Preparing Your Belongings for Long Term Storage
There are a lot of reasons why you might need a long term storage solution. Some common circumstances we see are:
- You’re downsizing your home but don’t want to get rid of certain belongings.
- You’re a college student needing a place to keep your extra stuff while you’re away at school, until you graduate and can buy or rent a larger space.
- You’re being transferred by your job (or the armed forces) to another country for a few years. You’ll be back, so don’t want to sell off your belongings, but don’t want to move them all overseas either
At the end of the day, whatever the reason is, it’s important to not overlook how your belongings are stored. There are a few things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure what you’re trying to store actually stays protected.
Document What You Store
This might be a step you would overlook, but you would be grateful later on for doing it. When dealing with long term storage solutions, it might be years before you gather your belongings again. You might even forget what items you have in storage in the first place!
If you take the time to list every item that you are putting into storage, it will be that much easier to remind yourself what’s in storage without having to physically check. If for some reason you have multiple storage spaces, making reference of which item is stored where would be a lifesaver.
Pack Your Items Appropriately
Packing your items for the long haul is probably the most important step you need to follow through on to ensure your belongings are kept safe. Otherwise, there would be no point in storing them at all!
Boxing Items
When packing your items up in boxes, it should be done with great care and consideration. Start by acquiring new, strong storage boxes. Older boxes might not be able to hold up for the long haul, and could be prone to mold and mildew. Sturdy plastic bins are also suitable for packing items safely.
Line each box with some extra padding to keep your items safe, like crumpled paper. Pack each box with similar items to maximize on both packing efficiency and organization. Take the extra step to seal the boxes to prevent dust and moisture from getting in. And finally, clearly label your boxes so you know exactly what is in each box without having to open them.
Other Tips
Make sure everything that you pack away is cleaned and dry beforehand. This includes clothing, furniture, appliances, dishes and even books. Any wet materials or food residue can invite mold into the storage unit, which can spread to the other items. Books can be safely dried by being left in a sunny room or in a room with a dehumidifier turned on.
Although plastic sheeting can help protect your furniture, it’s best to avoid completely enclosing items in plastic bags. When you place items in plastic bags, moisture can get trapped and cause mold to grow.
Plan the Arrangement of Stored Items
Take into consideration the space you have available for storage and the items that you are storing. Some careful planning while moving your items into storage can save you a world of hassle in the long run.
If you think you will need access to some items sooner than others, then it is imperative you plan to keep these items more accessible. Have these items closer to the front of the storage unit, and larger, heavier items at the back. Consider planning access paths in your storage space so walking in and out of your storage unit is possible. Don’t pick a storage unit that “just fits” all your belongings in it.
Let’s Wrap Things Up
At the end of the day, if this all seems overwhelming, we have a packing service led by our team of expert movers. We will gladly assist in packing up your belongings for long term storage. Feel free to get in touch with us! We’re always available to answer any questions you have about packing, moving and storage. Together we can come up with a solution that works for your needs!