes into a larger box that is sectioned off with individual cardboard walls. It's easy to make this by measuring the width and length of the box and cutting individual strips that are as tall as the snow globe and as long as the horizontal and vertical lengths of the box. Then, cut slits in these cardboard strips to create a grid-like pattern. Finally, place multiple snow globes within the square spaces.

Seal & Waterproof the Box

To best protect your snow globe, it must not move around once it's in storage. The padding in the box only does half the job. To completely protect it from shifting, you need to seal the box's top with tape. Tape all the corners and exposed areas so that you can be sure that the Box will keep its firm shape.

If you want to have even more peace of mind, wrap the box in plastic film or place the box in a large plastic bag. This will protect the box from water damage and serve as an extra barrier against pests. If you're worried about chewing invaders like mice, then make the setup even stronger by placing the sealed box in a large plastic storage bin that has a locking lid.

Keep Snow Globes in a Temperature-Controlled Space

Due to the unique solution in snow globes, they need to be stored in temperature-controlled spaces. Ideally, this should be a moderate room temperature around 60 to 70 degrees, but anything that isn't too hot or too cold is ideal. If you plan to store your snow globe at home, do not keep it in the basement or attic where temperatures can be very low or high at certain times of the year. It should also not be placed in a part of the house where you don't keep the HVAC running constantly.

The best place for your snow globe would be a closet in your home that stays at a consistent temperature or a climate-controlled storage unit. If you plan on keeping your belongings away in a storage facility and snow globes are among your possessions, make this extra investment to keep the environment of your snow globe stable.

Why Do Snow Globes Need to be Kept in a Dark and Temperature-Controlled Environment?

Snow globes need to be kept in room temperature environments because they would otherwise get damaged. Water evaporates from a snow globe when it is exposed to too much heat and sunlight. Over time, heat causes the water to evaporate.

This is because the snow globe solution is made of light oil, water, and antifreeze. There may be glycol and glycerin in this solution as well. All these components produced the unique effects of the snowflakes falling slowly instead of too quickly through a more viscous type of water solution. Due to this unique nature of the solution, extreme temperatures and sunlight are to be avoided.

How Long Do Snow Globes Last?

The lifespan of a snow globe can vary depending on its quality and how well it's maintained. High-quality snow globes can last for decades, if properly cared for. However, lower-quality or poorly made snow globes may have a shorter lifespan. Regularly inspect and clean your snow globe to help extend its life.

Can Mold Grow in Snow Globes?

Yes, mold can potentially grow in snow globes if moisture gets inside and conditions are right for mold growth. Snow globes are sealed, but over time, seals can degrade or small imperfections can allow moisture to enter. It's essential to keep snow globes in a dry environment and regularly inspect them for any signs of moisture or damage that could lead to mold growth.

What Is the White Stuff in Snow Globes?

These particles are typically made of plastic, ceramic, or other materials. When you shake the snow globe, they swirl and create the visual effect of snowfall. It's essential to use distilled water or a specialized snow globe solution to ensure the white particles don't clump together or cloud the water inside the globe.

By following these preventive care tips, you can keep your snow globe in long-term storage with confidence. Find a temperature control unit that can meet your needs at Storage Rentals of America today. A representative will be happy to help you find a unit that will match your budget, time frame, and location needs.

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