Hey there, fellow vintage enthusiasts! As a vintage curator in an antique mall, I know that having the right tools can make all the difference in curating and selling vintage items. Here are my ten must-have tools for every vintage curator’s toolkit.
1. Digital Tools for Organization
I use a laptop in my office to manage my inventory, write blog posts, host my website, and manage my social media accounts. It also helps me check my sales, maintain my inventory, and do all the other day-to-day business tasks. This digital organization saves me time.
2. Camera for Product Photos
I’ve got two cameras for taking product photos. When I’m on the go, I grab my iPhone to snap some quick shots to share on my blog and social media. But I rely on my Camera EOS Rebel T8i for bigger projects requiring higher-quality photos. It’s my go-to for capturing stunning product photos that make my content stand out.
3. A Printer for Labels and Tags
A printer is essential for printing labels, tags, and marketing materials. But, just in case I run out of ink or paper, I always keep blank tags and labels from the antique mall on hand. That way, I can quickly jot down the details of each item.
4. Clear Storage Container with Essentials
I carry a clear storage container with everything I need to curate and conquer: blank labels and tags, pens, safety pins (my secret weapon for adding tags to items), scissors, tape, screws, hooks, and all sorts of little odds and ends. I can quickly sort and organize my treasures with these tools at my fingertips.
5. Totes and Reusable Bags for Sorting and Transporting
Several totes, reusable bags, and moving blankets are necessary for sorting, organizing, and transporting vintage items. They help me stay efficient and help to account for everything.
6. Gloves, Masks, and Hand Sanitizer
I always keep my gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer when I’m out and about curating. Who knows what kind of messy stuff I might encounter along the way?
7. Cleaning Products
Vintage items require extra care and attention when it comes to cleaning. I always have various cleaning products, such as brass and silver cleaners, disinfectant wipes, gloves, and many cleaning rags.
8. Paint and Hardware Tools
Hardware such as drills, screwdrivers, hooks, tape measures, and screws are essential for vintage curators. They come in handy when repairing or restoring vintage items and can be used to hang things on pegboards or other displays. I also keep lots of paint colors for projects.
9. Extra Shelves in Storage
Since my booth constantly changes, I have additional shelves in my storage area in case I need to reorganize or rearrange it. Doing this is useful when I have vintage items staged with a piece of furniture that ends up selling. Then I can style the remaining staged items on the shelving.
10. Scanner for Quickly Finding Prices
While I’m out curating, I often see others using a scanner on their phones to scan various items like books. Doing this helps them quickly find the items’ value before purchasing.
Some Parting Thoughts
In conclusion, having the right tools is crucial for any vintage curator. By investing in high-quality tools and keeping them organized, we can work more efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re just starting or have been curating for years, these ten essential tools will help you curate and sell vintage items with ease. Happy curating, vintage lovers!
Did I miss something on this list? Share your tools in the comments.
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