A Few Tips For Placing Your Belongings In Long-Term Storage

Posted on: 5 April 2016

If you're temporarily moving into a smaller living space, you may be left wondering what to do with all your excess belongings. You could sell them and buy new furniture when you move back into a larger place. However, if you're attached to your things, you'd probably rather put them in storage. If you decide to use a storage unit, you'll want to prepare your belongings so they won't be damaged while they're out of your sight. Here are a few tips that might help.

Use Plastic Bins

Plastic storage bins are much better than cardboard boxes for long-term storage because they are more rigid. There is little risk of them getting weak and collapsing over time. They stack perfectly on top of each other so there is little chance of them toppling over. Also, the bins are available in a variety of colors. You can assign each room in your home its own color. Then, when it's time to get things out of storage, you'll know exactly where each bin goes without having to read every label.

Consider Climate Control

Although climate controlled storage units are more expensive, they are worth it if you plan to store furniture, documents, and clothing. Climate control keeps humidity down and protects your belongings from extreme temperatures. The last thing you want is for your upholstered furniture to be ruined with mildew or your wood furniture to warp.

Protect Your Belongings From Water

It's best to assume water may seep into your storage unit, even if it hasn't done so in the past. A freak rainstorm or broken water pipe could cause water to drip down the walls or seep through the floor. If you don't check on your things until months later, you may find them damaged. You can prevent this by taking precautions. Place concrete bricks or a pallet on the floor before you pack the unit, so your furniture doesn't rest on the storage unit floor. Also, be sure you leave a few inches between your things and the wall so if water trickles down the wall, it won't touch your belongings. In addition, don't pack your things tightly into the unit. Allow plenty of space for air to circulate around the unit, especially around upholstered furniture. If your unit does get a little damp, mildew may grow if air isn't able to circulate around the things made of fabric.

Label Everything

One problem with long-term storage is that you'll forget what is in each box. Unpacking the boxes when you empty the storage unit will be much more organized if everything is labeled. The easiest way is to use a marker and write on the outside of each storage bin as you pack it. Then you'll know exactly where everything is in case you just need to locate a few specific things once you move again.

If you live near your storage unit, you can stop in and check on your things occasionally if it is convenient. However, if your things aren't in the same town, you may go many months before you see them again. By taking the time to pack the unit properly, you'll have better peace of mind that everything will stay safe and secure until you can reclaim them.

For more information, contact Security Self Storage or a similar location.

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I have been very fortunate to find a hobby that can earn me a decent living. I started out selling toys that my kids no longer played with and my small business grew into restoring old toys, searching for the missing pieces of vintage toys and putting everything back together to resale. A hobby that I love doing has put a lot of food on my kitchen table, but it was also taking over my home. It reached a point in which I had to do something, so I rented a storage unit up the road from my house. Find out how you can use a storage unit to earn a living without it taking over your home.

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