Things you can do to get ready for storage.....
Decide which personal items to put in storage
Next, consider whether or not you need to store something before putting it inside your storage unit. Why? Well, for starters, the more you store, the bigger the storage unit you’ll need; And, of course, the bigger the storage unit, the more it will cost you. To save money, carefully consider each item before storing it. If it’s not sentimental, valuable or useful, try donating or selling it instead.
Create an inventory list of all items
In the midst of a chaotic move, it’s easy to forget what you put into storage. So before packing belongings, be sure to create an inventory list of all of the items you plan to store. From paintings and pictures to furniture and smaller knick-knacks, you’ll be able to keep up with everything in an organized way. I recommend keeping a copy for yourself and leaving one inside the storage unit. This way when you go to pull things out, you’ll have your inventory list right in front of you.
Clean and vacuum belongings
There’s nothing worse than retrieving a furnishing or appliance from a storage unit, only to have it stink up your house with its musty, mildewy scent. To avoid this from happening, it’s absolutely critical that you thoroughly clean all items before placing them in a storage unit. After all, If they’re clean to begin with, they’ll be much less likely to smell bad later. I recommend wiping down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaning spray, vacuuming couch and chair cushions, as well as cleaning appliances with disinfectant wipes.
Use clear plastic bins instead of boxes
Ready to begin the packing process? If possible, I recommend placing items inside airtight, clear plastic bins. This way, you can see what’s inside when you visit the storage unit. You won’t have to frantically hunt around for a certain book or miscellaneous item. Instead, you’ll be able to spot what you’re looking for almost immediately.
If using boxes, label them clearly Have a plethora of leftover moving boxes? If you decide to forego plastic bins and use cardboard boxes instead, be sure that they are sturdy enough to withstand long term storage. Since you can’t see what’s inside a cardboard box, you’ll need to carefully and clearly label each one. Also, be sure to list out specific items inside a box. For instance, instead of labeling a box “kitchen items,” label it “pots, pans and utensils.”
Safeguard items from outside conditions
If your storage unit isn’t climate controlled, you’ll need to take matters into your own hands to prevent damage to your belongings. Over time, dust, moisture, mildew and even mold can develop if you fail to take proper precautions. First, I recommend making sure all of your items are dry to begin with. Then apply protective spray on furniture and leather goods. Seal boxes tightly to keep moisture out. For electronics and cords, I suggest storing them in plastic baggies to prevent moisture damage as well. Sweaters and clothing should be packed in wardrobe boxes or zipped inside a hanging garment bag. Mattresses should be placed in a special mattress storage bag. Furniture should also be covered in a cotton sheet to prevent damage from pests and bad weather.
Disassemble large items ,
Items such as beds and dining tables should be disassembled before placed into storage. Not only will you be able to save space by taking these items apart, but you’ll also be able to better protect these belongings from potential wear and tear. Tip: Box springs and mattresses should be stored flat inside the storage unit to prevent damage. Prepare appliances Putting small kitchen appliances in storage? I recommend wrapping them (and the cords) in bubble wrap or foam to prevent them from breaking. Also, make sure to thoroughly clean the appliances and secure any loose parts with rope or tape. If the appliance is a washer, fridge or dishwasher, leave the appliance doors slightly open to prevent mildew and moisture from building up.
Place items inside a storage unit strategically
Finally, when placing your items in storage, be strategic about how and where you decide to store them in the unit. If you’re looking to save space, try storing belongings in a vertical position. Also, all large and heavy items should be placed on the bottom. If laying your mattress flat, avoid putting it at the very bottom of the storage unit, as belongings on top are sure to put pressure on the padding and springs.
You’ll also want to consider which items you’re going to need more often. For instance, if you’re planning to store seasonal clothing, I suggest placing these items in an easy-to-reach spot near the door.
Other things to consider when packing for storage
The quality of your packing supplies. The size of your storage unit. The overall safety and security of your storage unit. For instance, does it have in-person surveillance or video monitoring? How many locks are on the door? How well lit is the facility? Whether or not your storage unit is climate controlled. If you can do so, I highly recommend renting a unit that provides this feature. These climate controlled units prevent mildew and mold from damaging your items. If you do decide to rent a storage unit that isn’t climate controlled, be aware that mold is capable of growing on cardboard and paper products. So pack accordingly.